The Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive entered into force on 26 June. The new directive strengthens the existing rules and will make the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing more effective. It also improves transparency to prevent tax avoidance. The directive includes measures such as reinforcing the risk assessment obligation for banks, lawyers, and accountants; setting clear transparency requirements; facilitating cooperation and the exchange of information between Financial Intelligence Units from different Member States; establishing a coherent policy towards non-EU countries that have deficient anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules; and reinforcing the sanctioning powers of competent authorities. The Commission also published a report that identifies the areas most at risk and the most widespread techniques used by criminals to launder illicit funds.