Global Finance Leaders to Tackle U.S.-Mexico Tax at Mérida Summit

MÉRIDA, Mexico – February 13, 2026 – Top financial policymakers, government officials, and legal practitioners from the United States and Mexico will convene next week in Mérida for a high-stakes dialogue on the future of cross-border taxation, wealth management, and financial regulation. The 2026 International Tax Conference, running February 16-17, is widely recognized as the premier forum in the Americas for addressing the intricate economic relationship between the two neighboring nations.

Now in its fourth year of co-hosting by the diversified business law firm Chamberlain Hrdlicka, the conference is presented by the University of San Diego School of Law – Chamberlain International Tax Institute. This partnership builds on a collaboration spanning more than two decades, which has cultivated the event into a critical platform for shaping strategic solutions for businesses and families navigating the increasingly complex U.S.-Mexico financial corridor.

Geopolitical and Economic Titans Take Center Stage

This year's conference is distinguished by a keynote fireside chat featuring two of the world's most influential financial figures. Dr. Agustín Carstens, who has served as Mexico's secretary of the treasury, chair of the Banco de México, and general manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), will provide insights from a career at the apex of global monetary policy. His perspective is expected to frame the macroeconomic challenges and opportunities facing the U.S.-Mexico partnership.

Joining him is Luis Urrutia Corral, the current president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. As General Counsel for the cryptocurrency platform Bitso and a former general counsel for both the Banco de México and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Urrutia brings a unique blend of experience in traditional finance, digital assets, and international regulatory enforcement. Their discussion is anticipated to cover global financial stability, the fight against illicit financial flows, and the future of international governance in an era of rapid technological change.

The presence of such high-caliber speakers underscores the event's significance beyond niche tax planning, positioning it as a crucial venue for high-level geopolitical and economic discourse that directly impacts cross-border investment and regulatory policy.

Navigating a Complex Web of Cross-Border Regulations

While the keynote addresses the macro landscape, the conference's 17 advanced panels will drill down into the practical challenges facing businesses and individuals. The agenda reflects a legal and financial environment in constant flux, shaped by new legislation, shifting enforcement priorities, and major global events.

A key focus will be the newly enacted H.R. 1 tax law in the United States. Multiple sessions will dissect its comprehensive international provisions and their direct impact on American investments in Mexico, from corporate restructuring to outbound planning. This analysis is critical for multinational corporations and SMEs looking to optimize their operations under the new statutory framework.

The agenda also tackles emerging trends and unique circumstances. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by the U.S. and Mexico, a dedicated panel will explore the complex tax challenges for athletes, teams, and event organizers, covering everything from income sourcing to cross-border compliance. Another timely session will delve into the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, addressing information-reporting developments and enforcement trends that concern taxpayers and financial institutions alike.

These discussions build on themes from previous years, which addressed the rollout of the U.S. Corporate Transparency Act and its new reporting burdens for foreign investors. The continued focus on enforcement is further highlighted by a virtual session with former IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, who will discuss the agency's use of advanced tools to improve compliance.

A Legacy of Leadership in International Tax Dialogue

The conference's reputation as a premier event is anchored by the long-standing collaboration between the University of San Diego School of Law and Chamberlain Hrdlicka shareholder Patrick W. Martin, whose vision was instrumental in founding the institute. The firm's deep involvement continues to shape the dialogue.

Chamberlain Hrdlicka's role is not merely as a sponsor; its attorneys are deeply integrated into the conference's educational mission, leading numerous high-profile panels. This year, the firm's experts will guide discussions on a wide spectrum of issues, including:
* The new global landscape of migration, expatriation, and citizenship by investment.
* Valuation battles involving foreign assets in U.S. Tax Court.
* Probate litigation and estate disputes that span the U.S.-Mexico border.
* The impact of recent court decisions invalidating federal tax regulations.
* State and local tax (SALT) trends affecting Mexican exports to the United States.

This extensive participation is a reflection of the firm's recognized expertise. For 17 consecutive years, Chamberlain Hrdlicka has been ranked by Chambers & Partners among the top tax law firms in the nation, achieving a coveted Band 1 ranking for Tax Fraud and a top-tier Band 2 ranking for Tax Controversy.

"From global tax enforcement to multinational estate disputes, the issues addressed at this year's conference reflect the increasingly sophisticated challenges our clients face," said Patrick W. Martin, shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka, in a statement. "Our attorneys are proud to contribute to the dialogue at the highest levels and to help shape practical, strategic solutions for cross-border families and businesses."

Forging Solutions in an Age of Enforcement

A central theme woven throughout the conference is the heightened environment of regulatory scrutiny and tax enforcement on both sides of the border. Panels will explore the increasing use of local anti-abuse rules in international tax disputes and the challenges taxpayers face when federal regulations are struck down by the courts, creating uncertainty.

The discussions are designed to provide actionable intelligence for a broad audience, from in-house counsel at multinational corporations to financial advisors for high-net-worth families with assets in both countries. Sessions on planning for multinational families, reporting obligations for foreign trusts, and navigating investor visa requirements in an age of enforcement are tailored to address real-world risks and opportunities.

As businesses and individuals continue to deepen their ties across the U.S.-Mexico border, the need for sophisticated, forward-looking guidance has never been greater. The gathering in Mérida aims to meet that need, serving as a critical nexus for knowledge-sharing and strategic planning in one of the world's most dynamic economic partnerships.