Nafin temporarily assumes CIbanco and Intercam trusts after sanctions

The maneuvers of the Mexican government to safeguard the assets of thousands of clients after international sanctions.

Intervention of trusts in the Mexican banking sector

In an unprecedented move, Nacional Financiera (Nafin), a Development Banking institution in Mexico, has assumed temporary control of the trusts managed by CIBanco and Intercam. This decision comes after the sanctions imposed by the United States Department of the Treasury, which accuses both entities of facilitating money laundering operations linked to drug trafficking. Financial analysts point out that this measure seeks to mitigate the systemic impact in a market already stressed by international investigations.

Context and protection mechanisms

The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) activated emergency protocols to guarantee the continuity of more than 800 trusts, whose assets exceed 12,000 million pesos. According to official documents, the strategy combines three axes: 1) Temporary transfer to Nafin to avoid operational collapses, 2) A spin-off process legally validated by the CNBV, and 3) Search for private acquirers that comply with anti-fraud standards. “This hybrid scheme protects trustors without absorbing contingent liabilities,” explained a Treasury spokesperson.

RelatedThree financial institutions are transformed after international sanctions

Behind this intervention lies a global regulatory pattern: since 2020, the FATF has issued 14 alerts about vulnerabilities in Latin American trusts. Mexico represents 60% of these cases, according to data from the World Bank. The measure against CIbanco and Intercam follows similar sanctions applied in 2023 to Banorte and Inbursa for alleged failures in AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls.

Medium-term implications

Experts consulted agree that this intervention could accelerate three trends:

  • Bank consolidation: 45% of trusts would migrate to institutions with AAA ratings
  • New regulations: The CNBV prepares reforms to article 115 of the Credit Institutions Law
  • Geopolitical changes: US pressure to align anti-illicit financing policies

A report from Moody’s Analytics projects that 30% of affected clients will diversify their portfolios towards regulated fintechs in the next 18 months. “The crisis of trust in traditional fiduciaries will drive decentralized models,” warns the report.

What’s next for investors? The SHCP has enabled a transparency portal with daily updates on the process. Meanwhile, it is recommended to verify the status of your contracts using the RFC of the original trustee.

Share this analysis on your social networks and follow our exclusive coverage on how the Mexican financial landscape evolves after these interventions. To go deeper, explore our special “Banking under the magnifying glass: risks and opportunities in 2025”.

Sheinbaum in Acapulco: Women’s Pension and goodbye to La Parota

President delivers cards to 70,000 Guerrero residents and cancels dam project.

President Claudia Sheinbaum visited Acapulco, Guerrero, to lead the delivery of cards from the Pensión Mujeres Bienestar program. This scheme grants 3,100 pesos every two months to Mexican women between 60 and 64 years old.

Support for women and new works

During the event, the president stressed that the benefit recognizes the care work that women have historically carried out. Currently, almost 70 thousand people of Guerrero receive support, of which around 18 thousand reside in the port.

“When women walk together, there is nothing that stops us, we are the center of the Transformation, we are the history and future of Mexico,” stated Sheinbaum.

In terms of infrastructure, the president announced the definitive cancellation of the La Parota Dam project due to its effects on communities. Instead, wells and high tanks will be built to guarantee the supply of drinking water. Rehabilitation work will also be carried out after hurricanes Otis and John.

Sheinbaum reiterated his administration’s commitment to women and the sustainable development of Guerrero, prioritizing solutions that do not harm the social or natural environment.

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They urge SEP to strengthen actions against bullying

28.5% of adolescents suffered bullying; They urge SEP to reinforce protection protocols.

The Second Commission of the Permanent Congress approved an opinion that urges the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) and the educational authorities of the 32 entities to reinforce strategies for preventing bullying and school violence. The request is part of the “Safe School Environments” program.

According to the National Discrimination Survey (ENADIS) 2022, carried out by Inegi, Conapred and the CNDH, around 28.5% of people between 12 and 17 years old have experienced some form of harassment or mistreatment at their school. The National Educational System serves more than 34 million students in 258 thousand basic, upper secondary and higher education schools.

The “Safe School Environments” strategy promotes co-responsibility between authorities, families and school communities to prevent risks and promote a culture of peace. The opinion highlights that this mechanism articulates guidelines, protocols and actions to guarantee safe, healthy and inclusive spaces, without restricting fundamental rights.

The legislators considered it necessary to maintain permanent prevention and care actions. The exhortation seeks to ensure that educational centers are environments free of harassment, with full respect for human rights and the best interests of children.

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Sheinbaum reinforces security and housing in Cuautla

The president presented a package of social and security actions in Cuautla, Morelos.

President Claudia Sheinbaum visited Cuautla, Morelos, to announce a set of social and security measures. Among them, the construction of 10 new schools of the “Margarita Maza” National High School, house-to-house visits, more jobs through Young People Building the Future and a greater presence of the National Guard.

“We are going to build together, because this is a job for everyone, for families to care for their children, for the state government and for the federal government,” the president highlighted.

The visit occurred after the arrest of the mayor of Cuautla. Sheinbaum instructed strengthening the federal presence with attention to the causes, as part of the National Security Strategy. Next week they will begin house-to-house tours and outreach to merchants. He promised to return in three months to monitor progress.

Housing for Wellbeing

At the event, 128 Infonavit homes and 207 Insus deeds were also delivered. Sheinbaum recalled the four components of the program: build 1.8 million new houses for people with incomes of one to two minimum wages; deliver the same number of credits for improvement; grant a million deeds; and restructure unpayable loans for 5 million families.

Octavio Romero Oropeza, director of Infonavit, reported that of the goal of 1.2 million homes, there are already 440 approved complexes that total 514 thousand houses (43% progress). In Morelos, the goal is 13 thousand new homes with an investment of 8,150 million pesos.

Edna Elena Vega Rangel, head of Sedatu, explained that 128 homes and 207 deeds were delivered. Governor Margarita González Saravia thanked the expansion of the state goal to 24 thousand houses in the six-year term, in addition to other works such as modernization of the countryside, a Convention Center in Cuernavaca and the “Circuito Tierra y Libertad” highway program.

The beneficiary Kendra Ramírez Orozco expressed her gratitude for access to housing. Sheinbaum reiterated his commitment to return in three months to follow up.

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