On February 27, FinCEN issued an order granting exemptive relief to certain banks from the recordkeeping and reporting requirements of a geographic targeting order (GTO) issued in Minnesota, which took effect February 12 (covered by InfoBytes here). The agency noted the GTO was part of broader Treasury efforts to combat purported widespread government benefits fraud in Minnesota and had required institutions located in Hennepin and Ramsey counties to report certain international funds transfers of $3,000 or more. FinCEN exempted covered banks from reporting funds transfers where the originator is one of 16 regulated entities under 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230(e)(2). The order also temporarily exempted banks from recording or reporting on a limited category of transfer information from account holder customers until May 13. FinCEN stated that institutions must continue meeting all other obligations under the GTO.