European Commission plans to downgrade art-market money-laundering risk

The European Commission plans to lower its assessment of money-laundering and terrorist-financing risk in the art market and antiques trade from high to moderate, compared with its 2022 assessment. According to the discussion’s account of January 2026 meeting minutes, the change is in the forthcoming supranational risk assessment.

The Commission’s Financial Markets Directorate recommended the downgrade, citing limited EU evidence linking high-profile museum thefts to money laundering or terrorist financing. The Commission nevertheless acknowledges persistent vulnerabilities related to opacity and anonymity in the sector. As described in the discussion, a moderate rating still calls for mitigation measures, greater awareness and stronger oversight. The speakers said one art-market expert considered even the moderate rating too high.