Bachelor’s / Master’s Thesis (m/f/d) – EU Anti-Money Laundering Package (AMLR, 6AMLD, AMLAR & TFR)
About the Opportunity
Shape the future of Anti-Money Laundering regulation in Europe.
The European Union is fundamentally transforming its regulatory framework for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The new EU AML package establishes a more harmonised regulatory framework, introduces directly applicable requirements for obliged entities and strengthens European AML/CFT supervision through the new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
At Leitner & Associates, we offer motivated Bachelor’s and Master’s students the opportunity to write their academic thesis in cooperation with experienced professionals specialising in financial regulation, AML/CFT compliance, risk management and regulatory implementation.
This opportunity allows you to combine academic research with practical insights into one of the most significant regulatory transformations affecting the European financial sector.
Your Research Focus
Your thesis may examine one or several components of the new EU AML/CFT framework:
- Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) – Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, introducing harmonised and directly applicable AML/CFT requirements.
- Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD) – Directive (EU) 2024/1640, addressing national AML/CFT mechanisms, supervision, Financial Intelligence Units and related institutional requirements.
- AMLA Regulation (AMLAR) – Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, establishing the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority and its supervisory responsibilities.
- Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR/FTR) – Regulation (EU) 2023/1113, governing information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets.
- AMLA Regulatory Instruments – Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS), Implementing Technical Standards (ITS), Guidelines (GL) and Recommendations, including consultation drafts, final draft standards and their subsequent regulatory development.
Potential Thesis Topics
Depending on your academic background and interests, possible research topics include:
- Implementation of the EU AMLR: Legal, organisational and operational implications for banks, payment institutions and other obliged entities.
- Customer Due Diligence under the AMLR: Analysis of identification, verification, beneficial ownership, politically exposed persons and enhanced due diligence requirements, including the corresponding AMLA RTS.
- Risk-Based AML/CFT Compliance: Development and evaluation of risk assessment methodologies under the AMLR and AMLA regulatory instruments.
- The European AML Single Rulebook: Comparative analysis of the existing German Money Laundering Act (GwG) and the new European regulatory framework.
- AMLA and European AML/CFT Supervision: Examination of the new supervisory architecture, risk classification and selection of institutions for direct AMLA supervision.
- AMLA Regulatory Technical Standards: Legal and operational analysis of draft RTS, ITS and Guidelines, including implications for regulatory compliance frameworks.
- Transaction Monitoring and Reporting: Implications of the AMLR and relevant AMLA instruments for transaction monitoring, ongoing due diligence and suspicious activity reporting.
- Digitalisation of AML/CFT Compliance: Opportunities and regulatory challenges relating to automated customer identification, digital identity verification, compliance technology and data-driven risk assessment.
- Funds and Crypto-Asset Transfers: Analysis of the Transfer of Funds Regulation, Travel Rule requirements and their implementation by regulated institutions.
- Group-Wide AML/CFT Compliance: Examination of harmonised group-wide policies, internal controls and requirements for subsidiaries and branches in third countries.
We also welcome students proposing their own research questions within the EU AML/CFT regulatory framework.
The final thesis topic, research methodology and scope will be developed individually, taking into account the requirements of your university and the academic level of your degree.
Your Responsibilities
- Conduct independent academic research into selected areas of the EU AML package.
- Analyse European legislation, regulatory technical standards, implementing technical standards, guidelines and relevant regulatory publications.
- Examine legal, regulatory and operational implications for obliged entities.
- Identify differences between existing regulatory requirements and the new EU framework.
- Develop well-founded conclusions and, where appropriate, practical recommendations for implementation.
- Present research findings in a structured, academically rigorous Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.
Your Profile
You are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme, preferably in one of the following disciplines:
- Computer Science, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Business & Management
We particularly welcome students interested in applying their academic knowledge to regulatory compliance, financial crime prevention, data analytics, artificial intelligence, automation and the digital transformation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CFT) processes.
Previous knowledge of financial regulation or AML/CFT is an advantage but not a requirement.
Ideally, you bring:
- Strong interest in financial regulation, AML/CFT compliance or European Union law.
- Analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements.
- A structured, independent and academically rigorous approach to research.
- Good written communication skills in English or German.
- An interest in connecting theoretical research with practical regulatory challenges.
Previous professional experience in AML/CFT or financial regulation is an advantage but not a requirement.
What We Offer
- A highly relevant research subject: Contribute to understanding the implementation of the new EU AML/CFT framework.
- Practical industry insights: Benefit from our experience advising and auditing regulated financial institutions.
- Specialist exchange: Discuss regulatory interpretation, implementation challenges and research findings with experienced compliance and regulatory professionals.
- Individual topic development: Define a research question that combines academic relevance with practical applicability.
- Flexible cooperation: Coordinate the research period and collaboration arrangements according to your university’s requirements.
- Professional development: Gain valuable knowledge and experience for a potential future career in financial services, regulatory compliance, consulting or supervisory authorities.
Academic approval, formal supervision and assessment of the thesis remain the responsibility of the university.
How to Apply
Are you interested in exploring the future of European AML/CFT regulation as part of your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis?
We welcome applications from students with a strong interest in European financial regulation and a motivation to conduct independent, practice-oriented research.
Please submit the following information through our website:
- Your CV and current degree programme.
- Your university and anticipated thesis period.
- Your preferred research topic or a short research proposal.
- Your preferred thesis language (English or German).
Join Leitner & Associates and explore one of the most important regulatory developments shaping the future of financial crime prevention in Europe.
We look forward to receiving your application.