Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) - US

Overview

Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) is a crucial component of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance, enabling financial institutions to detect and report activities that may indicate financial crime. This course provides a practical, scenario-driven introduction to STR requirements in the United States, with a focus on recognizing suspicious behavior, meeting regulatory obligations, and supporting effective compliance outcomes. You will learn the basics of suspicious activity and attempted transactions, understand how to apply the Reasonable Grounds to Suspect (RGS) threshold, and identify red flags using facts, context, and behavioral indicators. The course places special emphasis on MSB-specific warning signs and common patterns associated with money laundering and terrorist financing risks. Additionally, the course walks you through the end-to-end SAR filing process, including documentation standards, recordkeeping and retention requirements, and the importance of avoiding illegal customer tip-offs. Through concise readings, interactive activities, and realistic scenarios, you will build confidence in assessing activity, making reporting decisions, and applying STR principles consistently. Designed for frontline staff, compliance professionals, and AML teams, this course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to fulfill STR responsibilities effectively.

Syllabus

Module 1: Suspicious Activity Identification and SAR Reporting

In this module, you will develop the essential skills and knowledge to identify and report suspicious transactions in compliance with U.S. anti-money laundering regulations. You will begin by learning a clear framework for defining suspicious activity using facts, context, and indicators, and by distinguishing between unusual activity and truly suspicious behavior, including understanding the Reasonable Grounds to Suspect (RGS) threshold and the difference between attempted transactions and simple inquiries. Through realistic scenarios and interactive activities, you will strengthen your ability to identify red flags across customer identity, customer behavior, and transaction patterns, with specialized guidance for money services businesses. The module also walks you through the complete SAR workflow—from detection and analysis to documentation and submission—while reinforcing key compliance requirements such as proper recordkeeping, retention periods, and avoiding illegal tipping off of customers.

Module 2: Final Assessment and Course Summary

This module evaluates your understanding of key concepts through a comprehensive final assessment. The module also summarizes essential takeaways and provides guidance on next steps.