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FinCEN 311

Definition

FinCEN 311 refers to Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, which grants the U.S. Treasury Department the authority to designate foreign jurisdictions, financial institutions, or transactions as primary money laundering concerns. Once designated, FinCEN can impose special measures, including prohibitions on certain financial activities, to protect the U.S. financial system. This tool is a significant component of the United States’ anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts. Its application can severely restrict an entity’s access to the global financial network.