In 2026, the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) will intensify its supervision of digital resilience and the responsible use of AI. In addition, the approach to financial crime will be strengthened, with a special focus on investment fraud and combating money laundering. These and other supervisory priorities for the coming year are further explained in the AFM Agenda 2026 published today.
Opaque algorithms, bias, and misleading information pose risks to consumers and markets. That is why the AFM is developing more comprehensive AI supervision. The aim is to make AI use more explainable and controllable and to protect customers from undesirable effects. The AFM is asking institutions to map their AI applications, strengthen model risk management and data quality, record decision-making logic, and actively report incidents.
Dependence on a few large IT suppliers and cyber threats can disrupt crucial processes in the financial sector. That is why the AFM is intensifying its supervision of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), with extra attention for incident management, outsourcing, and testing digital resilience. This reduces the risk of failure and increases the continuity of the financial infrastructure.
Investment fraud and money laundering risks undermine confidence in financial markets. To effectively tackle investment fraud, the AFM works with banks, takes action against parties that facilitate fraud, and launches targeted information campaigns. Financial institutions play an important role in combating money laundering. The AFM focuses on risk-based supervision and clear, effective rules. In this context, it also actively cooperates on new rules being developed by the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
Laura van Geest, Chair of the AFM Board: "Trust in the financial markets cannot be taken for granted. With our supervisory priorities, we are taking clear steps to protect consumers, ensure responsible innovation, and safeguard integrity in the sector."
