The European Union introduces strict compliance requirements: how will this affect Russians

The European Union has officially decided to include Russia on the list of high-risk countries in the financial oversight sector. Starting January 9, 2026, all transactions involving Russian citizens and companies will be subject to enhanced scrutiny within EU banks. This means that compliance—adherence to strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements—will become the main obstacle for any operations.

The decision, made in December 2025, is based on the EU’s conclusion that Russia has “strategic deficiencies” in combating financial crimes. Specifically, the EU pointed to weak control over crypto assets and opaque corporate ownership structures. Russia is now listed alongside North Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria.

What does Russia’s inclusion on the EU blacklist mean

Russia’s inclusion on the European blacklist is not just a political gesture. It involves concrete measures that immediately impact everyday life and business operations. EU banks are required to treat every Russian client as potentially risky. This means even the most routine transactions now require documented proof of the source of funds, payment purposes, and personal client information.

Officially, the European Union stated that these measures are not aimed at ordinary Russian citizens living abroad. However, financial regulation experts agree: in practice, checks will be applied without exception to anyone with ties to Russia.

Compliance checks for entrepreneurs and companies

Russian businesses working with the EU are facing unprecedented difficulties. Any payment in euros or other currencies now undergoes additional control. Companies are required to provide detailed explanations of the origin of each payment, contracts, and the purpose of transactions.

Compliance costs have increased exponentially. Firms need to hire compliance specialists, prepare additional documentation, and coordinate operations with relevant bank departments. Some payments are simply blocked by algorithms designed to detect suspicious transactions. Approving such blocks can take weeks, disrupting contract deadlines.

How new rules will affect Russian citizens inside and outside the EU

Russian citizens residing in EU countries face constant additional checks when opening accounts or transferring money. Banks require income certificates, explanations of transaction purposes, and information about sources of savings. A simple transfer from Russia to a relative in the EU can now be frozen indefinitely until circumstances are clarified.

Problems are not limited to transfers. Real estate purchases, mortgage applications, and insurance—all these operations are now subject to intensified monitoring by financial institutions. At each stage, additional certificates of funds’ origin are required.

For Russians living outside Europe, the situation is no less complicated. Although the EU formally states that measures do not apply to residents of other regions, reality tells a different story. People sending money to Russia or receiving transfers from Russia will experience significant delays. Banks in Central Asia, through which many transfers traditionally pass, will come under pressure from European financial institutions.

Central Asian banks risk losing correspondent accounts in the EU if they ignore compliance requirements. This will further complicate settlements. Even transactions between third countries will slow down if they are in any way connected to Russia.

Why Russia is on the EU blacklist and not FATF

Interestingly, Russia is not on the official FATF blacklist—the international organization for combating money laundering. The reason lies in the position of several influential countries: China, India, and Saudi Arabia blocked this decision. However, Russia’s membership in FATF has been suspended since 2023, which itself complicates international recognition of its financial standards.

The EU’s decision cements the division of the world into two financial systems: one with strict compliance and oversight (EU and its allies), and another with more lenient or alternative approaches. Russia is officially categorized as high risk, on par with regimes subject to international sanctions.

Practical consequences and forecasts

Delays are not the only consequence. The number of bank rejections for transactions will increase, especially for large sums or operations that appear unusual to control algorithms. People should be prepared for transactions approved yesterday to be rejected tomorrow if the algorithm deems them risky.

There is no automatic ban on operations with Russians. Each transaction is considered individually as potentially problematic, requiring detailed review. The reliability and speed of transfers will significantly decrease, especially when using intermediaries in third countries.

The political message of this decision is clear: Russia is equated with states subject to the strictest financial restrictions in the global system. This is not just a technical blacklist—it’s a reclassification of Russia’s status within the global financial architecture. Compliance requirements have transformed from a control tool into a pressure instrument, which will be felt daily by Russian citizens and companies.