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FinCEN & Regulators Update SAR FAQs for Financial Institutions

13 October 2025

FinCEN & Regulators Update SAR FAQs for Financial Institutions

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network FinCEN, alongside the Federal Reserve, FDIC, NCUA, and OCC, issued updated FAQs on Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) requirements.

 

 

The FAQs aim to clarify compliance expectations for financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). 

Key points include: 

➡️ Structuring Activity: Firms only need to file SARs for transactions at or near the $10,000 Currency Transaction Report (CTR) threshold when evasion is suspected. 

➡️ AML/CFT Controls: Firms must operate risk-based AML/CFT programs capable of detecting and reporting suspicious activity.  

➡️ Continuing Activity: Post-SAR reviews aren’t required; firms should rely on risk-based monitoring instead.  

➡️ SAR Documentation: Documenting SAR non-filings isn’t mandatory, though brief internal notes documenting the rationale are recommended. 

Firms should align AML/CFT frameworks with FinCEN’s updated SAR guidance, focusing on risk-based monitoring, effective escalation, and proportionate documentation.