A. M. 
The Legislative Assembly approved a new Special Law Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, marking a significant change in the prevention and punishment of these crimes in El Salvador. The main focus of the legislation is to expand the list of obliged subjects and significantly increase the amount of fines for those who fail to comply with the provisions, aligning it with current international standards.
Among the most significant innovations is the inclusion of new economic and professional sectors as obliged subjects. Now, in addition to traditional financial institutions such as banks and insurers, the law includes digital asset service providers, Bitcoin operators, political parties, real estate brokers, lawyers, notaries, accountants, auditors, and companies related to precious metals and stones, as well as transporters of money or securities. These categories are in addition to companies in the financial system, casinos, businesses dedicated to systematic lending, and non-profit organizations with high-risk exposure.
Increased penalties are another cornerstone of the new legislation. For legal entities, the fine for very serious violations can reach up to 1,000 times the minimum monthly wage in the commercial sector; while for individuals, the penalty can reach up to 400 times the minimum wage. Additionally, those responsible could face suspension of operations, dismissal from their positions, or disqualification from managing companies for up to ten years in highly serious cases.
With these measures, El Salvador strengthens its capacity to detect and combat money laundering, modernizing its regulatory framework, and promoting cooperation between public and private entities. The law will enter into force eight days after its publication in the Official Gazette, and the obligated sectors will have specific deadlines to adapt to the new regulations, under the supervision of the competent authorities.
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