In recent years, the AML Act has been significantly tightened not only in the Czech Republic but across Europe. From 2026, it is imperative to fulfill all your AML obligations 100%, driven by the newly established EU AML authority (AMLA). This guide outlines what AML is, who it applies to, and how to manage it without unnecessary stress.
Table of contents
1. What is AML and why should you care?
AML stands for Anti-Money Laundering. It is a set of rules and procedures designed to protect the economic space from dirty money. In the broader context of 2026, these regulations mandate an active stance from your business.
Enforcement of these rules will become stricter starting in 2026, overseen by the nascent European AMLA body. It's no longer just about signing a paper and storing it in a drawer. If you are an obliged entity under AML, you must know your clients and prove it continuously.
2. Who is an AML obliged entity under the law (for 2026)
The most common mistake is believing that AML only applies to large banks or cryptocurrency exchanges. The truth is that so-called obliged entities under the AML Act cover a much broader range of professions.
- Accountants, tax advisors, and auditors: A typical target group that encounters AML when setting up companies for clients or managing their accounting.
- Real estate brokers: The real estate market is extremely susceptible to money laundering.
- Lawyers and entities providing trust management services (and various LLCs).
Check if you are an obliged entity
Unsure which category you fall into? Run our quick 3-minute test and get a definitive answer instantly.
3. Client Identification, KYC Check, and the AML Questionnaire Template
If you are an obliged entity, you must not initiate a transaction or provide a service without proper "client identification and control". This is where the famous AML questionnaire comes into play. Professionals often look for an "AML questionnaire template", but the authorities recommend a nuanced approach adapted to your specific field.
An AML form investigates who the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) is, whether the person is on a sanctions list, or if they are a PEP (politically exposed person). In the AML PROOF app, you can send digital questionnaires to your clients where we manage the entire KYC process seamlessly, negating the need for complex Excel templates.
4. AML Training: A Requirement for Staff
The law mandates that regular AML training must be conducted for every employee who comes into contact with transactions. Furthermore, you are required to keep a precise record of this, also known as the "AML training protocol".
Instead of paying high fees for physical training seminars and losing valuable time, online certified training courses are an efficient way to automate the process and ensure instant proof of compliance for auditors.