AML & Sanctions Compliance in the Automotive Industry

Why this briefing note matters

The automotive industry is worth over $4 trillion globally and moves billions in vehicles, parts, and services across borders every day. This scale and complexity have made it a prime target for financial crime. Regulators in the UK, EU, and MENA are increasingly focusing on the sector, with high-value sales, complex supply chains and cross-border operations creating exposure to:

• Money laundering through luxury vehicle purchases and financing arrangements
• Sanctions breaches linked to raw material sourcing, intermediaries and re-export activity
• Import and export control violations involving dual-use goods, aftermarket parts and technology transfers

Compliance failures in these areas are not abstract risks: they are enforcement priorities, with regulators signalling tougher scrutiny, larger penalties and reputational consequences.

What’s inside the briefing

This briefing note provides the compliance intelligence those in operating in the automotive industry need to stay ahead of fast-moving regulatory risks. It delivers:

• A clear breakdown of financial crime risks: from dealership-level vulnerabilities to global supply chain exposure.
• Insights into regulatory obligations: including AML classifications, high-value dealer rules, sanctions enforcement and export control regimes in the UK, EU, and MENA.
• Case studies and enforcement actions: real-world examples that illustrate how businesses have fallen foul of regulators.
• Best-practice compliance strategies: practical tools to detect red flags, strengthen due diligence and safeguard against sanctions evasion.

Who should read thisThis briefing note is designed for:

• Dealerships & distributors – navigating high-value transactions and complex customer profiles.
• Manufacturers & suppliers – managing exposure across global supply chains.
• Logistics & financing providers – understanding indirect risks tied to third-party arrangements.
• Compliance, risk & legal teams – keeping pace with evolving AML and sanctions obligations.

Why download it

Whether you’re responsible for compliance oversight, operational risk management, or strategic decision-making, this guide will help you:

• Anticipate regulatory expectations
• Protect your business from costly penalties
• Strengthen compliance programmes with practical, actionable insights