FinCEN alerts Money Services Businesses to Heightened Risks from Illicit Finance
WASHINGTON – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is urging money services businesses (MSBs) to increase vigilance against suspicious financial activity, notably involving individuals posing national security and public safety threats. The alert, issued November 28, 2025, underscores growing concerns about illicit financial networks and the need for robust anti-money laundering (AML) practices.
Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley emphasized the importance of this vigilance, stating, “Money services businesses shoudl be vigilant in identifying suspicious financial activity involving illegal aliens who present important threats to national security and public safety.” He added, “At Treasury, we will continue to protect the American people by faithfully upholding the laws of the United States.”
The warning comes amid escalating concerns about sophisticated money laundering operations. In August, FinCEN flagged Chinese money laundering networks as a severe threat, noting their role in fueling the operations of Mexican drug cartels. These networks are now considered among the moast significant threats to the U.S. financial system, according to the regulator.
FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki recently highlighted the urgent need to modernize AML and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) frameworks.Speaking in September, Gacki called for streamlining and modernizing these systems to address emerging threats from cyber criminals and illicit financial networks. She testified before the House Subcommittee on Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance and International Financial Institutions, stating there is an “urgent need to modernize” the AML and CFT regime to focus on higher-risk customers and activities.
