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The EU has put in place restrictions on cash transactions to combat money laundering.

Germany is known for its cash-based transactions with no existing maximum limit for using bills or coins. However, an upcoming EU decision aims to alter this in the future.

The EU member states have decided on a limit of 10,000 euros for cash payments.
The EU member states have decided on a limit of 10,000 euros for cash payments.

In Europe, a new limit on cash deposits is being put in place. Member states recently decided at a meeting in Brussels to set a limit of 10,000 euros for cash transactions, along with other rules aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as mentioned in a statement. This limit is expected to take effect in three years. However, it won't apply to transactions between two individuals who don't professionally handle the sale item. Individual countries can choose to set a lower maximum limit, the statement said.

Currently in Germany, there's no limit on paying with cash. For cash transactions above 10,000 euros, though, individuals must identify themselves and provide information about the source of the money. Sellers are obliged to record and save these details.

These new regulations will also grant financial intelligence units in Germany, based at customs, more power to detect and investigate cases of money laundering and terrorist financing, plus block suspicious transactions.

In addition to banks and casinos, dealers of luxury goods and cryptocurrency asset providers will have to check their customers and report any suspicious activities next year. Under certain situations, professional football clubs and their agents will be required to monitor transactions as well.

A new authority is being established in Frankfurt to oversee these rules - the "Anti-Money Laundering Authority" (AMLA). This agency is scheduled to begin operations in the middle of next year and will also aid national supervisory authorities. Frankfurt prevailed over eight European capital cities as the location for this new body.

The European Parliament gave the initial green light to these regulations at the end of last month. Before they can take effect, they must be published in the EU's Official Journal.

Read also:

  1. The EU Parliament recently approved new cash payment restrictions to curb money laundering and terrorist financing, which will soon be published in the EU's Official Journal.
  2. Germany currently does not have a cash payment limit, but individuals must identify themselves and provide information for transactions above 10,000 euros.
  3. When the EU-wide cash ceiling of 10,000 euros takes effect in three years, member states can opt to set a lower limit.
  4. Brussels has been instrumental in setting financial regulations to combat money laundering, including restricting cash transactions to prevent criminal activities.
  5. The upcoming Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) in Frankfurt will oversee these regulations, ensuring compliance among various sectors like banks, casinos, and luxury goods dealers.

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