Mexico has rolled out sweeping changes to its anti-money laundering (AML) laws following heightened pressure from the United States. The reforms, announced in mid-July 2025, are aimed at strengthening financial transparency, tightening oversight, and closing loopholes that have long been exploited by criminals. The U.S. has been pushing hard for action, escalating sanctions and even designating some cartels as terrorist organizations, making Mexico’s compliance efforts more urgent than ever.
One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of trusts as a “vulnerable activity,” placing them under strict AML controls such as customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and mandatory recordkeeping. Real estate development has also been added to the list of high-risk sectors, ensuring close scrutiny of projects regardless of how they are structured. In addition, virtual asset platforms outside the traditional banking system are now subject to rigorous oversight, including automated monitoring systems, mandatory audits, and detailed reporting obligations.
The law lowers the threshold for identifying a controlling beneficial owner from 50% to 25%, aligning with international FATF standards. All business entities, even those outside traditionally high-risk sectors, must now register their beneficial owners with the Ministry of Economy and maintain comprehensive records for compliance checks.
The Ministry of Finance (SHCP) has been given broader powers to issue regulations and act as a formal plaintiff in money laundering cases under Article 400 Bis of the Criminal Code. A new Specialized Agency for Tax and Financial Crimes will work with the National Guard, Attorney General’s Office, and other authorities to ensure coordinated enforcement. Businesses involved in vulnerable activities must conduct internal risk assessments, appoint compliance officers, deploy automated monitoring tools, and undergo annual audits.
Penalties for violations are steep, ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 UMA — roughly MXN $226,000 to over $1.13 million. Entities must also keep detailed records of clients, transactions, and related documentation, including emails and images, for at least ten years.
While these reforms mark a significant step forward, legal experts caution that the real challenge will be in ensuring effective enforcement across Mexico’s diverse regions. Without consistent oversight, even the most comprehensive laws risk becoming symbolic rather than impactful.
This legislative overhaul signals Mexico’s determination to meet international AML standards and curb illicit financial flows, particularly those tied to organized crime. By targeting sectors such as real estate, virtual assets, and trusts, the country is sending a clear message: financial crime will face tougher scrutiny than ever before.
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