Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) is an important tool in the fight against financial crime and is used to help detect and prevent illegal activity, identify and apprehend criminals, and protect national security. Financial institutions are required by law to report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities, and failure to do so can result in significant fines and penalties.
 

Here, we explored SAR, its nature and why it is important that businesses adhere to it today. 
 

What is Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)?
 

Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) is also often referred to as Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR). The term is used to describe the process of reporting activities that are potentially indicative of criminal activity or terrorism to the appropriate authorities for further investigation. Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) is typically carried out by financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, and involves the identification and reporting of suspicious transactions, activities, or behaviours that may be linked to money laundering, terrorism financing, or other criminal activities.
 

The Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) process typically involves collecting information about suspicious activity, such as transaction details, account information, and other relevant data. This information is then analysed by trained professionals who determine whether the activity is suspicious and warrants further investigation. 

If the activity is deemed suspicious, a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) is filed with the appropriate authorities, such as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the United States and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in Nigeria. This is usually done in compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML)  laws and regulations of countries.
 

For more on AML Compliance, read: Ultimate Guide To KYC & AML Compliance.
 

What Businesses are Required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)?
 

According to the laws and regulations of different countries, various types of businesses are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) if they detect any transactions that may involve money laundering or other illegal activities. Here are some examples of businesses that must file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs):
 

i. Financial Institutions

Banks and other financial institutions are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) of the United States. These institutions are also subject to the anti-money laundering (AML) regulations of their regulatory agencies, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for banks in Nigeria.
 

ii. Casinos and Card Clubs

Casinos and card clubs are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) under the Bank Secrecy Act of the United States and must comply with AML regulations. These businesses are regulated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and state gaming commissions.
 

iii. Securities and Futures Firms

Securities and futures firms, such as brokerage firms and commodity trading advisors, are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) under the BSA and must comply with AML regulations. These firms are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the United States.
 

iv. Jewellers and Precious Metals Dealers

Jewellers and precious metals dealers are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) in Nigeria if they engage in cash transactions above a certain threshold amount.

What are the Record Keeping Requirements for Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)?
 

It is a statutory requirement for organisations to preserve their Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) for a period of time. The mandatory time frame for keeping Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can vary depending on the jurisdiction and type of organisation filing the report. However, in the United States, under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), financial institutions must maintain a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) and the supporting documentation for a period of five (5) years from the date of filing. 
 

It is important to note that the Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing and record-keeping requirements may also be subject to additional regulations or guidance from other regulatory bodies or government agencies, depending on the type of organisation and the nature of the suspicious activity being reported. The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria is an example of such additional bodies. 

 

What are the Benefits of Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)?

Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can provide several benefits, including:

a. Preventing Financial Crimes

Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) help banks and other financial institutions identify and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, which can help prevent financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing.
 

b. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements 

Financial institutions are required by law to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in certain situations, such as when they suspect that a transaction involves illegal activity. Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) helps institutions comply with these regulatory compliance requirements.
 

c. Protection Against Legal Liability

Failing to file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) when one is required can expose a financial institution to legal liability. By filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), institutions can protect themselves against legal repercussions for failing to report suspicious activity.
 

d. Enhanced Reputation

Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) demonstrates a financial institution's commitment to combating financial crime and protecting its customers. This can enhance the institution's reputation and help build trust with customers and stakeholders.
 

e. Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies that can help them investigate and prosecute financial crimes. By filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), financial institutions can collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat financial crime and contribute to the overall safety and security of the financial system.
 

What are the Consequences of Failure to File Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)?
 

The consequences of failure to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can be severe and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the failure. Here are some possible consequences:
 

i. Civil Penalties

Financial institutions and their employees who fail to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) as required by law may face civil penalties. The penalties can range from monetary fines to regulatory sanctions.
 

Recommended: Know Your Customer (KYC) Best Practices for Businesses Today

ii. Criminal Penalties

In certain cases, failure to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can result in criminal charges against the financial institution and/or its employees. Criminal penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
 

iii. Reputational Damage

A failure to file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) can lead to reputational damage for the financial institution. This can result in a loss of trust from customers, investors, and regulators, which can have long-term negative impacts on the institution's business.
 

iv. Regulatory Action

Regulatory agencies may take action against financial institutions that fail to file SARs, including imposing fines, limiting business activities, or even revoking the institution's license to operate.
 

v. Increased Risk

Failing to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can increase the risk of financial crime and money laundering, which can harm the institution's customers and the wider financial system.
 

vi. Legal Liability

Financial institutions and their employees may be held legally liable for damages caused by a failure to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). This can result in lawsuits and significant financial settlements.
 

In summary, failure to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) can have serious consequences, both for the financial institution and its employees, as well as for the wider financial system and society as a whole. It is important for financial institutions to take their reporting obligations seriously and ensure that they comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
 

Conclusion

It is important to note that not all businesses are subject to Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) requirements. However, many businesses (especially those in the financial services industry) are still subject to AML regulations and other reporting requirements, depending on their industry and the nature of their transactions.
 

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