FinCEN Uses New Power to Go After Mexican Banks That Work with Drug Cartels

FinCEN targets Mexican banks linked to drug cartel money laundering, using new powers to curb fentanyl-related financial flows and enforce cross-border compliance.

Julian Brooks — Financial Markets Editor

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

FinCEN Uses New Power to Go After Mexican Banks That Work with Drug Cartels

FinCEN Targets Mexico Banks Over Cartel Money Laundering

The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has officially named three Mexico-based banks as "primary money laundering concerns" under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act and expanded authorities given to it by the FEND Off Fentanyl Act (FOFA). This is a big step in enforcement.

The move, which was made public on June 25, 2025, is the first time FinCEN has used its fentanyl-related authority to stop money from going to cartels. The names are aimed at:

CIBanco S.A.

Intercam Banco S.A.

Vector Casa de Bolsa S.A. de C.V. is one of Mexico's biggest broking firms and manages about $11 billion in assets.

FinCEN has pushed back its original September 4 deadline for U.S. banks, remittance companies, and money service organisations to stop sending money to these companies until October 20, 2025.