What action should a compliance officer take upon identifying potential money laundering activities?

The appropriate action for a compliance officer upon identifying potential money laundering activities is to file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). Filing a SAR is a critical step in the regulatory framework designed to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. This report provides the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and other relevant authorities with specific details about the suspicious transaction, enabling them to investigate further and take necessary actions.

By filing a SAR, the compliance officer is fulfilling their legal obligation to report suspicious activities while also protecting the institution from potential liability related to money laundering. The SAR serves as a formal documentation that demonstrates due diligence on the part of the compliance officer, which is essential in the financial industry.

Although reporting to law enforcement is vital in specific scenarios, it is typically done after filing a SAR, as the SAR allows for a proper assessment by the responsible authorities. Conducting an internal investigation might delay reporting, reducing the effectiveness of the response and potentially violating regulatory requirements. Filing a Personnel Action Report is not relevant to addressing money laundering concerns. Thus, the SAR plays a crucial role in ensuring due compliance and regulatory oversight within the financial system.