U.S. Financial Alert May Impact Somalia Remittance Flows   

USA, 30 November 2025 – The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a  nationwide alert directing money services businesses (MSBs) to increase scrutiny of cross-border funds transfers that may involve illegally obtained money.The alert, released on November 28 under the identifier FIN-2025-Alert003, instructs Money Services Businesses (MSBs) to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for any transaction of $2,000 or more that they know, suspect, or have reason to suspect is connected to illegal activity. This includes funds derived from unlawful employment or other illicit conduct.FinCEN noted that, while the vast majority of the more than $72 billion in annual U.S. remittances are legitimate and support families abroad, low-value transfers have previously been exploited by criminal networks engaged in narcotics trafficking, terrorism financing, and other illegal activities.The agency emphasized that the alert is part of a broader initiative to safeguard the U.S. financial system from misuse and to strengthen monitoring of cross-border money movements.Although the alert does not mention any specific country, increased scrutiny may indirectly affect money transfers sent by individuals whose funds raise compliance concerns. Somalia received an estimated $1.735 billion in remittances in 2023, according to TheGlobalEconomy, a website that provides a wide range of economic data.FinCEN added that the guidance does not target people who are legally present in the United States, such as refugees, asylum recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), green-card holders, or U.S. citizens.The agency urged financial institutions and money transfer operators to remain vigilant and to follow detailed reporting instructions available on FinCEN’s official website.