The new Anti-Money Laundering Law has come into effect in Mexico and is redefining the way the real estate sector operates. With reforms applicable starting in 2025, the changes to the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Illicit Proceeds (LFPIORPI) place real estate at the center of a new regulatory approach where traceability, transparency, and the identification of beneficial owners become key pillars.

What changed with the new Anti-Money Laundering Law?

The Ministry of Finance and the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) strengthened controls over vulnerable activities, including real estate transactions. Among the most significant changes are:

• Mandatory identification of beneficial owners: not only the buyer or seller must be registered, but also the actual controller of the capital.
• Stricter limits for cash payments: The 8,025 UMA (approximately $719,200 MXN) limit remains in place, but now requires active monitoring for any splitting or triangulation.
• More detailed mandatory reporting: Real estate agencies must submit more precise notifications to the UIF if transactions exceed certain thresholds or present red flags.
• Joint liability: Agents and marketing companies can be sanctioned if they collaborate with opaque structures, even without direct intention.

Why are controls in the real estate sector being strengthened?

The real estate market has historically been one of the main channels for money laundering due to:

• The high value of transactions.
• The use of shell companies or trusts.
• The possibility of payment in cash or cryptoassets.
• The natural appreciation of the property that "launders" capital over time.

According to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Mexico is at medium-high risk in this area. Therefore, the tightening of the legal framework seeks to protect the market and increase confidence in formal investments.

Direct impact on the sector

The new regulatory framework implies a change in mentality and internal processes. It's no longer just about selling; it's about selling in a traceable and verifiable manner.What is recommended?

Developers:

• Implement identification and payment banking protocols from the pre-sale stage.
• Identify beneficial owners of trusts and companies.
• Integrate compliance policies to attract institutional and foreign capital.

Real estate agents:

• Obligated entities before the UIF.
• Must retain documentation for a minimum of 5 years.
• Require training to identify suspicious transactions and comply with mandatory reporting.

Real estate agencies:

• Designate a compliance responsible.
• Implement internal protocols.
• Face fines of up to 5 million pesos for non-compliance.

How to Comply Without Slowing Sales

Complying with the law doesn't mean losing efficiency. On the contrary: it's a competitive advantage. Some recommendations:

• Digitize processes: implementing KYC, customer registration, and automated documentation.
• Train the sales team: on payment limits, red flags, and documentation.
• Make operations transparent: from pre-sale to closing, with clear contracts.
• Partner with specialized law firms: to protect the operation and avoid risks.

The Value of Trust

The new Anti-Money Laundering Law is not a barrier, but an opportunity to increase the professionalization of the Mexican real estate sector. Companies that adapt will not only avoid sanctions, but will also gain a reputation, attract foreign investment, and consolidate long-term relationships with conscious clients.

In an environment where trust is more important than ever, complying with the law is not just a legal obligation: it's a positioning strategy.