Tax and Financial Compliance Is No Longer Local… It Is Global
Feb 19, 2026
February 2026
Mexico has once again brought to the table a reality that can no longer be ignored: the scrutiny of business operations is no longer limited to a single authority or jurisdiction — it now operates under global standards.
Through the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público), Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) — the international body that establishes best practices to prevent and combat financial crimes worldwide — during the Fifth FATF Plenary Meeting held in Mexico City.
📄 Full official announcement: See more
Why does this matter and what changes for companies?
There may not be a new law on paper.
However, what has changed is how business operations are reviewed and audited.
Authorities, banks, customs agencies, and international counterparts no longer accept transactions without clear business rationale or incomplete documentation.
And here is the unfiltered truth:
What is now required is simple — but uncompromising
Every operation must:
- Have a clear business purpose
- Be aligned with contracts and supporting documentation
- Be easily explainable through verifiable evidence
If you cannot “tell the story” of a transaction through consistent documentation… you are exposed to risk.
Oversight is no longer siloed
Customs authorities, tax administrations, financial institutions, and international regulators now share information more actively.
An inconsistency identified in one jurisdiction can quickly become an issue in another.
Documentation is no longer a formality — it is protection
Contracts, invoices, logistics records, and payments must all tell the same story.
If they do not, transactions may lose their fiscal and financial support — and credibility with third parties.
Banks are protecting themselves as well
Financial institutions operate under similar regulatory pressures and have implemented stricter filters. As a result, transactions operating in “gray areas” may face:
- Additional reviews
- Payment delays or holds
- Ongoing account monitoring
And this, in practice, directly impacts daily business operations.
The conclusion — seriously this time
The challenge is no longer limited to complying with the SAT.
Today, the global financial system observes how companies operate.
Organizations with:
- Clear processes
- Complete documentation
- Effective internal controls
- Verifiable operational support
will continue operating without friction.
Those that do not… will react only once problems arise.
What should companies do now?
This is the moment to move from reactive compliance to preventive compliance.
At AS Consulting Group, we support our clients in:
- Structuring and organizing operational documentation
- Strengthening internal controls and compliance frameworks
- Preparing solid support for tax and banking reviews
- Turning compliance into a competitive advantage
If this newsletter helps you anticipate instead of react, then it has served its purpose
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We are AS Consulting Group (ASCG), a Mexican firm operating since 1991, specializing in delivering comprehensive “all-in-one” services for domestic and foreign companies in Mexico, including accounting, tax, legal, labor and payroll services, electronic invoicing, sustainability, technological development, real estate design and architecture, regulatory compliance, foreign investment, and business consulting. Our approach enables clients to centralize their professional needs within a single team, ensuring compliance, control, and the sustainable growth of their operations. ASCG is a member firm of SMS Latinoamérica, an international network of professional firms with a presence in more than 21 countries. The member firms of SMS Latinoamérica are legally independent entities that operate under their own local regulations. SMS Latinoamérica does not provide services directly and does not assume responsibility for the acts or omissions of its member firms.
The information contained in this communication is of a general nature and is provided for informational purposes only. Neither AS Consulting Group, nor its affiliates, nor SMS Latinoamérica or its member firms provide professional advice through this publication. Before making any decisions that may affect your business, you are advised to consult a qualified professional advisor. None of the entities mentioned shall be liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.
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