Argentina and Mexico implement new anti-money laundering regulations

Regulatory authorities in Argentina and Mexico are implementing new anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing frameworks based on risk-management models.

In Argentina, the Financial Information Unit (UIF) has issued Resolution 93/2026, which reformulates the prevention scheme for real estate registries nationwide. Moving away from a purely formal compliance model, the new regulations align with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Real estate registries must now implement systems to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks based on client profiles, activities, and geographic locations. High-risk operations will require reinforced measures, while low-risk cases may use simplified mechanisms. Registries are also required to appoint compliance officers and develop prevention manuals.

In Mexico, the Ministry of Finance (SHCP) has published secondary rules for the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Resources of Illicit Origin (LFPIORPI). These rules apply to over 120,000 individuals and companies involved in vulnerable activities. The new model replaces uniform requirements with a risk-based approach, categorizing entities into low, medium, or high risk. Implementation will be gradual, with major requirements beginning in 2027 and audits starting in 2028. The rules also mandate stricter identification of beneficial owners and the maintenance of secure client identification files for at least 10 years.