🇲🇽 U.S. Treasury Measures Take Effect: CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Near Collapse
As of October 20, 2025, U.S. Treasury sanctions against CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa have taken full effect, cutting them off from the U.S. financial system and accelerating their operational unwinding.
Originally designated on June 25 as “primary money laundering concerns,” the measures stem from the Treasury’s expanded authority targeting fentanyl related financial flows.
Key Outcomes:
• CIBanco requested license revocation and entered liquidation after selling its fiduciary business to Multiva and its auto-loan portfolio to BanCoppel.
• Intercam Banco sold most assets to Kapital Bank, retaining about MXN 10 billion in liquidity to meet capital requirements.
• Vector Casa de Bolsa, linked to businessman Alfonso Romo, transferred clients and funds to Finamex and closed its analysis division.
This episode underscores Washington’s growing use of financial sanctions as a primary enforcement tool for anti-money-laundering (AML) compliance beyond U.S. borders, and highlights the reputational and systemic risks faced by Mexican institutions with cross-border exposure.
Timeline of Key Events:
Jun 25, 2025: U.S. Treasury designates CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa as primary money laundering concerns.
Jun 26, 2025: Mexico’s CNBV intervenes temporarily in the three institutions.
Jul–Aug, 2025: CIBanco sells major business units (fiduciary to Multiva; auto loans to BanCoppel).
Oct 1, 2025: Vector announces asset and client transfer to Finamex.
Oct 15, 2025: Vector closes its analysis division.
Oct 20, 2025: Treasury measures take full effect; CIBanco enters liquidation; Intercam under review; Vector exits market.
OGA Insight:
These measures signal a shift toward intelligence-driven financial enforcement over traditional prosecutions. Cross-border institutions, especially in Mexico should reassess AML controls, correspondent banking exposure, and reputational risk under the expanding U.S. “fentanyl sanctions” framework.
