What is required of financial institutions under the Annunzio-Wylie money laundering act?

The Annunzio-Wylie Money Laundering Act requires financial institutions to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when they detect certain behavior that may indicate money laundering or related financial crimes. The responsibility to file a SAR is critical for the identification and reporting of suspicious activities, helping authorities maintain the integrity of the financial system. By requiring institutions to document and report these observations, the act aims to facilitate the detection of criminal activity and improve law enforcement's ability to combat money laundering.

Filing an SAR is a preventive measure that directly supports ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate financial transactions, thereby enhancing the overall security of the financial sector. It is not a requirement for institutions to report clients to the FBI, notify clients if an SAR is filed, or conduct yearly audits; rather, the focus of the Annunzio-Wylie Act is on the necessity for the timely filing of SARs to alert authorities of potential unlawful activities.