AMPI Cancun Prepares Members for New Regulations Starting 2026
Cancún, QROO. The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) in Cancún has already started training its members about the new anti-money laundering reform that includes real estate transactions in coastal zones as an activity vulnerable to money laundering, according to Karen Ramos Díaz, the association’s president.
Who is Karen Ramos Díaz?
Karen Ramos Díaz is a prominent real estate entrepreneur and the president of AMPI Cancún. As a leader in the real estate industry, her role is crucial in ensuring that her fellow professionals are well-informed about legal requirements and can guide their clients accordingly.
Why is this relevant?
The relevance of this news stems from the upcoming changes in Mexican law that will affect real estate transactions, particularly those involving coastal properties. Starting in 2026, new obligations will be enforced to prevent money laundering through these transactions. This development is significant for real estate professionals, clients, and the industry as a whole.
Impact on Coastal Real Estate Transactions
- Increased transaction costs due to new compliance requirements
- More complex and lengthy purchasing processes for foreign buyers in states like Quintana Roo
- Potential rise in the cost of coastal properties as a result of these new regulations
What are the new obligations?
Starting in 2026, real estate professionals must comply with various obligations outlined in the anti-money laundering law. These include:
- Performing due diligence on parties involved in a transaction
- Making notifications, verifications, and registrations of individuals participating in a transaction
- Hiring notaries or administrative personnel to handle these diligence tasks
AMPI Cancun’s Preparations
Karen Ramos Díaz emphasized the importance of staying informed about these changes, as two capacity-building sessions on the topic have already taken place. She believes that it’s essential for all real estate professionals to understand these new requirements to avoid non-compliance and the hefty fines that the law imposes.
Expert Opinions
Real estate and anti-money laundering law specialists predict that the inclusion of coastal real estate transactions in Article 17 of Mexico’s Anti-Money Laundering Law will significantly impact states like Quintana Roo, known for their high supply of coastal properties.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new anti-money laundering reform about? The reform includes coastal real estate transactions as activities vulnerable to money laundering, introducing new compliance obligations starting in 2026.
- Who is responsible for ensuring compliance? Real estate professionals must understand and adhere to these new requirements, guiding their clients through the necessary due diligence processes.
- What are the new obligations? Real estate professionals must perform due diligence on transaction participants, make notifications and verifications, and possibly hire additional personnel to handle these tasks.
- When will these changes take effect? The new regulations will be enforced starting in 2026.
- How will these changes impact coastal real estate transactions? Transaction costs are expected to rise, and purchasing processes may become more complex for foreign buyers in states like Quintana Roo.
