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 firm 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.

Other resources

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

The UKFIU has guidance on:


Watch a video demonstration of the SARs online portal.

Read the UKFIU's SARs in Action magazine. This covers how SARs fight serious and organised crime, reporting vulnerability and welfare concerns, and tackling economic crime awards.

Listen to the UKFIU's podcast on the legal sector: challenges and opportunities.

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 defences against money laundering (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.