​FinCEN Issues Final Rule
- Effective March 1, 2026

FinCEN Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers

In a recent press release, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it is postponing the reporting requirements of its Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for the Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule (RRE Rule) by three months to March 1, 2026.   

This Anti-Money Laundering in Real Estate Rule (Rule) is expected to affect all CLTA members that handle sale transactions involving buyer entities or trusts without involving FDIC-insured lenders. The Rule has no geographic limitations, no purchase price thresholds, limited transactional exemptions, and requires the collection and reporting of significant amounts of information.

CLTA Members are highly encouraged to start preparing and taking steps now to prepare.

Informational Links:

• CLTA News Express:  FinCEN Announced Postponement of Residential Real Estate Reporting Until March 1, 2026 - Keeps Existing GTOs in Effect (September 30, 2025)
• US Federal Register: Comments Again Requested on the Proposed Rule’s Updated Collection Form (June 5, 2025)
• CLTA Submits Comments to FinCEN on Proposed Real Estate Rule Information Collection Form (January 10, 2025)
• US Federal Register: Comments Requested on the Proposed Rule’s Information Collection Form (November 13, 2024)
• US Federal Register:  Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers (August 29, 2024)
• FinCEN:  Residential Real Estate Rule Fact Sheet
• CLTA Submits Comments to FinCEN on Proposed Real Estate Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Rule (April 16, 2024)
• FinCEN:  Proposed Rule re: Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Real Estate Transfers (February 16, 2024)

Recorded Webinars:  re: FinCEN Order

• Episode 34:  FinCEN, Part 1 - Overview of the FinCEN Final Residential Real Estate Rule
• Episode 35:  FinCEN, Part 2 - Implementation Guide
• Episode 38:  FinCEN, Part 3 - Examining the Definition of "Residential" and "Non-Financed" Under the New Rule
• Episode 39:  FinCEN, Part 4 - Beneficial Ownership
• Episode 40:  FinCEN, Part 5 - Exempt Transactions 
• Episode 42:  FinCEN, Part 6 - Operational Strategy for Staff / Customers and Penalties
• Episode 43:  FinCEN, Part 7 - Information Collection

NOTE: The above presentations are meant for informational purposes only and the statements and opinions provided are not those of CLTA or its member companies. CLTA strongly recommends that underwritten title companies, independent escrow companies and real estate professionals consult directly with the title insurance companies with which they do business to discuss the title insurer’s precise expectations and protocols associated with FinCEN reporting.