CLADIT Xela 2025: Strengthening AML Culture Across Latin America

On August 11, the Gran Karmel Convention Center hosted the fourth edition of the Latin American Congress on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CLADIT Xela 2025), a high-level academic event that brought together financial, cooperative, and regulatory leaders from across the region.

Organized by the Escuela Bancaria de Guatemala (EBG) and the Asociación Bancaria de Guatemala (ABG), the congress served as a strategic platform for compliance training, regulatory analysis, and institutional networking. Sponsored exclusively by MICOOPE and supported by over 20 allied entities, CLADIT Xela 2025 addressed emerging risks, international standards, and sector-specific challenges.

High-Level Speakers and Specialized Content

The event opened with remarks from Diana Velásquez, EBG representative, followed by a keynote address from Juan Carlos Medrano, AML specialist at J&A Global Compliance, who explored global trends in anti-money laundering (AML) and their regional implications.

Featured speakers included:

• Susan Paola Rojas, founder of EvaluaCompliance, who discussed risk exposure for obligated entities.
• Katia Morales, Director of Risk Supervision and AML/CFT at IDECOOP (Dominican Republic), who examined the legal role of cooperative boards.
• Julio Flores, Director of Regulatory Compliance at BANRURAL, who presented red flags in family remittance transactions.
• María José Barrios (IVE) and Andrés Lara (Public Ministry), who participated in a forum on effective RTS and regulatory recommendations.

Practical Workshops and Legislative Panels

Afternoon sessions featured hands-on workshops on risk matrices and cash transaction due diligence, led by experts from Banco Azteca and independent consultants. The closing panel addressed a proposed law for comprehensive AML/CFT regulation, with contributions from legal advisors, educators, and regulatory representatives.

Strengthening Compliance Culture Across Sectors

CLADIT Xela 2025 reaffirmed the financial and cooperative sectors’ commitment to transparency, continuous education, and institutional integrity. Active participation from MICOOPE, BANRURAL, Banco Azteca, Bi, COSAMI, and FEDECOPE, along with media partners such as Prensa Libre, Soy502, and Diario Centro América, amplified the event’s impact.

To explore future editions and academic resources, visit the official CLADIT site or browse the training programs offered by the Escuela Bancaria de Guatemala.