Latest Updates
12/5/2025
FinCEN Issues Financial Trend Analysis on Ransomware
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing a Financial Trend Analysis on ransomware incidents in Bank Secrecy Act data between 2022 and 2024, which totaled more than $2.1 billion in ransomware payments. Today’s report offers greater visibility into the activities conducted by ransomware actors. Ransomware is a complex cybersecurity problem requiring a variety of preventive, protective, and preparatory best practices.
News Release: https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-issues-financial-trend-analysis-ransomware
Financial Trend Analysis: https://www.fincen.gov/system/files/2025-12/FTA-Ransomware.pdf
11/28/2025
FinCEN Issues Alert on Cross-Border Funds Transfers Involving Illegal Aliens
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing an Alert as part of Treasury’s effort to prevent the exploitation of the U.S. financial system by…
11/21/2025
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is informing U.S. financial institutions that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental body that establishes international standards for anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and countering…
FinCEN Combats Financial Support to the Sinaloa Cartel by Finding Transactions Involving 10 Mexico-based Gambling Establishments to be of Primary Money Laundering Concern
November 14, 2025
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a finding and notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that identifies transactions involving ten identified Mexico-based gambling establishments as a class of transactions to be of primary money laundering concern. FinCEN proposes to sever these gambling establishments’ access to the U.S. financial system by imposing a special measure prohibiting covered financial institutions, as defined in the NPRM, from opening or maintaining a correspondent account for any foreign banking institution if such account is used to process transactions involving any of the following gambling establishments: (1) Emine Casino (San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora); (2) Casino Mirage (Culiacan, Sinaloa); (3) Midas Casino (Agua Prieta, Sonora); (4) Midas Casino (Guamúchil, Sinaloa); (5) Midas Casino (Los Mochis, Sinaloa); (6) Midas Casino (Mazatlan, Sinaloa); (7) Midas Casino (Rosarito, Baja California); (8) Palermo Casino (Nogales, Sonora); (9) Skampa Casino (Ensenada, Baja California); and (10) Skampa Casino (Villahermosa, Tabasco). FinCEN assesses that these gambling establishments are ultimately controlled by a criminal group with a longstanding and transactional financial relationship in which they facilitate money laundering for the benefit of the Cartel de Sinaloa (Sinaloa Cartel), a national security threat that undermines the stability of the U.S. financial system.
This action was taken in coordination with the Government of Mexico and concurrently with Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, who sanctioned persons in the criminal group responsible for laundering the proceeds of narcotics trafficking in collaboration with the Sinaloa Cartel, among other activities.
News Release: https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-combats-financial-support-sinaloa-cartel-finding-transactions-involving
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (as submitted to the Federal Register):https://www.fincen.gov/system/files/2025-11/FinCEN-311-Gambling-Establishments-NPRM.pdf
FinCEN Issues Final Rule Severing Huione Group from the U.S. Financial System
October 14, 2025
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a final rule that severs Cambodia-based Huione Group from the U.S. financial system. Huione Group serves as a critical node for laundering proceeds of cyber heists carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and for transnational criminal organizations in Southeast Asia perpetrating virtual currency investment scams, commonly known as “pig butchering” scams, among others. Today’s action finalizes a rulemaking that FinCEN issued in May identifying Huione Group as a financial institution of primary money laundering concern. By finalizing this rule, covered financial institutions are now prohibited from opening or maintaining correspondent accounts for or on behalf of Huione Group, and are required to take reasonable steps not to process transactions for the correspondent account of a foreign banking institution in the United States if such a transaction involves Huione Group, preventing indirect access by Huione Group to the U.S. financial system.
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office took complementary actions today against criminal networks responsible for targeting citizens of the United States and other allied nations through online scams and the laundering of stolen funds.
Treasury News Release: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0278
FinCEN Issues Frequently Asked Questions to Clarify Suspicious Activity Reporting Requirements
October 09, 2025
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued answers to four Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to clarify certain requirements related to suspicious activity reports (SARs). By issuing these FAQs, FinCEN is ensuring financial institutions are not needlessly expending resources on efforts that do not provide law enforcement and national security agencies with the critical information they need to detect, combat, and deter criminal activity. FinCEN issued the FAQs jointly with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
“SARs should deliver better outcomes by providing law enforcement the most useful information—not by overwhelming the system with noise,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “Compliance requires real resources, and that’s why prioritization is crucial. At Treasury, we will continue to reform our Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism framework to de-prioritize low-value activity and direct compliance resources towards the most significant threats to our country.”
The FAQs clarify regulatory requirements relating to structuring SARs, continuing activity reviews, and a financial institution’s decision not to file a SAR and were informed by feedback from financial institutions. The answers to these FAQs can assist financial institutions with their compliance obligations while enabling institutions to focus resources on activities that produce the greatest value to law enforcement agencies.
SAR FAQs: https://www.fincen.gov/system/files/2025-10/SAR-FAQs-October-2025.pdf
FinCEN Renews Residential Real Estate Geographic Targeting Orders
October 09, 2025
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced the renewal of its Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) that require U.S. title insurance companies to identify the natural persons behind shell companies used in non-financed purchases of residential real estate. The GTOs are effective beginning October 10, 2025.
On September 30, 2025, FinCEN announced a postponement of the reporting requirements of the reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule (RRE Rule) until March 1, 2026. In light of the RRE Rule’s reporting requirements, the residential real estate GTOs will expire on February 28, 2026, with the GTOs continuing to provide valuable data on the purchase of residential real estate by persons possibly involved in various illicit enterprises.
These renewed GTOs continue to cover certain counties and major U.S. metropolitan areas in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. No changes have been made to jurisdictional coverage since the last issuance of these GTOs. The purchase price threshold likewise remains $300,000 for each covered metropolitan area, with the exception of the City and County of Baltimore, where the purchase price threshold is $50,000.
FinCEN appreciates the continued assistance and cooperation of title insurance companies and the American Land Title Association in protecting the real estate market from abuse by illicit actors.
Any questions about the Orders should be directed to www.fincen.gov/contact.
A copy of the Order is available here.
On September 30, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published in the Federal Register a 60-day notice to renew the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number assigned to existing Bank Secrecy Act regulations at 31 CFR 1010.520.
Specifically, the regulations require that, upon receiving an information request from FinCEN, a financial institution must search its records to determine whether it maintains or has maintained any account or engaged in any transaction with an individual, entity, or organization named in the request. If a financial institution identifies an account or transaction named in the request, it must report such information to FinCEN in the manner and timeframe specified in the request.
The notice is required under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) to give the public an opportunity to comment on existing regulatory requirements and burden estimates. FinCEN is also seeking public comments to an updated methodology designed to improve the accuracy of cost and time estimates under the PRA.
FinCEN encourages the public to review this notice and provide comment on or before December 1, 2025.
Federal Register Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-18928/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-renewal-without-change
FinCEN Seeks Comments on Proposed Survey of the Costs of AML/CFT Compliance
September 29, 2025
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on a proposed Survey of the Costs of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Compliance. The proposed survey seeks to gather information on the direct compliance costs incurred by non-bank financial institutions (such as casinos and card clubs; money services businesses; insurance companies; dealers in precious metals, precious stones, or jewels; operators of credit card systems; and loan or finance companies) with AML/CFT compliance requirements and, to the extent these expenses overlap with those of other activities (such as fraud monitoring), the amount attributable to AML/CFT compliance. Responses will aid in understanding the financial impact of these regulations and will be used to shape deregulatory proposals consistent with the Executive Orders of the Trump Administration. Responses will not be used for supervisory or enforcement purposes. Written comments are welcome and must be received on or before December 1, 2025.
Federal Register Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-18918/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-survey-of-the-costs-of
Proposed Survey: https://www.fincen.gov/survey-costs-amlcft-compliance
09/05/2025
FinCEN Updates: FinCEN Issues Guidance to Financial Institutions on Cross-Border Information Sharing
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing guidance to encourage and promote appropriate, voluntary cross-border sharing of information between and among financial institutions, including appropriate foreign financial institutions. The guidance aims to help combat the threats posed by money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit finance activity, including from drug trafficking organizations, foreign terrorist organizations, and fraudsters. The guidance clarifies that while financial institutions are prohibited from sharing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), as well as information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations generally do not prohibit cross-border information sharing. FinCEN is issuing the guidance in consultation with staffs from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and National Credit Union Administration.
Among other goals, this guidance furthers the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets report, “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” by supporting greater information sharing.
Guidance: https://www.fincen.gov/system/files/2025-09/Crossborderguidance-508C.pdf
08/28/2025
FinCEN Issues Advisory and Financial Trend Analysis on Chinese Money Laundering Networks
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is raising the alarm on Chinese money laundering networks (CMLNs), which pose a significant threat to the U.S. financial system. FinCEN is issuing: (1) an …
08/19/2025
Treasury Extends Effective Dates of Orders Issued Under New Authority to Counter Fentanyl
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) extended the effective dates for orders issued on June 25, 2025,…
08/19/2025 | Federal Register Notice
Imposition of Special Measures Prohibiting Certain Transmittals of Funds Involving CIBanco S.A., Institución de Banca Multiple, Intercam Banco S.A., Institución de Banca Multiple, and Vector Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V.; Extension of Effective Date
08/18/2025
Treasury Issues Request for Comment Related to the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act
WASHINGTON–The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a Request for Comment required by the GENIUS Act, which furthers the Administration’s policy of supporting the responsible growth and use of digital assets, as outlined in Executive Order (E.O.) 14178 on “Strengthening American Leadership in…
08/06/2025
READOUT: FinCEN Convenes Public-Private Partnership to Promote Innovation and Address Fraud and Scam Risks in the Digital Assets Ecosystem
WASHINGTON — On July 15, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) brought together Treasury components, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, regulatory technology companies, and trade groups to share insights on driving…
08/05/2025 | Guidance
Exemptive Relief Order to Delay the Effective Date of the Investment Adviser Rule
08/04/2025
FinCEN Issues Notice on the Use of Convertible Virtual Currency Kiosks for Scam Payments and Other Illicit Activity
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a Notice urging financial institutions to be vigilant in identifying and reporting suspicious activity involving…
07/31/2025 | Guidance
Exemption Order Related to TIN Collection and Customer Identification Program Requirements (FRB)
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Treasury Announces Postponement and Reopening of Investment Adviser Rule
In order to ensure efficient regulation that appropriately balances costs and benefits, the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today is announcing its intention to postpone the effective date of the final rule establishing…
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Treasury Extends Effective Dates of Orders Issued Under New Authority to Counter Fentanyl
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) extended the effective dates for orders issued on June 25, 2025, prohibiting certain…
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This week, as part of its public-private information sharing Exchange program, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) launched a new series entitled “Combating and Obstructing Money Movements Associated with Narcotics and Drug…
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FinCEN Permits Banks to Use Alternative Collection Method for Obtaining TIN Information
WASHINGTON—To provide banks with greater flexibility in fulfilling compliance obligations, today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an order permitting banks…
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Treasury Issues Unprecedented Orders under Powerful New Authority to Counter Fentanyl
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued orders identifying three Mexico-based financial institutions—CIBanco S.A., Institution de Banca Multiple (CIBanco), Intercam Banco S.A., Institución de Banca Multiple