Compliance & governance
AML / KYC compliance in Luxembourg
Professionals subject to the rules in Luxembourg must meet strict anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing obligations (Law of 12 November 2004): know your customer (KYC), risk assessment, identification of beneficial owners, record-keeping and reporting of suspicious transactions to the FIU. The firm sets up and audits your AML/KYC framework.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
AML/KYC compliance is not a mere formality: it is an organised framework (policies, procedures, controls) whose absence exposes you to sanctions and to criminal risk.
Cerno Law Firm designs, audits and updates your compliance programme, tailored to your activity and to your level of risk.
The need
You are a subject professional and must have a compliant AML/KYC framework.
The obligations are numerous and are monitored by the authorities.
The risk
Administrative and criminal sanctions, liability of the directors, reputational harm, withdrawal of authorisation.
A framework that exists on paper but is not applied offers no protection.
How we help
Risk assessment, drafting of KYC policies and procedures, training, and support in the event of an inspection.
Coordination with the identification of beneficial owners (RBE).
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Set up an AML/KYC framework.
- Audit and update an existing programme.
- Train the teams and the compliance officer.
- Prepare for or manage an inspection by the authorities.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Description of the activity and of the clients
- • Existing policies and procedures
- • Risk mapping where available
Deliverables
- • Risk assessment
- • KYC policies and procedures
- • Compliance plan
Indicative timing
Basic compliance can be achieved within a few weeks depending on the scope.
Fixed fee or ongoing support
Depending on the scope (audit, documentation, ongoing support).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who is subject to AML obligations in Luxembourg?
Many professionals (the financial sector, but also certain non-financial professions) are subject to the Law of 12 November 2004. The firm checks your situation.
What is KYC?
"Know Your Customer": the set of measures to identify and understand the client, their beneficial owners and the source of funds, proportionate to the risk.
What must be reported in the event of a suspicion?
A suspicious transaction report must be sent to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); the firm supports you through this process.
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Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
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Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
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Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
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A holding company and a residence permit, in a single process
Incorporation of a SOPARFI for a non-resident investor, combined with obtaining their residence permit. A single point of contact across both fronts.
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Cross-border recovery of unpaid debts for an SME, through an order for payment and coordination with a foreign colleague.
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Supporting an executive in a contested dismissal, from strategy to representation at the hearing.
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Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
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