On 20 November 2025, the UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU), an independent unit located within the National Crime Agency, published three pieces of best practice guidance in relation to the Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) regime. This comprises:

Chapter 1 is a guide on how to register for, and navigate, the SAR Portal. It reiterates that the SAR Portal is the most efficient way to submit SARs to the UKFIU. Chapter 2 aims to help reporters submit high-quality SARs. It summarises the UK SAR regime and includes top tips on submitting a SAR, guidance on completing a SAR on the SAR Portal and FAQs in connection with the submission of a SAR. 

Chapter 3 is designed to support reporters when seeking a defence from the UKFIU: (i) under section 335 and 336 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (a DAML); or (ii) under section 21ZA of the Terrorism Act 2000 (a DATF). It includes, amongst other things, guidance on the information required by the UKFIU in order to make an informed decision on a defence request and good and poor examples of DAML wording. The guidance highlights that in the 2023/ 2024 financial year, the UKFIU received over 57,000 DAML requests and over 400 DATF requests.