TLDR
- Ireland published its first National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy on August 13, 2026
- The strategy was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and covers five priority areas
- New rules target crypto-asset service providers with stricter checks on private wallet transfers
- Ireland is aligning with EU MiCA regulations ahead of its 2026 FATF evaluation
- Implementation is already underway across government, law enforcement, and regulators
Ireland has launched its first national anti-money laundering strategy, and crypto is squarely in its sights. The plan was unveiled on August 13 by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simon Harris.
LATEST: 🇮🇪 Ireland launched its first national AML strategy, introducing enhanced checks on private crypto wallet transfers and stricter due diligence requirements for firms dealing with overseas crypto companies. pic.twitter.com/xzvR25vL20
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) August 14, 2026
The strategy is built around five priorities: national coordination, risk understanding, a stronger regulatory framework, building capability, and international cooperation.
Harris made the government’s position clear. “Criminal organisations are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” he said. “They are exploiting new technologies, crypto-assets and complex international financial networks to conceal criminal profits.”
The new rules require crypto-asset service providers to carry out enhanced checks on transfers involving private crypto wallets. There are also stricter due diligence requirements when dealing with overseas crypto firms.
The strategy follows Ireland’s 2026 National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing, which was published alongside a Priority Action Implementation Plan.
Crypto Rules Tighten Under New Framework
The government noted that legislation to implement AML rules under the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets framework is “well advanced.” The new strategy builds on that progress.
Private wallets have drawn particular attention because they allow users to move funds without going through a regulated exchange. The new rules aim to make anonymous movement of funds more difficult.
Ireland also plans to address the use of crypto as a source of funds in gambling. Industry standards around the acceptance of crypto-related activities in that sector are included in the strategy.
This is not Ireland’s first move on crypto oversight. In June 2026, the country released its first national crypto risk assessment in seven years, with plans to implement industry standards by the second half of 2027.
Corporate Transparency Also in Focus
The strategy goes beyond crypto. The government wants to increase transparency around company ownership and introduce new disclosure requirements for limited partnerships and higher-risk corporate vehicles.
The aim is to stop criminals from hiding behind complex corporate structures. Modernizing financial intelligence capabilities is also part of the plan, with a focus on detecting cyber-enabled fraud and sanctions evasion.
Oversight of vulnerable sectors, including gambling, will be strengthened. Intelligence sharing between government departments and financial regulators is also set to improve.
The strategy is designed in part to prepare Ireland for its upcoming mutual evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force. That evaluation is expected in 2026.
“Today’s launch sends a clear message: Ireland will not be a safe place to launder criminal proceeds,” Harris said.
Department officials confirmed that implementation is already underway through cooperation between government departments, law enforcement, regulators, and the private sector.
