Shadows at a New Regulatory Dawn – EMIs Should Prepare for 6 AMLD

EMIs which are currently lost with endless correspondence with local EU Member State Financial Intelligence Units (hereinafter- FIUs), however briefly, should bear in mind that the turbulence that they are currently experiencing is not heading to a clearer horizon and that unless they comprehend and implement the new conditions of 6 AMLD, they will not be able to cleave to a brighter commercially viable horizon.
Many EMIs in the EU are currently experiencing enhanced enforcement due to the previous regulatory framework, which is 5 AMLD. The main difference between 5 AMLD and 6 AMLD, is that the notion of personal criminal liability is very dominant in 6 AMLD which will take effect in December.

By this, the EMIs will fall under even more enhanced regulatory enforcement by the FIUs, directors and owners of

EMIs will be personally criminally liable for AML breaches, especially in the high-risk industry, EMIs may be permanently shut down, will not be able to apply for grants or subsidies and even suffer from black-listing. Furthermore, the license of the EMI may be terminated indefinitely effective the first notification from the local Member State Regulator.
EMIs that are currently under inspection by their respective FIU should bear in mind that they should prepare themselves for the new conditions coming December 2020 and that they should also prepare their respective compliance team for a more diligent and compliant work methodology, as from coming December the criminal liability will shift.
EMIs in the EU should also bear in mind that working with industries that are considered high risk may entail enhanced enforcement by the Regulator, and just as much as many cryptocurrency licenses are not been forced to comply with new conditions, it is quite feasible that EMIs, especially in the Baltics, will have to follow the lead of the .
In that case, what should be deemed a suitable solution for the enhanced enforcement deadline of December? This is up to the EU Member States to transpose the Directive in a proper manner, bearing in mind that it is a minimum level of transposition- Member States may decide and have the full liberty and discretion, to impose a higher level of enforcement. Be that as it may, the EMIs will have to shift their mindset, and consider acquiring more licenses in the EU, in addition to full disclosure and creating a healthy regulatory relationship with the respective Member State Regulator and FIU.
 
Ella Rosenberg, Founder, Israeli- European Regulatory Consultancy Firm