Writing Effective SAR Narratives
Law enforcement officials and financial institution examiners often say that Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) narratives are inadequate. The narrative portion of a SAR is critical to understanding the nature and circumstances of the suspicious activity. The care with which the narrative is completed may determine whether the described activity and its possible criminal nature are clearly understood by investigators. Filers must provide a clear, complete, and concise description of the activity, including what was unusual or irregular that caused suspicion.
This session will explain what information should be included in the narrative, the level of information needed and how the information should be presented. We’ll also discuss some tips from law enforcement officials to help craft narratives that provide the most effective snapshots of the activity and transactions being reported.
Covered Topics
Thresholds for Filing SARs
The Importance of the SAR Narrative
Answering the 5 Ws (and the How)
What to Leave In, What to Leave Out
Using Descriptive Terms
Documentation
Tips from Law Enforcement
Confidentiality of SARs
Who Should Attend?
This session will be beneficial for Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Officers, Compliance Officers, CEOs, and staff responsible for reporting suspicious activity.
Presenter
Kristen Tatlock is a nationally-known speaker and compliance consultant with over 30 years of experience in the bank and credit union compliance arena. Kristen assists credit unions with issues ranging from advertising rules to bylaws, from Social Media compliance matters to Regulation Z, and just about every regulation and compliance concern in between.
Kristen has earned Compliance and Bank Secrecy Act certifications from the two national credit union trade associations. She regularly presents compliance training programs for CUNA, NAFCU, and many state Leagues around the country. She has also edited and revised numerous compliance training courses and modules for CUNA CPD and has authored several articles for various CUNA publications.
Registration Options
“Live” Web connection – $265
6-month “OnDemand” website link only – $295
CD-ROM and e-materials only – $345
Live plus OnDemand website link – $365
Premier Package: Live, OnDemand link, and CD-ROM plus – $395
