Suspicious activity reports

This guide explains when and how to make a suspicious activity report (SAR), what to include, how to request a defence against money laundering (DAML) and what happens if you fail to report suspicious activity.

Protect yourself and your practice from money laundering

Complete our online AML courses, led by a leading expert in risk management.

Check the anti-money laundering guidance for the legal sector.

Call our free anti-money laundering helpline on 020 7320 9544 or email aml@lawsociety.org.uk. Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

UKFIU resources

The NCA regularly updates its guidance on SARs and requesting defences. Find out how the NCA uses SARs.

The UKFIU has guidance on:


SARs in Action magazine covers how SARs fight serious and organised crime, reporting vulnerability and welfare concerns, and tackling economic crime awards.

The UKFIU podcast covers key topics like money laundering, DAML SARs, muling and other types of fraud.

Register to attend SAR best practice workshops

The UKFIU is delivering monthly, sector-specific SAR best practice workshops.

To attend, your organisation must have a UK SARs reporting obligation and be registered for the SAR Portal.

The workshop is aimed at:

  • money laundering reporting officers (MLROs)
  • nominated officers (NOs)
  • colleagues who write SAR submissions within organisations with AML compliance teams of five or less

Register your interest using the online form.

Contact the UKFIU

To raise a concern about inappropriate use of SARs or breaches of SARs confidentiality, call 020 7238 1860.

The helpline is open 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.

For general enquiries or questions about the SARs online portal, email UKFIUengagement@nca.gov.uk or call 0207 238 8282.

For DAMLs, email daml@nca.gov.uk.

For questions about disclosures concerning terrorist financing, email UKFIUtft@nca.gov.uk.

For technical issues with the SARs online portal, email UKFIUsars@nca.gov.uk.

To share ideas or give feedback on the UKFIU magazine, email UKFIUfeedback@nca.gov.uk.