Simon Harris unveils Ireland’s first anti-money laundering strategy
Tánaiste Simon Harris has introduced Ireland’s inaugural National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy, aiming to fortify the country’s defences against financial crime. This comprehensive plan involves a coordinated government effort to safeguard the economy, businesses, and citizens from illicit activities.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
•
⏱️ 1 min read
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD has launched Ireland’s first National Anti-Money Laundering, Countering Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing Strategy, marking a significant step in combating financial crime across the State.
This new strategy represents the most comprehensive enhancement of Ireland’s anti-money laundering framework in recent years. It adopts a whole-of-government approach designed to prevent criminals, fraudsters, and terrorist financiers from exploiting the Irish financial system. Its development follows the publication of the 2026 National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing, alongside a Priority Action Implementation Plan.
Speaking at the launch, Tánaiste Harris emphasised the harm financial crime inflicts on individuals and communities. He highlighted the increasing sophistication of criminal networks using emerging technologies and crypto-assets to conceal illicit profits. The strategy equips law enforcement with stronger tools, improves intelligence sharing, and enhances oversight of emerging risks, ensuring Ireland maintains its reputation as a safe and trusted place to live, work, and conduct business. Implementation is already underway, involving close collaboration between government departments, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to disrupt criminal financial activities and protect the integrity of Ireland’s financial system.
This new strategy represents the most comprehensive enhancement of Ireland’s anti-money laundering framework in recent years. It adopts a whole-of-government approach designed to prevent criminals, fraudsters, and terrorist financiers from exploiting the Irish financial system. Its development follows the publication of the 2026 National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing, alongside a Priority Action Implementation Plan.
Speaking at the launch, Tánaiste Harris emphasised the harm financial crime inflicts on individuals and communities. He highlighted the increasing sophistication of criminal networks using emerging technologies and crypto-assets to conceal illicit profits. The strategy equips law enforcement with stronger tools, improves intelligence sharing, and enhances oversight of emerging risks, ensuring Ireland maintains its reputation as a safe and trusted place to live, work, and conduct business. Implementation is already underway, involving close collaboration between government departments, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to disrupt criminal financial activities and protect the integrity of Ireland’s financial system.
0 views