meta_id 3249817

On June 16, 2026, the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) published Circular NBB_2026_08, implementing European Banking Authority (EBA) Guidelines on information requirements for fund transfers and certain crypto-assets under Regulation (EU) 2023/1113, commonly known as the Travel Rule Guidelines. The circular addresses anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations and applies to financial services groups, credit institutions, investment firms, payment institutions, and electronic money entities (EMEs) operating in Belgium. The guidance implements EBA/GL/2024/11, issued on July 4, 2024, which establishes harmonised standards for travel rule compliance across the European Union. The Travel Rule Guidelines require financial institutions to collect and transmit specific information about the originators and beneficiaries of fund transfers and certain crypto-asset transactions. These requirements aim to enhance transparency in payment flows and strengthen AML/CTF controls by ensuring that originator and beneficiary information accompanies transfers throughout the payment chain. The guidelines specify the data elements that must be included, the circumstances under which information must be transmitted, and the technical standards for implementation. The NBB's circular provides Belgian financial institutions with the framework for implementing these EBA guidelines at the national level. The guidance clarifies obligations for institutions handling fund transfers and crypto-asset transactions, ensuring consistent application of travel rule requirements across Belgian regulated entities. The circular includes detailed annexes setting out the specific information requirements and implementation standards applicable to covered institutions. Financial institutions subject to this circular should review their compliance frameworks and systems to ensure alignment with the travel rule requirements outlined in the guidance.