02/10/2026
The AMLA is engaging with representatives from the financial and non-financial sectors to develop guidance on simplified customer due diligence (SDD). On 2 October 2026, AMLA invited obliged entities, trade associations and other representative bodies to express their interest in participating in a series of sectoral roundtables. The aim is to gather practical experience and sector-specific insights that will help shape future AMLA Guidelines on the application of simplified customer due diligence.
A proportionate, risk-based approach
Under the new EU AML framework, simplified customer due diligence may be applied where a business relationship or occasional transaction presents a lower degree of money laundering or terrorist financing risk. However, identifying when simplified measures are appropriate and determining how they should be applied in practice can raise questions for obliged entities.
The roundtables are intended to address these practical challenges. Participants will discuss how simplified due diligence can be applied effectively and proportionately within the applicable legal framework, taking into account the specific characteristics of different sectors.
AMLA particularly highlighted the importance of input from the non-financial sector, as well as sectors facing specific challenges in applying customer due diligence requirements.
What happens next?
The meetings are scheduled to take place in Frankfurt am Main between 9 November and 2 December 2026. The feedback gathered will inform AMLA's own-initiative Guidelines on simplified customer due diligence.
Importantly, the roundtables are not a formal public consultation. AMLA has indicated that a public consultation on the draft Guidelines will follow at a later stage.
For obliged entities, these developments are worth following. The forthcoming Guidelines should provide further clarity on how a proportionate, risk-based approach to customer due diligence can be applied consistently across the EU.
