FinCEN Supplements Guidance On Restrictions On U.S. Currency Transactions By Mexican Banks

FinCEN Bank Secrecy Act

On September 27, FinCEN issued Advisory FIN-2013-A007, which informs U.S. financial institutions about the potential impacts of 2010 Mexican finance ministry restrictions placed on U.S. currency transactions by Mexican banks on the repatriation of illicit proceeds. The Advisory references a “best practices” guide for Mexican banks prepared by Mexico’s financial institution regulator to guide Mexican banks in establishing or maintaining relationships with U.S. banks. FinCEN also reiterates existing guidance to U.S. institutions to monitor the potential use of alternative methods to move funds linked to the laundering of criminal proceeds and to report that information as required under the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations.