Suspicious Activity Reporting
Compliance Certificate

By the end of this AML Certified programme, learners will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and importance of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in the detection and disruption of money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of financial crime, both in the UK and within the global compliance framework.
• Define personal and corporate responsibilities for reporting suspicion or knowledge of criminal property or activity, in line with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000, and the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
• Interpret and apply key concepts and thresholds related to SAR decision-making, including unusual activity, objective and subjective suspicion, knowledge, and consent under the UK’s legal regime.
• Demonstrate when and how to make a SAR, including what constitutes meaningful intelligence, how to complete a compliant report, and how to meet prescribed submission requirements to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Manage the operational and legal risks that arise post-reporting, including the risk of tipping off, prejudicing an investigation, and constructive trusteeship, as well as maintaining appropriate customer relationship management during periods of consent.
• Evaluate and enhance SAR frameworks within the firm, using trend analysis, audit insights, and law enforcement feedback to strengthen internal systems and controls, while integrating SAR data into the wider financial crime risk assessment.

This certified SARs and AML compliance programme is ideal for professionals seeking to build specialist expertise in suspicious activity reporting and strengthen their firm’s financial crime response capabilities, including:

• MLROs and Deputy MLROs responsible for firm-wide SAR processes, escalation procedures, and engagement with the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Heads of Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) looking to enhance internal SAR governance, improve reporting quality, and align with UK, and EU regulatory standards.
• Risk Managers, Investigators, and Internal Auditors assessing the design, execution, and effectiveness of SAR frameworks and post-reporting controls.
• Nominated Officers and Deputy Nominated Officers with direct responsibility for managing suspicion, receiving internal reports, and ensuring proper documentation and submission.
• Aspiring AML Leaders preparing to step into roles involving SAR oversight, regulatory engagement, and broader financial crime responsibilities.

All GCAL certified programmes are delivered online via an on-demand, instructor-led video format, with the flexibility to study at your own pace.

• Hosted via GCAL’s digital learning platform
• Interactive elements, including real-world case studies and scenario-based learning
• Clear learning journey with access to support materials, reading lists, and guided exercises
• Final assessment includes a 20-question multiple-choice exam
• Duration – 7–10 hours of learning time

This advanced SARs programme of learning blends regulatory insight with applied learning, equipping learners to manage the full lifecycle of suspicious activity reporting an includes the following:

• Understanding Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Their Importance Explore the purpose and power of SARs within the UK’s financial crime framework. Understand what constitutes a SAR, why they matter, and how they contribute to the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and economic crime. Includes insights from the UK NCA’s Annual SARs Report highlighting current trends, volumes, and real-world outcomes from submitted reports.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for SAR Compliance: Gain clarity on the legal foundations underpinning SARs, including the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Terrorism Act 2000, Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and recent amendments under the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2023. Understand how these laws interact with the FATF’s 40 Recommendations, the global standard for suspicious activity reporting.
• Case Law and the Role of the Nominated Officer: Examine key UK case law—including HSBC v Shah, R v Squirrel, R v Da Silva, and K v NatWest Bank—to understand the legal precedent shaping SAR expectations. Learn the responsibilities of the Nominated Officer, including managing internal reports
• Law Enforcement Insights – How SARs Are Used: Gain exclusive insight into how SARs are utilised by UK law enforcement and intelligence agencies through the NCA’s “SARs in Action” publications. Learn how SARs inform investigations, asset recovery, and enforcement operations—and understand how your report can generate real-world impact.
• Managing SARs – Systems, Controls, and Reporting Frameworks: Learn how to establish a proportionate and effective SAR reporting framework within your firm. This includes designing appropriate systems and controls, setting up escalation processes, documenting decisions, and managing internal communications—supported by practical templates from the SAR Reporting Handbook.
• Reporting in Practice – Decision-Making and Risk Scenarios: Apply your learning to real-world scenarios through case study analysis. Explore common risk situations and develop the judgement to decide when to report, when to escalate internally, or when alternative action is appropriate. Emphasis is placed on assessing objective vs subjective suspicion thresholds and documenting the rationale for action taken.
• Post-Reporting Risk Management and Compliance Integration: Understand how to manage critical post-reporting risks, including tipping off, prejudicing an investigation, and constructive trusteeship. Learn how to monitor reporting trends, test the effectiveness of your SAR framework, and use SAR data to inform your firm-wide risk assessment. Conclude with an analysis of the FCA’s enforcement action against NatWest Bank, exploring lessons learned for internal governance and controls.

• Number of Questions: 20
• Question Format: Multiple Choice
• Pass Mark: 70%

Your result will appear immediately upon submitting your answers. If you meet the pass mark, a digital badge and e-certificate will be issued instantly via the GCAL LMS. You’ll also receive a secure link to share your certification on LinkedIn, with your employer, or across your professional network.

See our Assessment Terms & Conditions for more information.

Learners who successfully complete the course and assessment will receive:

• GCAL Advanced Suspicious Activity Reporting Compliance Certificate
• The post-nominal designation GC(AdvSARs)
• A digital badge – shareable and verifiable via LinkedIn and other professional platforms