Recognising & Reporting Suspicious Activity in the UK

Course 4 of 6 in the StudyAML UK Series This course focuses on how suspicious activity is identified, assessed, and reported within the UK’s AML and CFT framework. Learn how suspicion forms, how red flags and typologies signal risk, and how timely escalation and accurate SAR reporting protect both individuals and institutions. Recognise the signals. Escalate with confidence. Protect the integrity of UK financial services.

20 - 25 minutes

Certificate Included

United Kingdom

Description

This 20–25 minute self-paced course equips financial services professionals with the practical skills needed to recognise and report suspicious activity in line with UK legal and regulatory expectations. Participants will explore the difference between unusual and suspicious behaviour, how reasonable grounds to suspect are formed, and why behavioural changes and transaction patterns matter. The course explains reporting obligations under the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Terrorism Act, including internal escalation requirements, the DAML process, and the importance of avoiding tipping off. Through realistic scenarios and typology-based examples, learners will understand how to identify red flags, prepare high-quality SAR information, and manage customer interactions lawfully and confidently. This course builds on earlier UK AML modules by translating legal principles into day-to-day decision-making — strengthening judgement, consistency, and reporting culture across regulated firms.

What will you learn?

Module 1 — Understanding Suspicious Activity
Learn the difference between unusual and suspicious behaviour, how suspicion develops, and why changes in customer behaviour often signal risk.
Module 2 — Legal Obligations Under POCA & the Terrorism Act
Understand the duty to disclose, failure to report offences, internal escalation requirements, and how the DAML process and moratorium periods work.
Module 3 — Red Flags & Typologies
Explore transactional, behavioural, and sector-specific red flags, including trade-based money laundering, cash-intensive businesses, charities, and crypto-related risks.
Module 4 — Internal Escalation & SAR Preparation
Learn how concerns should be escalated internally, the role of the MLRO, and how to support clear, effective SAR narratives aligned with UKFIU expectations.
Module 5 — Confidentiality, Tipping Off & Legal Protections
Understand what you can and cannot say to customers, how to avoid tipping off, and the legal protections available to staff who report in good faith.