Who, indeed, is the lawmaker?

This paper discusses the influence of international bodies on national criminal policy, analyzing the case of FATF (Financial Action Task Force) intervention in Latin America's AML (Anti-money laundering) legislation and regulation. The first part of the paper contextualizes the controversial aspects of the creation and operation of FATF. Based on this framework, an empirical methodology is applied to measure how much FATF’s influence can be realized in the Latin American AML system. The data collection uses three different criteria: chronological, normative/content, and legislative-process focused. Documentation, legislation, and regulation were analyzed. The geographical approach includes the countries that are part of FATF’s regional body, the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT). Finally, the conclusion highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in FATF’s activities to allow control and genuine participation, once its influence is decisive in determining the region’s AML criminal policy.