Guatemala Prepares for Anti-Laundering Evaluation with New Law

Guatemala is preparing for a crucial international assessment of its financial crime defenses following the enactment of a new comprehensive law against money laundering and terrorism financing. The "Ley Integral contra el Lavado de Dinero u Otros Activos y el Financiamiento del Terrorismo" modernizes the nation's legal arsenal to meet global standards.

The country, a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (Gafilat), faces its fifth round of Mutual Evaluation starting in February 2027. This rigorous process, concluding with results presentation in August 2028, will scrutinize Guatemala's system for preventing and combating money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF).

This evaluation involves a detailed review of the country's legal and institutional framework, assessing both technical compliance with FATF recommendations and the practical effectiveness of its anti-ML/TF measures. A key component is the country's rating, which indicates the efficacy of its system and identifies deficiencies. The process also yields recommendations for strengthening these defenses.

The timing of the law's approval coincides with a visit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its Article IV consultation, an annual review of the country's economic health. The new law consolidates international standards and global network linkages into a single text, aiming to enhance Guatemala's ability to combat financial crime effectively.