Continuing Education: New FinCEN Regulations
How new FinCEN regulations are shaping real estate transactions in 2026
This week, real estate professionals gathered at Clawson City Hall for a REALTOR® Legal Continuing Education class focused on the upcoming FinCEN requirements set to take effect March 1st.
With regulatory changes impacting how transactions are documented and reported, staying informed is no longer optional. Education, preparedness, and compliance are essential to protecting clients, professionals, and the integrity of the real estate industry as a whole.
While much of the discussion centered around professional compliance, these new FinCEN requirements will also have a direct impact on buyers and sellers.
In certain transactions, particularly those involving all-cash purchases or specific ownership structures, additional reporting and identity verification measures may be required. The goal of these regulations is to increase transparency and reduce the potential for illicit financial activity in real estate.
For clients, this may mean:
Additional documentation requests
More detailed disclosure requirements
Slight adjustments to transaction timelines in specific situations
For most traditional, financed transactions, the impact is expected to be minimal. However, as regulations evolve, informed professionals play a critical role in guiding clients through the process smoothly and responsibly.
Approximately 30 REALTORS® attended the session, engaging in thoughtful discussion and asking practical questions about how these changes will affect their day-to-day work. The tone was professional, collaborative, and forward-looking, exactly how continuing education should be.
We are grateful to the City of Clawson and the Clawson Chamber of Commerce for their hospitality and support in hosting this event. Opening City Hall to professional education reinforces the importance of strong partnerships between municipalities, local businesses, and the professionals who serve our communities every day.
Special thanks to our presenters, Fidelity National Title and Title Partners, for delivering a clear and informative presentation.
This event was proudly co-hosted by KILEY and Contracts 2 Closings, Inc. We believe strongly that education is one of the most valuable investments a professional can make, not only for their own practice, but for the clients and communities they serve.
At KILEY, our involvement in events like this is intentional. We aim to support informed decision-making, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and contribute to a real estate ecosystem built on professionalism and trust.
As always, clients should consult with their legal and financial advisors regarding how regulatory changes may affect their individual circumstances.