As Anti-Money Laundering Reform Kicks In, EU Seeks to Close New Gaps

As Anti-Money Laundering Reform Kicks In, EU Seeks to Close New Gaps
A euro logo in front of the headquarters of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, in a file photo. Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images
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BRUSSELS—New rules to tackle money laundering in the European Union took effect on July 9, but the bloc already faces calls for further reforms, after alleged wrongdoing at banks in Baltic states and Malta.

The fifth review of the EU anti-money laundering directive became binding after two years of EU talks to strengthen controls on the real owners of companies and digital payments, including virtual currencies.