TRACFIN: the fight against money laundering
TRACFIN (Traitement du Renseignement et Action contre les Circuits Financiers clandestins) is the French French financial intelligence unit attached to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance to combat money laundering. .
Table of contents
TRACFIN: What is it?
TRACFIN (Traitement du Renseignement et Action contre les Circuits FINanciers clandestins) is the French French financial intelligence unit attached to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.
Created in 1990, this national structure's main mission is to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and economic or financial fraud.
TRACFIN IN REAL ESTATE
Why TRACFIN is important in the real estate sector
As part of a property transaction (sale, purchase, rental investment, etc.), professionals such as notaries, estate agents and financial institutions may be required to carry out enhanced checks to detect suspicious money flows or illicit financing.
TRACFIN relies on their reports to identify abnormal transactions.
And so, TRACFIN plays a key role in ensuring that property transactions take place within a legal and transparent framework - a guarantee of security for all market players (buyers, sellers, professionals).
TRACFIN's main tasks
3.1 Detection and analysis of suspect flows
TRACFIN collects and analyses suspicious transaction reports sent by regulated professionals (banks, notaries, estate agents, etc.) when a transaction or transfer of funds appears unusual or inexplicable.
3.2 Blocking or opposing transactions
If TRACFIN considers that a transaction presents a serious risk, it may exercise a right of objection, This can block the transaction for the duration of an investigation, in particular to prevent money laundering or the financing of illegal activities.
3.3 Transmission to the judicial authorities
When investigations reveal serious suspicions, TRACFIN forwards information to the relevant authorities (judicial, police, administrative), which may lead to prosecution.
Who is affected? Subject to the obligation of vigilance
🔎 Transparency and traceability Each transfer of funds, contribution or financing must be justified.
🛡️ Legal certainty Using professionals who comply with TRACFIN obligations guarantees that the transaction complies with the law.
🌐 Trust and reliability For an investor or buyer, a property managed in compliance with TRACFIN is a guarantee of reliability.
⚠️ Risk of blockage In the event of suspicion, the transaction may be suspended until clarification.
In conclusion
TRACFIN is a central pillar of financial and property regulation in France. For an estate agency like ours - Amanda Properties - Understanding and complying with these obligations is not just a legal requirement: it's a real guarantee of trust, transparency and security for our customers.
Driven by vigilance, integrity and expertise, we are committed to conducting every transaction in accordance with these best practices.
This guaranteed vigilance system is a genuine guarantee of trust, transparency and security for our customers..
🤝 Amanda Properties helps you sell and buy in compliance with TRACFIN
At Amanda Properties, We offer much more than a property service: we provide our customers with a complete a secure, transparent transaction that fully complies with TRACFIN requirements.
Thanks to our recognised expertise and our in-depth knowledge of the regulations, we guarantee tailor-made support that protects your interests and enhances the value of your assets.
Whether you're selling or buying, you'll benefit from a reliable, risk-free process designed to instil absolute confidence at every stage.
📞 Contact us to find out more about our properties for sale and to take advantage of a special offer. individual support in your property project in full compliance with the requirements of the French Financial Intelligence Unit.
I want to buy a property. Why is the agency asking me for so many documents? Is this normal?
Yes, that's totally normal.
Estate agents are legally obliged to check your identity and sometimes the origin of the funds.
They apply the TRACFIN rules, which are designed to prevent fraud and money laundering.
Without these documents, they do not have the right to proceed with the transaction.
What exactly is TRACFIN? A sort of financial police force?
Not exactly, but almost.
TRACFIN is a department of the Ministry of the Economy responsible for identifying suspicious financial transactions.
It analyses alerts sent by professionals (banks, notaries, estate agents, etc.).
It does not judge, but passes on to the authorities if something seems illegal.
Can the agency refuse me a sale if I don't provide my supporting documents?
Yes.
If you refuse to provide proof of identity or residence, the agency will has a legal obligation not to continue the commercial relationship.
This is provided for in the Monetary and Financial Code (articles L. 561-5 et seq.).
How does TRACFIN know that a transaction is suspicious?
TRACFIN does not monitor directly.
It is the professionals who send a declaration of suspicion when something seems incoherent :
funds arriving in an unusual way,
a buyer who cannot justify his contribution,
sudden change in financing structure,
complex set-up or strange behaviour.
TRACFIN then analyses the data.
Will I be notified if the agency makes a TRACFIN declaration about me?
No, never.
This is strictly forbidden by law (“tipping-off” ban).
The customer must neither be warned nor suspect that anything has been reported.
I'm buying a property as part of a SCI. Do I need to provide more documents?
Yes, it's possible.
As a company, you must provide :
status,
Kbis,
identity of managers and partners,
proof of source of funds if necessary.
The agency must identify the SCI's beneficial owner (a legal requirement).
Does a TRACFIN declaration necessarily block the sale?
Not at all.
Most declarations are simply analysed and sales continue as normal.
It blocks only if TRACFIN identifies a serious risk and requests a temporary stop (which is quite rare).
Should the seller also be inspected?
Yes.
TRACFIN obligations apply to both parties :
seller
buyer
The agency has to check everyone's identity, and sometimes the consistency of certain transactions.
Why are agencies so strict? Before, we never had all this.
The rules have been strengthened from 2021 :
strengthened fight against money laundering,
very heavy financial penalties,
frequent checks in the property sector.
If the agency does not comply with TRACFIN, it can be fined up to 5 million euros.
Does TRACFIN look at the amounts? For example, a €300,000 purchase?
It's not the amount that counts, but the consistency.
A modest purchase can be reported if:
the origin of the funds is unclear,
the information is contradictory,
behaviour seems suspicious.
Conversely, a multi-million purchase can go through without a hitch if everything is documented.
I'm a serious buyer. Why do I feel like I'm being vetted like a suspect?
It's normal to feel this way, but it's not not personal.
The agencies apply state-imposed rules to ensure the security of all transactions.
Most customers understand that TRACFIN protects :
sellers,
buyers,
the property market in general.
