Guatemala pushes for anti‑money‑laundering law approval

The Guatemalan business federation CACIF urged Congress to pass the Integral Anti‑Money Laundering Law, warning that failure to meet GAFILAT standards could place the country on the regional “gray list,” restricting international financial flows and harming remittances, investment and banking correspondents.

Congress President Luis Contreras reiterated the urgency, stating the bill must pass “yes or yes.” He highlighted that 62 secured votes exist but further support is needed to reach a majority. The debate centers on articles 73 and 74, which define money‑laundering as an independent crime; Contreras warned any amendment would jeopardise the law’s compliance with international requirements. CACIF and the U.S. embassy warned that inaction could make Guatemala a “pariah” for foreign investment.