Fine for ABN AMRO Bank

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has fined ABN AMRO €8.5 million for serious and structural deficiencies in its anti‑money‑laundering controls for high‑risk customers. The regulator found that between September 2023 and September 2024 the bank failed to conduct sufficiently critical, thorough and decisive ongoing monitoring, illustrating the shortcomings through five customer files. DNB highlighted missed or weak investigation of clear risk indicators, including large cash withdrawals, high‑risk country exposure, significant commission payments, dual‑use goods concerns and potential sanctions‑evasion signals linked to Russia.

DNB stated that ABN AMRO relied too heavily on unverified customer explanations, closed investigations prematurely and did not adequately assess risk indicators in combination. Given the seriousness and extent of the failings, the central bank deemed an administrative fine necessary. The amount was reduced from €10 million to €8.5 million following a simplified settlement, with ABN AMRO acknowledging the violation and agreeing not to contest the decision.

The enforcement action underscores DNB’s expectation that banks apply a robust, risk‑based approach to customer due diligence, particularly for higher‑risk clients, and reinforces the gatekeeper role financial institutions play in preventing money laundering and safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.

Source: https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/enforcement-measures-2026/fine-for-abn-amro-bank-n-v-for-inadequate-customer-due-diligence-for-high-risk-customers/