Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) Regime Analysis

Research is required to produce an options analysis and recommendations for the design of the Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) regime. This needs to be informed by what works and does not work in the current regime, what works well abroad, and projected changes in technology, the reporting sector and criminal typologies.

Persons in the regulated sector are required under Part 7 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Terrorism Act 2000 to submit a Suspicious Activity Report in respect of information that comes to them in the course of their business if they know, or suspect or have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting, if a person is engaged in, or attempting, money laundering or terrorist financing.

A joint Home Office and National Crime Agency programme is delivering reform of the UK's Suspicious Activity Reports regime along a 'twin track' approach that will deliver short term improvements in 17/18 and set the long term design of the regime. This research will be used to contribute to the long term work stream of the programme.