Accountants Warn of Tougher Anti-Money Laundering Scrutiny in Cancun for 2026

Cancun, Quintana Roo — The College of Public Accountants of Cancun has warned that 2026 will be a watershed year for anti-money laundering enforcement, with federal and state authorities ramping up verification visits and penalties for businesses and individuals engaged in vulnerable activities.

Experts estimate that between 5,000 and 7,000 entities in Quintana Roo are subject to registration and reporting obligations to the Treasury Department. These include real estate agents, vehicle sellers, jewelers, high-value lessors, and virtual asset operators.

Fausto Dario Banuelos Sanchez, president of the college’s Anti-Money Laundering Commission, noted that the state has 2,700 registered real estate advisors — the highest in the country. Compliance, however, remains a heavy administrative burden. A small currency exchange with a single window must meet the same requirements as the largest banks.

Penalties for non-compliance are severe: a single missed monthly report can result in a fine of up to 1 million pesos. Fines are cumulative and can be applied for failing to register, lacking a compliance manual, or omitting reports.

Banuelos Sanchez explained that while the Tax Administration Service (SAT) conducts verification visits and imposes fines, the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) analyzes the data and is the only body authorized to file criminal charges for money laundering.

Enforcement has been strengthened by the creation of a state-level UIF and the SATQ, which facilitate local coordination through collaboration agreements, reducing the need to bring federal personnel from Mexico City.