On August 7, 2026, Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) published in the Official Gazette of the Federation the Agreement amending the General Rules of the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Transactions Involving Resources of Illicit Origin (LFPIORPI).
The amendments aim to harmonize administrative rules with the recent reform of the Law and its Regulations, strengthening the regulatory framework for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as aligning the Mexican system with the international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Key Changes
Among the most significant aspects are:
- Strengthening of the risk-based approach, requiring regulated entities to adjust their internal controls in accordance with the level of risk associated with their customers, transactions, and activities.
- Greater emphasis on identifying the controlling beneficiary, reinforcing the requirements for identifying individuals who exercise control or receive the ultimate benefit from transactions.
- Updating of customer identification and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, incorporating more robust criteria for the creation and retention of records.
- New obligations for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), including enhanced due diligence measures when the nature of the business relationship so requires.
- Adaptation of procedures for registration and filing reports with the regulatory authority, with the aim of facilitating compliance with the new legal provisions.
Phased Implementation
The rules will take effect on November 30, 2026, with obligations becoming enforceable in 2027 and audit processes scheduled to begin in 2028.
Implications for Companies
Individuals and legal entities engaged in vulnerable activities should review their compliance programs to ensure that their policies, procedures, and internal controls are aligned with the new rules.
In particular, it is recommended to:
- Update manuals, internal policies, and risk classification methodologies to reflect the new regulatory criteria.
- Review the processes for identifying customers and controlling beneficiaries.
- Train key personnel and compliance officers.
- Ensure that reporting and record-keeping processes comply with the new requirements.
It is important to note that the General Rules published by Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) represent a significant step forward in strengthening Mexico’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) regime. More than a regulatory update, these provisions require organizations engaged in vulnerable activities to assess and, where necessary, strengthen their compliance programs to ensure alignment with the new regulatory framework, mitigate risks, and avoid potential contingencies or penalties.
At VAHG, we have extensive experience advising national and international companies on AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Regulatory Compliance matters. Our legal team analyzes the impact of these provisions on companies’ structures and provides advice on, designs, and implements practical, tailored solutions that enable them to effectively address their new regulatory obligations in Mexico.
Fernando Hernández Gómez | Senior Partner
+52 (33) 38171731 Ext 225 | fhernandez@vahg.mx
Elvia Ríos Saldaña | Partner
+52 (33) 38171731 Ext 228 | erios@vahg.mx
**The publication of this document does not constitute legal, accounting or professional advice of any kind, nor is it intended to be applicable to particular cases. This document refers to laws applicable in Mexico.