On March 11, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN) issued a Geographic Targeting Order (“GTO”) to combat money laundering along southwest border of the United states, including crimes perpetrated by Mexico-based cartels and drug traffickers. Under the GTO, all money services businesses in certain ZIP codes in California and Texas, all of which are near the border of Mexico, are required to file Currency Transaction Reports with FinCEN for cash transactions with a $200 threshold. The order applies to a total of 30 ZIP codes across seven counties in California and Texas. The GTO will go into effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register and will remain in effect for 179 days thereafter.
On March 24, 2025, FinCEN issued Frequently Asked Questions to help Covered Businesses comply with the GTO.
FinCEN News Release | Federal Register – GTO | FinCEN Frequently Asked Questions