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Top 10 Most Read Articles of 2025

Topics such as FinCEN, new endorsements, artificial intelligence, fraud and liability dominated headlines throughout the year. What was your favorite? Read on to view the most read articles of 2025.

 Earn CE/CLE Credits. Gain a Competitive EDge.

March 18–20, 2026 | Frisco, Texas | Register Today!
CE/CLE might be required, but it doesn’t have to be boring. At ALTA EDge, you’ll earn your credits while learning what’s actually shaping the future of the title industry. Join us March 18–20, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, to earn CE/CLE credits through timely, practical education built specifically for title and settlement professionals. 

FinCEN Issues Filing Guidance for AML Rule

FinCEN published resources Dec. 19 to aid title and settlement professionals comply with reporting requirements imposed by the agency’s anti-money laundering (AML) rule for residential properties, which goes into effect March 1, 2026.

Basics of FinCEN’s Anti-Money Laundering Rule

The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) anti-money laundering rule  requires certain people involved in real estate closings and settlements to report information to the agency about all-cash residential transactions nationwide involving legal entities and trusts. The rule, which goes into effect March 1, 2026, will have a significant operational impact on title and settlement agents workflows. Read on for information about the rule's requirements, resources developed by ALTA to aid compliance and an industry education opportunity.

 Property Owners Fined $4.7M for Violating OFAC Sanction in Georgia Transaction

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) fined property owners in Georgia $4.7 million for two violations of Russia sanctions and for failing to comply with a subpoena. According to an enforcement order, the property owners, acting through and on behalf of the Atlanta, Ga.-based real estate investment company King Holdings LLC, knowingly dealt in residential real property owned by a blocked individual. Read on to learn how this enforcement order impacts compliance considerations in relation to real estate and blocked persons.

FinCEN Reporting Is Coming—Is Your Team Prepared?

 January 22-23, 2026 | Virtual Meeting | Register Today
The ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp is back this January with brand-new insights to help you navigate the realities of compliance in 2026.  This two-day virtual training is designed to give you the most up-to-date guidance, workflows and industry intelligence you need to stay ahead. 

CloseSimple Expands Capabilities to Help Title Companies With FinCEN Rule

CloseSimple has expansion its portal and tasking capabilities to help title companies prepare for the information collection requirements under FinCEN's Residential Real Estate Rule.

Stand Up for Title—Join TAN Today!

As challenges mount for the title industry, we need every voice in the fight to protect our profession. The Title Action Network (TAN) is the industry's grassroots advocacy network, empowering title insurance and settlement services professionals to directly engage with lawmakers on key issues. By joining TAN, you’ll receive timely updates on critical issues like FinCEN's Residential Real Estate Rule, risky title insurance alternatives and data privacy laws. When action is needed, you’ll be able to quickly contact your representatives. Join TAN Today

ALTA Needs Your Feedback: Take the FinCEN Compliance Survey

Take ALTA's FinCEN Compliance Survey
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced last month that it will postpone implementation of its Residential Real Estate Rule until March 1, 2026. To better quantify the burden of this rule, ALTA has launched the FinCEN Compliance Survey. We are urging all title insurance professionals to complete this important survey by Dec. 5. Your insight matters: Complete the survey today.

 ALTA Insights: Collecting and Managing Data Under FinCEN’s AML Rule

FinCEN’s anti-money laundering (AML) rule for residential real estate transactions, which was postponed and will now go into effect March 1, requires title and settlement professionals to collect, manage and safeguard sensitive customer information like never before. But what does compliance look like in practice? Listen to this Stewart-sponsored ALTA Insights webinar to learn the nuts and bolts of operational readiness—from determining what data points are required to what to do if a customer won’t provide the required information.

Qualia Launches Solution to Help Companies Comply With FinCEN Rule

The new features—built directly into Qualia’s cloud-based title production system—equip professionals to efficiently and securely collect, track and report required information under the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule, which takes effect March 1.

FinCEN Renews Geographic Targeting Orders

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) renewed its Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) that require U.S. title insurance companies to identify the natural persons behind shell companies used in non-financed purchases of residential real estate. The GTOs go into effect Oct. 10.

Stewart Announces FINCEN Reporting Services

Stewart Information Services Corp. has launched FINCEN Reporting Services (FRS) to help title and closing customers comply with the new Anti-Money Laundering Rule (AML), which was delayed until March 1, 2026.

 Title Pros Urged to Be Bold, Lead With Kindness, Swing for the Fences

With a mix of humor, humility and hope, 2024-25 ALTA President Richard Welshons MTP, NTP delivered an uplifting keynote at the 2025 ALTA ONE conference in New York City, urging the 1,300 title professionals attending to lead boldly, celebrate progress and never lose sight of the human connections that define the industry. Welshons took the stage to the tune of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers—an intentional nod to his theme of optimism.

 ALTA CEO Encourages Title Industry to ‘Seize the Spotlight’

In his first ALTA ONE address as chief executive officer, Chris Morton called on members of the ALTA to embrace their essential role in protecting homeownership, lead with confidence amid change and continue the organization’s strong advocacy on behalf of title professionals nationwide. Morton wove together personal stories, industry achievements and a clear-eyed look at the challenges ahead. The title industry is not just surviving disruption—it’s leading through it, he told the largest ALTA ONE in history with 1,300 attendees.

 Closinglock Solution to Help Title Agents Comply With FinCEN AML Rule

Closinglock unveiled a new integrated solution that simplifies, centralizes and automates data collection and storage required under the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rule. 

 FinCEN Delays AML Real Estate Reporting Rule

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced Sept. 30 it will postpone reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule until March 1, 2026. ALTA CEO Chris Morton said FinCEN’s decision to postpone its reporting requirements shows recognition of the valid concerns raised by ALTA members and Congress about implementation. "There are serious concerns about the immense financial and compliance burdens of this rule on the small businesses that comprise 90% of the title insurance industry," he added. "This delay gives ALTA more time to work with FinCEN to revise this costly rule that places significant burdens on title companies.”

 ALTA Urges FinCEN to Delay AML Real Estate Reporting Rule

ALTA sent a letter to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki urging the agency to delay the Dec. 1 effective date of FinCEN’s anti-money laundering (AML) rule for residential real estate transactions.

 FinCEN Issues Advisory on Chinese Money Laundering Networks

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an advisory about Chinese money laundering networks (CMLNs), which pose a significant threat to the U.S. financial system. The analysis included a section about CMLNs potentially facilitating real estate purchases funded by illicit proceeds.

Last Chance for the ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp

September 16 - 17, 2025 | Virtual Meeting | Register Today

This is it—ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp kicks off tomorrow, and it’s your final chance to get ahead of the biggest regulatory change in title since TRID.

 ALTA Warns Court That FinCEN AML Rule Imposes Burden on Small Business

ALTA filed an amicus brief on Sept. 2 supporting Fidelity National Financial’s motion for summary judgment in its challenge to FinCEN's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rule for residential real estate transactions. In the brief, ALTA argues the rule will impose crippling compliance costs on small title companies, while offering only speculative law enforcement benefits. The rule was postponed, and now will go into effect March 1.

Find Practical Strategies at ALTA ONE

October 7 - 10, 2025 | New York City | Register Today!
ALTA ONE is where real learning happens, and our education schedule is proof. The day is packed with sessions that tackle the industry’s most urgent challenges—compliance, fraud, talent, technology and more—giving you the practical strategies and CE/CLE credit you need to succeed. Here’s just a sample of what’s waiting for you on Thursday, Oct. 9, in New York City:

Alanna.ai Offers New Digital Signing Capability to Assist With FinCEN Requirements

Called Alanna Sign, the enhancement to Alanna.ai’s Smart Forms will now include a specialized form supporting the AML’s mandatory data gathering process that will be required of buyers and sellers. It also will include automated reminders for form completion and completion of the digital signing process.

Don’t Miss It Twice: ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp is Back

September 16 - 17, 2025 | Virtual Meeting | Register Today
You asked, and we listened. The ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp is back this September to help you prepare for the biggest regulatory shakeup in title since TRID. This high-impact, two-day virtual event gives you the tools to build a compliance strategy for FinCEN’s residential real estate reporting rule before the clock runs out. 

Find Smarter Strategies at ALTA ONE

Real change demands real education, and there’s no better place to get it than ALTA ONE. With sessions built by and for the title industry, you’ll gain the insight, strategy and CE/CLE credit you need to navigate today’s real estate market. This isn’t just another conference. It’s where compliance gets demystified, operations sharpened and leadership redefined. Register Today

Got FinCEN Questions? Get Real-Time Answers at ALTA ONE

The FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule takes effect Dec. 1, and it’s the biggest regulatory shakeup our industry has faced in a decade. That’s why we’re closing out ALTA ONE with a live, no-judgment Q&A designed to help you prepare before the clock runs out. Be sure to stay for this session on Friday, Oct. 10, from 10:30 am-noon ET! Register Today

 Access ALTA's Collection Forms for Buyers and Sellers to Aid FinCEN Compliance

ALTA has developed two forms to assist the industry in collecting information needed to comply with FinCEN's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rule for residential real estate transactions. ALTA’s AML Work Group developed collection forms for buyers and sellers.

Treasury Publishes 30-day Notice of Changes to FinCEN AML Reporting Form

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, on behalf of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a 30-day comment period to changes it made to its collection form real estate professionals will use to report information about certain residential real estate transfers under the anti-money laundering regulation. FinCEN made several changes requested by ALTA. Read on to learn what FinCEN changed and what was kept the same.

Final Days to Register: ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp

Register Today
Ready or not, FinCEN’s new residential real estate reporting rule goes live Dec. 1—and it’s one of the most significant regulatory changes to hit our industry since TRID. If you’re not prepared, it could cost your operation valuable time, resources and sanity. That’s why ALTA created the ALTA FinCEN Bootcamp, a no-fluff, virtual event built to give you the tools, knowledge and strategy you need to stay compliant and competitive. 

 Title and Settlement Companies Face Substantial Cost to Comply With FinCEN’s AML Real Estate Rule

FinCEN’s final rule requiring certain industry professionals to report information to the agency about non-financed transfers of residential real estate to a legal entity or trust will have a significant financial and process impact on title and settlement companies. FinCen estimates the rule will require about 800,000 to 850,000 reports to be filed annually. Read on to learn much time it's estimated to gather and report this information, how much the regulation will cost the industry and what changes ALTA has suggested FinCEN make to the rule. ALTA will host a two-day virtual bootcamp to help title and settlement companies prepare for the rule.

 ALTA Asks Treasury to Rescind Real Estate AML Rule if Changes Not Made

ALTA’s asked the OMB and Department of the Treasury to review and consider rescinding FinCEN's Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate rule if changes are not made to lessen the overly burdensome requirements on small title companies.

 Recap of 2025 ALTA Advocacy Summit

More than 200 title insurance professionals attended the 2025 ALTA Advocacy Summit, which culminated with Lobby Day where we held 206 meetings with U.S. Senators, Representatives and their staffs to talk about the importance of title insurance and the services our industry provides to secure homeownership, protect property rights and help prevent fraud. Read on for a summary of all the events from the conference.

April 2025 Edition of TitleNews is Now Available

The cover article of this member-only edition highlights the ongoing importance of compliance. Even with changes in D.C., rules like RESPA still apply. The article outlines strategies for effective compliance, including implementation of ALTA’s Best Practices. Other articles in this edition discuss a Vermont court that addressed a title insurer’s duty to provide defense and/or coverage to an insured; FinCEN eliminated BOI reporting requirements for U.S. companies; Black homeownership rate sees the largest annual increase among racial groups; Big Four earnings from 2024; Strategies for navigating AI change management; and Rocket acquires Redfin and its title company, Title Forward. As a highlight, we've added a new feature: a short video summary of the edition.

 FAQs About FinCEN Reporting Requirements for Non-financed Residential Real Estate Transfers

In August 2024, FinCEN issued a final rule requiring certain industry professionals to report information to FinCEN about non-financed transfers of residential real estate to a legal entity or trust. This nationwide reporting framework will replace the GTOs. This rule goes into effect Dec. 1, 2025. Because of potential penalties, it's essential title and settlement companies understand when they need to file a FinCEN report. While FinCEN has provided FAQs, the staff at Knight Barry Title put together additional FAQs after fielding questions from customers about the rule. Want to learn more about what the rule to get prepared for compliance? ALTA will host a two-day virtual bootcamp. Click here for more information and to register. 

FinCEN Renews Real Estate Geographic Targeting Orders

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on Oct. 15 renewed its Geographic Targeting Orders (GTO) that requires U.S. title insurance companies to identify the natural persons behind shell companies used in non-financed purchases of residential real estate. The terms of the GTOs are effective through Oct. 9, 2025. FinCEN issued a final rule requiring certain industry professionals to report information to FinCEN about non-financed transfers of residential real estate to a legal entity or trust. This nationwide reporting framework will replace the GTOs. The rule goes into effect Dec. 1, 2025. ALTA will host a two-day virtual bootcamp to help title and settlement companies prepare for the rule. Click here for more information and to register.

 How to Spot Phishing: A Guide to Keeping Your Operation Safe

Phishing is one of the oldest tricks in the hacker playbook—but also one of the most effective. And it’s not just big businesses being targeted—individuals and small title agencies are vulnerable. The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. You just need to know what to look for and how to respond.

FinCEN Eliminates BOI Reporting Requirements for U.S. Companies

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and persons to report beneficial ownership information to the agency under the Corporate Transparency Act. Most title companies were already exempt from this reporting requirement due to the rule’s exemption for state licensed insurance producers. The Treasury’s announcement could still impact the title and settlement services industry as it works to prepare for the anti-money laundering (AML) regulations for residential real estate transfers. Read on.

 FinCEN Issues Geographic Targeting Order for Certain Money Services Businesses

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) to further combat the illicit activities and money laundering of Mexico-based cartels and other criminal actors along the southwest border of the United States. This GTO is separate from FinCEN’s real estate GTO, which runs through April 14.

Top 5 Hot Topics in Commercial Real Estate

It's essential for professionals engaged in commercial transactions, whether closing or underwriting, to consider the legal and ethical issues involved and use appropriate legal concepts to complex commercial scenarios and evaluate the possible outcomes and risks for the parties involved. This webinar discusses foreign ownership of U.S. real estate, alternative lending scenarios, FinCEN’s AML rule, wire fraud and cyber incidents in the commercial space, and distressed property transactions.

 Treasury Suspends Enforcement of Business Ownership Information Reporting

The Treasury Department announced it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting rule required under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Most title companies were already exempt from this reporting requirement due to the rule’s exemption for state licensed insurance producers. However, this announcement by the Treasury could still impact the title and settlement services industry as it works to prepare for the anti-money laundering (AML) regulations for residential real estate transfers.

Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Back On; FinCEN Extends Deadline

Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) are once again back in effect following a U.S. district court ruling in a Texas case. Following the ruling, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert announcing a new March 21, 2025, deadline for most companies to file an initial, updated and/or corrected BOI report. FinCEN also announced it intends to initiate a process this year to revise BOI reporting rules to reduce the burden on lower-risk entities, including many U.S. small businesses.

U.S. Supreme Court Allows Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement

Following the ruling, however, FinCEN on Jan. 24 issued guidance that reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN despite the ruling in the Texas Top Cop Shop case due to a separate nationwide order issued by a different federal judge in Texas.