Several amendments to the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Transactions with Illegal Proceeds (hereinafter, the “AML”) and to article 400 Bis of the Federal Criminal Code were published on the Federal Official Gazette last July 16, 2025.
The AML, originally enacted in 2013, sets forth a series of obligations and restrictions for companies and individuals performing or participating in certain activities categorized as “Vulnerable,” similar to those applicable to Financial Entities, regarding: (i) identification of Clients, Users and Beneficial Controllers; (ii) client knowledge; (iii) reporting of transactions; (iv) creation of internal bodies (for the companies); (v) delivery of information to authorities and collaboration in case of inspections; (vi) confidentiality regarding Reports and information requests; and (vii) retention of documents; among others.
These amendments:
(a) Redefine the concept of Beneficial Controller, similarly to the Federal Tax Code, making it mandatory to reach the individuals / natural persons who ultimately benefit (through) or control (the Client or User).
(b) Insert and/or expand the figures of Politically Exposed Person; person in charge of Compliance; Risk; Internal Policy Manual; automated systems; identification and knowledge of Clients and Users; compilation and storage of documents, data and images; registration of operations; 24-hour notices; hiring and training of personnel and managers; internal or external audits; suspension of activities with Clients or Users; etc.
The above would appear to indicate, subject to an analysis of the upcoming general rules and provisions, a substantial increase in the administrative burden and responsibilities for those engaged in Vulnerable Activities.
(c) Create obligations for business corporations (even if they do not carry out Vulnerable Activities) regarding their Beneficial Controllers and in connection with the transfer and constitution of rights over their shares or equity interests.
(d) Extend the obligations and powers of the Tax Ministry, including in regard with the control and regulation of the AML through general rules and provisions.
Regarding Vulnerable Activities:
(1) (i) receiving funds for carrying out a Real Estate Development for sale or lease; and (ii) the service rendered by “facilitating persons” in terms of the General Law on Alternative Dispute Solution Mechanisms, are included as Vulnerable Activities.
(2) The issuance and marketing of credit, prepaid, debit, and services cards, as well as monetary value storage instruments, are more precisely regulated.
(3) For the majority of Vulnerable Activities, some precisions are made, some cases are extended and some thresholds are reduced.
The AML and the aforementioned amendments form part of Mexico’s commitment to comply with the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations and, especially, with the recommendations in regard with the control and surveillance of the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions.
Upcoming major amendments to, or completely new, Regulations of the AML and general rules and provisions will necessarily follow. While analyzing these documents will be material towards duly understanding the full scope of these amendments, including increases in obligations, regularization alternatives, etc., individuals and companies engaged in Vulnerable Activities should start working as soon as possible in the analysis and planning of the implementation of these reforms.
We look forward to being of assistance.
Corporate compliance
Alejandro Montes / alejandro.montes@ecrubio.com
Carlos Enríquez / carlos.enriquez@ecrubio.com
César Ochoa / cesar.ochoa@ecrubio.com
Daniela Flores / daniela.flores@ecrubio.com
David Fujii / david.fujii@ecrubio.com
Eduardo David / eduardo.david@ecrubio.com
Enrique Marcos / enrique.marcos@ecrubio.com
Felipe Mendoza / felipe.mendoza@ecrubio.com
Oscar Bensojo / oscar.bensojo@ecrubio.com
Gerardo Olea / gerardo.olea@ecrubio.com
Javier Ogarrio / javier.ogarrio@ecrubio.com
Jaime O´Reilly / jaime.oreilly@ecrubio.com
Juan S. Vázquez / juan.vazquez@ecrubio.com
Lila Bensojo / lila.bensojo@ecrubio.com
Lorena Mejía / lorena.mejia@ecrubio.com
Mario Prado / mario.prado@ecrubio.com
Miguel Ferriz / miguel.ferriz@ecrubio.com
Renato Martínez / renato.martinez@ecrubio.com
René Alva / rene.alva@ecrubio.com
Salvador Garza / salvador.garza@ecrubio.com
Sergio De La Rocha / sergio.delarocha@ecrubio.com
Yamel Cázares / yamel.cazares@ecrubio.com
Daniel Magaña / daniel.magana@ecrubio.com
David Jaffe / david.jaffe@ecrubio.com
Jimena Acosta / jimena.acosta@ecrubio.com
Reynold González / reynold.gonzalez@ecrubio.com
Alexa Araiza / alexa.araiza@ecrubio.com
Alejandra Alvídrez / alejandra.alvidrez@ecrubio.com
Carlos Báez / carlos.baez@ecrubio.com
César Flores / cesar.flores@ecrubio.com
Cristina Fernández / cristina.fernandez@ecrubio.com
Fernanda Pompa / fernanda.pompa@ecrubio.com
Damaris Toriz / damaris.toriz@ecrubio.com
Esmeralda Chávez / esmeralda.chavez@ecrubio.com
Héctor Hernández / hector.hernandez@ecrubio.com
Jaime Ogushi / jaime.ogushi@ecrubio.com
Juan Pablo Grijalva / Juan.grijalva@ecrubio.com
Isaac Fuentes / isaac.fuentes@ecrubio.com
Luisa Bustamante / luisa.bustamante@ecrubio.com
María Gutiérrez / maria.gutierrez@ecrubio.com
Fernanda Reyes / fernanda.reyes@ecrubio.com
Fernanda Porras / fernanda.porras@ecrubio.com
Fernanda Gómez del Campo / fernanda.gomezdelcampo@ecrubio.com
Fernanda Garza / Fernanda.garza@ecrubio.com
Marcela Villatoro / marcela.villatoro@ecrubio.com
Marcela Guzmán / marcela.guzman@ecrubio.com
Paulina Alarcón / paulina.alarcon@ecrubio.com
Sofía Ramírez / sofia.ramirez@ecrubio.com
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