File fewer, better SARs
Supervisors care less about counts and more about usefulness to law enforcement. Here’s how to
lift quality without losing speed.
What high‑quality SARs include
- A clear narrative that explains why now.
- Assets, counterparties, and timeframes tied to the red flags.
- External context (adverse media, typologies) linked to the facts.
- Bank’s risk view and next steps (exits, EDD, monitoring).
Team mechanics
- Use a narrative template; require three named controls or data points per SAR.
- Run monthly peer reviews on a 10% sample; share top issues.
- Track law‑enforcement feedback as a KPI, not just filings.
Outcome: a measurable rise in “useful” ratings and more targeted follow‑ups.