The glossary to understand and take action

Anti-money laundering — AML/CFT

Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requires the professionals concerned to comply with due diligence, organisational and cooperation obligations.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

The documents requested depend on the relationship and its risk. Identification of the client and beneficial owners must be distinguished from the registration of a company.

In your file

What this changes in practice

Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations apply to professionals falling within the scope of the regime. They include a risk-based approach, identification of the client and the beneficial owner, as well as appropriate monitoring. A request for documents may therefore arise from a professional obligation. Collection must not be confused with a mere commercial formality or with a general authorisation to retain all data.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A fiduciary firm requests the ownership structure and supporting documents at the start of a relationship. It explains the documents required and updates them when the situation changes.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Identifier les obligations applicables
  • Documenter l’analyse de risque
  • Actualiser les informations pertinentes

The practical question

Find out more

Pourquoi le professionnel demande-t-il des informations après l’entrée en relation ?

Le suivi de la relation peut nécessiter d’actualiser les informations quand l’activité, l’actionnariat ou les opérations changent. Une vérification initiale ne couvre pas tous les événements futurs. Le professionnel doit apprécier les éléments pertinents selon ses obligations et son analyse de risque. Les demandes doivent rester explicables et les documents transmis par un canal adapté.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

KYC — know your customerKYC covers customer due diligence procedures used in particular as part of anti-money laundering due diligence obligations.Beneficial ownerThe beneficial owner is the natural person identified, according to legal criteria, as ultimately owning or controlling an entity or transaction.Data minimisationA principle consisting of limiting the personal data used to what is necessary for the intended purpose.CSSFThe Commission de surveillance du secteur financier (CSSF) is a Luxembourg supervisory authority within the scope assigned to it by law.Professional of the financial sector (PSF)A professional of the financial sector (PSF) is subject to a regulated status corresponding to a category of activities and the required authorisations.Financial Intelligence Unit (CRF)The CRF is Luxembourg’s financial intelligence unit within the framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Obliged professionals must be familiar with the procedures arising from their obligations.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideCompany KYC file: preparing for the fiduciary’s checks

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.