realestate

FinCEN Delays AML Reporting for Real Estate Transfers Until March

FinCEN will delay RRE Rule reporting requirements until March 1, 2026.

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inCEN has delayed the start of reporting obligations under the Anti‑Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers (RRE) Rule until March 1, 2026. The rule, unveiled in August 2024, was intended to curb money‑laundering by demanding that real‑estate professionals disclose non‑financed property transfers that pose a high risk of illicit use. While most residential sales involve a mortgage and fall under existing AML/CFT oversight, non‑financed deals—often routed through legal entities or trusts—can be abused by fraudsters, organized crime, drug cartels, human traffickers, and corrupt officials. The rule was originally scheduled to become effective on December 1, 2025, but FinCEN has extended the deadline to ease the compliance load and give the industry additional preparation time, a move that echoes the Trump administration’s emphasis on reducing regulatory burden while safeguarding the financial system. The extension aims to reduce the business burden on real‑estate professionals while maintaining robust safeguards against illicit finance and ensures compliance with national AML standards. A temporary order has been issued to grant exemptive relief for the period, and all Real‑Estate Geographic Targeting Orders remain in force.

FinCEN postpones AML reporting for U.S. real estate transfers until March.