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FinCEN Geographic Targeting Order Applicable to Title Insurance Companies

On October 15, 2024 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Treasury Department renewed its Geographic Targeting Orders (“GTOs”) that require U.S. title insurance companies to identify the natural persons behind shell companies used in non‑financed purchases of residential real estate.

The terms of the renewed GTOs are effective beginning October 16, 2024, and end on April 14, 2025.  The purchase amount threshold remains $300,000 for each covered metropolitan area.  The GTOs continue to apply to the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai.

Affected title insurance companies must have procedures in place to ensure compliance with the GTOs; see the GTOs for details.

Future Reporting Requirements – Final Rule

In August 2024, FinCEN issued a final rule requiring certain industry professionals to report information to FinCEN about non-financed transfers of residential real estate to a legal entity or trust. This nationwide reporting framework will replace the GTOs and goes into effect on December 1, 2025.

Background:

  • Title insurance companies in Honolulu have been subject to the GTOs since August 22, 2017.  The islands of Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai were added to the GTOs in April 2022.
  • On November 15, 2018, FinCEN added the requirement to report covered purchases using virtual currencies.

Resources:

  • Direct questions about the GTOs to FinCEN’s Regulatory Support Section at [email protected].
  • The current GTO is available here.
  • Frequently asked questions regarding the GTOs are available here.