What is a suspicious activity report (SAR)?

A suspicious activity report (SAR) is a document that financial institutions are required to file with regulatory agencies when they observe behaviors or transactions that suggest potential illegal activity, such as money laundering or fraud. The purpose of a SAR is to aid law enforcement by alerting them to potentially suspicious or illicit activities that may require further investigation.

By reporting these activities, the financial institution plays a critical role in the larger effort to combat financial crime, contributing to the overall integrity of the banking system. The information provided in a SAR can include details about the transaction, the parties involved, and the reasons for suspicion, ensuring that authorities can take appropriate action based on the reported data.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of a SAR:

• A report detailing loan collection processes focuses on managing accounts receivable rather than identifying suspicious financial behavior.

• A document indicating regular transactions represents typical banking activity, which does not warrant a report unless it crosses into suspicious territory.

• A financial statement of a bank reflects its financial position and performance but does not provide insights into individual suspicious activities.