EBA Publishes 2026 Work Programme Outlining Banking Priorities

This Programme marks a turning point as (AML) responsibilities shift to the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) while the EBA steps into a stronger role overseeing crypto under Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). 

Key developments include: 

➡️ Stablecoin Supervision: The EBA will directly oversee issuers of significant stablecoins, including asset referenced tokens (ARTs), e-money tokens (EMTs), and those with third-country connections; 

➡️ AML Handover: From 2026, AMLA will assume full responsibility for AML/CFT supervision, concluding the EBA’s mandate that began in 2020; 

➡️ DeFi & Tokenisation: Supervisors will track emerging areas such as decentralised finance, tokenisation, BigTech in financial services, and commercial bank-issued settlement tokens; and 

➡️ White Paper Assessments: Next year will see the first cross-EU review of how national regulators handle MiCA white papers.  

✅ Firms operating in the EU crypto and financial services sectors should prepare for changing supervision structures, enhanced reporting expectations, and stricter regulatory engagement under the EBA’s evolving role with additional scrutiny by AMLA.