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United States
This section covers AML/CTF initiatives by the US Treasury, US DoJ, OCC, FinCEN, SEC and other related US organisations.
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FinCEN alerts FIs, especially MSBs to heighten vigilance over cross-border transfers that may involve individuals without lawful U.S. status and potentially conceal illicitly obtained funds
The alert reminds firms of their obligation to file Suspicious Activity Reports for any transaction of $2,000 or more when illicit activity is suspected and instructs them to reference the term “FIN-2025-Alert003” in relevant SARs. Issued in line with Executive Order 14159, the alert forms part of broader U.S. efforts to combat the exploitation of the financial system, noting that while most remittances are legitimate…
US DOJ indicts Chicago crypto ATM founder for allegedly laundering $10M through digital currency, highlighting rising enforcement against anonymous crypto transactions
Prosecutors say the scheme involved cash (from fraud and drug offenses) being deposited into Crypto Dispensers’ cash‑to‑cryptocurrency ATMs, converted into crypto, then transferred to virtual wallets — effectively disguising the origin and ownership of illicit proceeds. The accused and his company have pleaded not guilty. A status hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2026…
FinCEN identifies 10 Mexico-based casinos as primary ML concerns for funneling funds to the Sinaloa Cartel and proposes U.S. banking restrictions to sever the cartel’s access to the financial system
FinCEN issues a finding and proposes a rule under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act that prohibits covered U.S. financial institutions from opening or maintaining correspondent accounts for foreign banks involved in transactions with the ten identified Mexico-based gambling establishments. The action follows analysis showing that these establishments, allegedly controlled by a criminal group in collaboration…
US DoJ launches Scam Center Strike Force to combat Southeast Asian crypto pig butchering scams, seizing $401M and targeting networks tied to forced labor and organised crime
The initiative has already resulted in the seizure of over $401 million in illicit cryptocurrency and is focused on dismantling transnational criminal networks connected to organized crime and forced labor. The Strike Force combines law enforcement, regulatory, and prosecutorial resources to identify, investigate, and prosecute these complex, cross-border financial crimes, aiming to protect victims and disrupt the…
FinCEN identifies $9B in Iranian shadow-banking activity in 2024, involving shell and front companies used to evade sanctions and finance illicit oil, trade, and weapons procurement networks
This activity was facilitated by a network of Iranian front companies, including shell companies, oil companies, and technology procurement firms, operating primarily in jurisdictions such as the UAE, Hong Kong, and Singapore. These entities engaged in transactions to evade sanctions, launder money, and fund Iran’s military and weapons programs, as well as its regional terrorist proxies…
U.S. Senators introduce the ‘Streamline Act’ to modernise the BSA, proposing to raise CTR thresholds from $10K to $30K and adjusting STR thresholds from $2K–$5K to $3K–$10K
The bill, marking the first major change since 1970, also proposes reviewing reporting forms to reduce redundancy and improve automation. Supporters, including major banking groups, argue the reforms will cut unnecessary paperwork, allow banks to focus on meaningful anti-money laundering efforts, provide law enforcement with more targeted data, and enhance consumer privacy…
FinCEN renews its Residential Real Estate GTOs, requiring title insurance companies to identify individuals behind shell companies used in non-financed purchases – expires 28 Feb 2026
Effective from October 10, 2025, to February 28, 2026, the renewal maintains the existing geographic coverage and purchase thresholds—$300,000 in most areas and $50,000 in Baltimore City and County. The extension bridges the gap until the new Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule (RRE Rule) takes effect on March 1, 2026, reinforcing efforts to curb illicit finance in the real estate sector…
FinCEN issues answers on four FAQs clarifying SAR filing requirements, covering SAR structuring, ongoing activity reviews, and decisions when not to file
These FAQs address topics such as structuring SARs, conducting continuing activity reviews, and the decision-making process for not filing a SAR. The guidance aims to assist financial institutions in meeting their compliance obligations while enabling them to focus resources on activities that provide the greatest value to law enforcement agencies…
US FDIC and OCC propose a rule prohibiting supervisory actions based on reputation risk, ensuring institutions are not penalized for lawful activities or views – feedback by 6 Dec 2025
The proposed rule would prohibit these agencies from criticizing or taking adverse action against financial institutions based on reputation risk, and from instructing or encouraging institutions to close accounts or modify relationships due to a person or entity’s political, social, cultural, or religious views, or lawful business activities perceived as presenting reputation risk…
FinCEN invites comments on the renewal, without change, of BSA information collection requirements, obliging FIs to report accounts or transactions involving specified parties by 1 Dec 2025
FinCEN has proposed to renew, without change, its information collection requirements for sharing information between government agencies and financial institutions. This renewal aims to continue facilitating compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other financial crime prevention laws. The public comment period for this proposal ends on December 1, 2025…
FinCEN postpones the reporting requirements under the AML Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule until 1 Mar 2026 – to reduce compliance burden and ensure effective regulation
This decision aims to reduce business burdens while maintaining effective regulation to protect the U.S. financial system from illicit activities….
US BIS issues an interim final rule extending export restrictions to entities 50%+ owned by listed or military-affiliated parties, with a 60-day temporary license – comments by 29 Oct
This change aims to close loopholes where affiliates of listed entities could previously circumvent restrictions. The rule also introduces a Temporary General License (TGL) permitting certain transactions involving non-listed foreign affiliates of listed entities, with the TGL set to expire 60 days after the rule’s filing date. Comments on the rule are invited and must be submitted within 30 days from the filing date…