The EU Council has appointed Mrs Henrica Maria VERBEEK-KUSTERS as the fifth full-time member of the Executive Board of the new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Authority, completing the body's leadership. The decision, taken on 18 February 2026, follows a selection process involving the European Commission and approval by the European Parliament, and is a key step in operationalising the Authority established under Regulation (EU) 2024/1620.
Appointment fills final board seat
Mrs Verbeek-Kusters joins the Executive Board as a full-time member, alongside four other members already appointed. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the AML/CFT Authority, which will coordinate national financial intelligence units and supervise high-risk entities across the EU. The appointment is for a fixed term, as stipulated in the founding regulation.
Creation of the AML/CFT Authority
The Authority was created under Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, adopted in June 2024, as part of a broader EU package to strengthen anti-money laundering rules. The package also includes a single rulebook and a revised directive on beneficial ownership transparency. The Authority is expected to become fully operational by mid-2026, with direct supervision of the most risky financial institutions and coordination of national supervisors.
Impact on stakeholders
The completion of the Executive Board is a positive signal for financial institutions, which will face a single EU supervisor for cross-border AML/CFT compliance, reducing fragmentation. National authorities will benefit from enhanced coordination but may see their supervisory roles partially transferred to the EU level. Civil society and consumer groups may welcome stronger enforcement, while smaller financial firms could face higher compliance costs under the new regime. The appointment also reinforces the EU's commitment to fighting financial crime, potentially improving the bloc's reputation in international fora.
Next steps
The Council's decision is final, and Mrs Verbeek-Kusters will take up her post immediately. The AML/CFT Authority will now focus on staffing and operational preparations, with the European Parliament and Council expected to monitor its progress closely.
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