Although the reforms to the law against money laundering in Guatemala were approved in the third debate on April 14, the initiative It was not included in the agenda of this week’s sessions in the Congress of the Republic of Guatemalawhich delays its final approval.
The stagnation occurs at an important moment in which the Legislature is close to concluding the ordinary period and there are few sessions left to know and vote on the articles of the norm, an essential step for it to come into force.
From the Executive, as well as technical entities such as the Superintendency of Banks (SIB), The urgency of approving the law has been reiterated, considering that it is essential to strengthen controls against money laundering and comply with international standards.
The initiative, identified as 6593, entered Congress in November 2023; However, its progress has been irregular. For more than a year it remained without further discussion and it was until between March and April 2026 which began to be known in plenary session, amid international pressure and from the financial sector that has urged the approval of the regulations.
Although he managed to overcome the third debate, his process has not been continuous. At different stages it was detained in committees—mainly in Finance and Legislation—and has entered and left the agenda without final approval.
The delay becomes more relevant due to the evaluation that the country will have to face before the Latin American Financial Action Group (GAFILAT). This body measures compliance with standards to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.