Money laundering: MEPs vote to end anonymity of owners of companies and trusts

The Economic Affairs and the Justice and Home Affairs committees approved on the 20 February 2014 an updated draft on anti-money laundering rules. Under this regulation, the ultimate owners of companies and trusts would have to be listed in public registers in EU countries.

Casinos were included in the scope of the draft rules, but decisions to exclude other gambling services posing a low risk were left to member states.

According to EurActiv on the 20 February 2014, representatives of financial transactions services heavily criticised this draft legislation.

EurActiv, 21.02.14: MEPs vote 'anti-Mubarak' amendment in EU money laundering law http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/meps-vote-anti-mubarak-amendment-news-533672

EurActiv, 20.02.14: Financiers snipe at draft EU law against money laundering http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/financiers-snipe-draft-eu-law-mo-news-533645

ESO: Background information: Anti-Money Laundering: Stronger rules to respond to new threats http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-anti-money-laundering-stronger-rules-to-respond-to-new-threats/

EUObserver, 21.02.14: MEPs vote to abolish secret company ownership http://euobserver.com/justice/123221

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