FINCEN

FinCEN Delays AML/CFT Rules for Investment Advisers

FinCEN has issued a final rule delaying the effective date of its Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing requirements for registered investment advisers and exempt reporting advisers. The compliance deadline has been pushed back by two years.

FinCEN Geographic Targeting Order: Southwest Border Money Services Businesses

FinCEN has issued a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) requiring certain money services businesses along the U.S. southwest border to report and retain records of currency transactions between $1,000 and $10,000. This order aims to combat illicit finance by drug cartels and other illicit actors.

FinCEN Proposes Special Measure for MBaer Merchant Bank AG

FinCEN has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to designate MBaer Merchant Bank AG as a financial institution of primary money laundering concern. The proposed special measure would prohibit U.S. financial institutions from opening or maintaining correspondent accounts for MBaer and require enhanced due diligence for transactions involving the bank.

FinCEN Geographic Targeting Order for Minnesota Financial Institutions

FinCEN has issued a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) requiring banks and money transmitters in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Minnesota, to retain and report records of certain payments of $3,000 or more. This order is effective February 12, 2026, and aims to combat international money laundering of government benefits fraud proceeds.

FinCEN Advisory on Chinese Money Laundering Networks

FinCEN issued an advisory detailing the use of Chinese money laundering networks by Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations to launder illicit proceeds. The advisory highlights typologies and red flags to assist financial institutions in identifying and reporting suspicious activity.

FinCEN Alert: $300M Fraud in Minnesota Nutrition Programs

FinCEN issued an alert regarding at least $300 million in fraud targeting Federal child nutrition programs in Minnesota. Financial institutions are urged to identify and report suspicious activity related to these fraud rings, referencing a specific key term in their Suspicious Activity Reports.

FinCEN Alert on Cross-Border Transfers Involving Illegal Aliens and Cartels

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert urging Money Services Businesses (MSBs) to be vigilant in detecting and reporting suspicious activity related to cross-border funds transfers involving individuals without legal status in the U.S. This alert is part of efforts to prevent the exploitation of the U.S. financial system by illegal aliens and criminal organizations.

FinCEN Advisory: Chinese Money Laundering Networks Used by Mexican Criminal Groups

FinCEN issued an advisory on January 13, 2026, detailing how transnational criminal organizations based in Mexico are using Chinese money laundering networks to launder illicit proceeds. The advisory highlights specific typologies and red flags for financial institutions to identify and report suspicious activity.

FinCEN Whistleblower Program Bulletin on Fraud-Related AML and Sanctions Violations

FinCEN has issued a bulletin highlighting its whistleblower program, encouraging tips on violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and sanctions programs, particularly those involving fraud. The bulletin details types of fraud schemes and reporting expectations for financial institutions.

FinCEN Fines Canaccord Genuity $80 Million for BSA Violations

FinCEN has assessed an $80 million civil money penalty against Canaccord Genuity LLC for willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). This is the largest penalty ever imposed against a broker-dealer for BSA violations, stemming from failures in anti-money laundering programs and suspicious activity reporting.