Chocó Alliance Members Prepare for New Anti–Money Laundering Regulations

In November 2025, members of the Chocó Alliance participated in a two-day workshop in Quito to better understand Ecuador’s new legal framework on anti–money laundering and financial transparency for civil society organizations. The workshop was hosted by the financial audit firm Elite Compliance, and provided practical guidance to help conservation organizations comply with the country’s evolving regulatory environment.

The training responded to significant legal reforms introduced in 2025, which expand oversight of nonprofit organizations and require NGOs to adopt stronger systems to prevent the misuse of funds and ensure transparency in their financial operations. Under the updated framework, organizations must comply with supervision by institutions such as Ecuador’s Unidad de Análisis Financiero y Económico (UAFE) and the Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria (SEPS).

Participants received practical guidance on how to comply with these new obligations. This included understanding the requirement to appoint a Compliance Officer, developing internal anti–money laundering policies and risk management systems, conducting due diligence on donors and partners, and learning how and when to report large or suspicious financial transactions to the UAFE. These tools help organizations strengthen internal controls and ensure that funds supporting conservation work are managed transparently and responsibly.

For environmental organizations working in remote and complex territories like the Chocó region, understanding these regulations is particularly important. Conservation NGOs often operate in areas affected by illegal activities such as illegal mining and wildlife trafficking, which can create reputational and financial risks. Strengthening compliance systems helps ensure that conservation organizations remain trusted partners for donors, government institutions, and local communities.

By participating in this workshop, members of the Chocó Alliance are proactively strengthening their institutional capacity and ensuring that their operations meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability. This collective effort reflects the Alliance’s commitment not only to protecting one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, but also to maintaining strong governance and responsible management of the resources entrusted to its members.