In Mexico, the recent reform of the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Resources of Illicit Origin (LFPiorpi) marks a decisive step in strengthening the mechanisms against money laundering.
Although it might seem a distant issue for savers and investors, the truth is that these modifications have a direct impact on the safety of their assets.
Strengthening of control obligations
One of the most relevant changes is the strengthening of risk control and prevention obligations for companies that carry out vulnerable activities. With its implementation, companies from various sectors will mitigate risks of money laundering more efficiently; In addition, with the incorporation of new vulnerable activities, such as the contribution of resources for real estate developments for sale or rent, a sector that has historically been used to inject illicit money to the formal economy, a safer financial environment will be generated.
Likewise, adjustments were made to existing activities, such as the elimination of warning thresholds in the constitution of societies and their patrimonial modifications. This means that, from now on, public notaries must report all these operations, regardless of the amount, which significantly reduces the risk spaces in which resources of illicit origin could be infiltrated.
Controller beneficiary
Another key aspect of the reform is the obligation that societies identify and register the controlling beneficiary, that is, to the natural person who ultimately possesses or controls the entity. This measure closes one of the main gaps used to hide the identity of the true owners of corporate companies and structures. This is essential for transparency and protection of investors.
How protected your heritage is in Mexico?
Beyond the national level, these modifications seek to align Mexico with the international recommendations of the International Financial Action Group (GAFI), an agency that establishes global standards in the field.
This alignment not only avoids sanctions or accusations to the country, but also improves the perception of Mexico in international markets, sending a clear message: it is a country with stricter rules to combat money laundering and, therefore, safer to invest and protect the heritage.
In what benefits this reform of investors or people who have AFORE?
For those who have savings, investments or participate in withdrawal savings schemes (AFORES), this legal strengthening implies a tangible benefit: by reducing spaces for illicit operations, a more reliable financial environment is generated, where resources are less exposed to risks derived from organized crime or opaque corporate structures.
As a saving person, what should you know about the institutions where you deposit your resources?
The protection of money depends on choosing institutions that really fulfill their anti -salavado obligations. By depositing or investing, it is important to verify that:
1) Are duly regulated and supervised by the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), the National Insurance and Bonds Commission (CNSF) or the Consar.
2) If investments are destined for vulnerable activities such as real estate and automotive development among others, be informed if they are registered and supervised by the SAT.
3) That the entities in which they invest with clear compliance policies in the field of money laundering prevention.
Remember that an informed investor not only seeks performance, it also evaluates the safety of the institution that protects your money.
A message of trust
The reform to the LFPiorpi is more than a legal adjustment: it is a message of trust. By adopting international GAFI standards, Mexico is shown as a country that protects not only large investors, but also the millions of citizens who month with month deposit in their savings accounts, affores or investment funds.
In a world where illicit financial flows put complete economies in check, this armor represents a firm step towards stability. For Mexicans, it means that their money is a little safer today.
*Héctor Amaya He is the president of the IMCP in collaboration with the Commission for the Prevention of Money and Anti -Corruption Laga.
The opinions expressed are only the responsibility of their authors and are completely independent of the position and the editorial line of Forbes Mexico.
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