{
  "id": 20131689,
  "title": "New measures set to target money laundering",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/new-measures-set-to-target-money-laundering",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/1115/1599153-new-measures-set-to-target-money-laundering/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris has introduced new measures to combat money laundering and enhance transparency around beneficial ownership. Beneficial owners are the real individuals who control or own companies and legal entities, even if they are registered under different names or structures. The aim of these new measures is to facilitate legitimate stakeholders, such as journalists and academics, in uncovering the true owners behind companies, trusts, and financial instruments.\n\nUnder the new criteria, eligible parties can apply for access to specific information stored on Ireland's beneficial ownership register. These measures align with the EU's Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive. The government emphasizes that the efforts are part of a broader initiative to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and protect the country's financial system integrity.\n\nMinister for Finance, Harris, highlighted that various stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, regulators, and the private sector, must contribute to this fight. He stressed that money laundering often involves proceeds from drug trafficking, fraud, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. Unmasking the flow of such funds is crucial for disrupting criminal networks.\n\nHowever, access to beneficial ownership data will not be unrestricted. Applicants must meet specific requirements and provide evidence of their legitimate interest. The registrar will review applications and decide whether the statutory conditions for access are satisfied.",
  "summary": "The Tánaiste Simon Harris has announced new measures to improve transparency around beneficial ownership and to strengthen the anti-money laundering regime in Ireland.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ireland introduces new measures to combat money laundering and enhance transparency.",
    "Beneficial owners are real individuals controlling or owning companies and legal entities."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding access to ownership data empowers investigators to pierce corporate layers, strengthening Ireland's financial defenses against the illicit flows that sustain organized criminal networks.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}