Do you have any resources for us on filing SARs?

The rules and regulations that govern suspicious activity reports (SARs) can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, 31 CFR 1020 (rules for banks). Many important rules are in Section 1020.320. 

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has several publications related to SARs: Trends, Tips & Issues and their annual SAR Activity Review — By the Numbers. To find an article on a specific topic, they have a useful subject index with direct links to articles. 

Our Regulatory University (a free benefit for IBA members) include a “Suspicious Activity Reporting” course. If you aren’t signed up for that yet, please let us know and we can walk you through the process. 

Otherwise, please note that we cannot discuss any specific situation involved in a SAR that you file. The FinCEN regulations prohibit you from disclosing “a SAR or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR.” 31 CFR 1020.320(e)also see FinCEN’s recent Advisory on this topic.