Netherlands UBO transparency and anti-money laundering

The Dutch government is working to enhance transparency regarding ownership structures and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) to combat corruption and money laundering. In response to concerns over shell companies, the cabinet is preparing to implement new European anti-money laundering rules, including stricter requirements for domiciliary service providers and a registration mandate. While fiscal measures have already reduced income flows from the Netherlands to low-tax jurisdictions from €37 billion in 2019 to €6.5 billion in 2024, further legislation is expected by the end of 2026.

In conjunction with these regulatory efforts, the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) is expanding access to the UBO register for insurers subject to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act (Wwft). This expansion is being implemented in phases, beginning with life insurers who can request digitally certified extracts. To meet increasing regulatory requirements under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), a new API 2.0 is expected to launch in mid-2027 to allow for structured data exchange. These developments aim to ensure organizations can demonstrate the verification and monitoring of ownership changes throughout customer relationships.