CANCELED – FinCEN & Closings: What Realtors Must Know 3.23.26
We wanted to inform you that our upcoming FinCEN & Closings: What Realtors Must Know class has been postponed until further notice. This decision follows the March 19, 2026, ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Flowers Title Companies, LLC v. Bessent, et al.. In that case, the court granted summary judgment to the plaintiff and vacated FinCEN’s Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers (codified at 31 C.F.R. § 1031.320). The rule, which had taken effect on March 1, 2026 (after a prior delay from the original December 2025 date), required reporting of certain non-financed residential real estate transfers involving entities or trusts.
The court’s decision holds that FinCEN exceeded its authority under the Bank Secrecy Act and sets aside the rule nationwide, effectively restoring the pre-rule status quo for now. As a result, the federal reporting obligations under this specific rule are not currently in effect. While this development provides immediate relief from the new requirements, the situation remains dynamic. FinCEN (or the Department of Treasury) may appeal the ruling to the Fifth Circuit, seek a stay of the vacatur (which could temporarily reinstate enforcement), or pursue other actions.
We are closely monitoring official updates from FinCEN, court dockets, and trusted industry sources to ensure any rescheduled class delivers the most accurate, current, and practical guidance for realtors navigating closings and compliance. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty. We remain committed to providing high-quality education on evolving regulations and will reach out promptly with a new date once greater clarity emerges, likely after we assess any appellate developments or further agency responses.
In the meantime, if you have any immediate questions about how this ruling might affect ongoing or upcoming transactions, compliance workflows, or realtor responsibilities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. Thank you again for your interest in the class and for your continued partnership.
