Mastering SAR Writing:
Crafting Clear, Concise, & Actionable Reports

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | MARCH 26, 2025 | 11:00 AM ET

ABOUT THE EVENT

Upgrade your SAR skills with this 2.5 hour hands-on workshop, designed for and by financial crime professionals. Guided by experts in compliance programs and law enforcement, you’ll hone your skills through learning sessions, interactive group activities and take-home resources.

We may be focused on fundamentals, but that doesn't mean this is a "SAR 101" session. Instead, we're giving you practical, repeatable guidance and steps you can use to boost the value of your reporting.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Structure SARs effectively using the "5 W's" approach
  • Identify key audiences for SARs and articulate how to write at their level
  • Write clear, concise narratives that highlight relevant information for key audiences
  • Document red flags and typologies accurately
  • Apply best practices for transaction analysis and summarization

Workshop Structure

SAR Fundamentals

Effective SAR Writing

Investigative Best Practices

Hands-on Excercise: SAR Narrative Review

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Anyone with a role in writing SARs, or supporting SAR filing, will benefit from this workshop. While the content is focused on the U.S. regulatory framework for reporting, most of the material, exercises and best practices will be applicable to professionals in other jurisdictions. In addition, law enforcement agents who use SARs will also benefit from learning the process and procedures that goes into their creation. Example roles include:  

  • AML analysts and investigators
  • Fraud analysts and investigators
  • AML team leaders
  • Fraud team leaders
  • Federal, state and local law enforcement

REGISTER

Member Pricing

Sold out

March 26, 2025 | 11 AM-1:30 PM ET

Non-Member Pricing

Sold out

March 26, 2025 | 11 AM-1:30 PM ET

AGENDA

SAR Fundamentals

Topics Covered:

    • Purpose of SARs in financial investigations
    • Regulatory requirements (BSA, FinCEN, FATF guidelines)
    • How law enforcement uses SARs in investigations

Effective SAR Writing

Topics Covered:

    • Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How (5Ws + H)
    • Structuring SAR narratives for clarity and impact
    • Avoiding vague language and unnecessary details
    • Common mistakes that weaken SAR effectiveness
 

Investigation Best Practices 

Topics Covered:

    • Using factual, objective, and chronological storytelling
    • Aligning narratives with transaction records
    • Key phrases and keywords for law enforcement readability
    • Red flags for money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes
 

Hands-On Exercise: SAR Narrative Review

The House Always Wins? The State of Play in Casino and Gaming AML ComplianceNetworking and Discussion

Activity:

    • Participants receive a financial crime case scenarios.
    • Review SAR narratives based on the provided data.
    • Peer review session with feedback from the instructor.
 

Q&A & Closing Remarks

Topics Covered:

    • Recap of SAR writing best practices
    • Additional SAR resources and compliance tool
    • Open Q&A Session

Meet Your Instructors

John Tobon

Adjunct Professor

After 31 years of distinguished service, Mr. Tobon retired from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as Assistant Director. In this position he led HSI’s global strategy targeting Transnational Organized Crime. Mr. Tobon is renowned for his expertise in money laundering and financial crime, often contributing analyses to national and international media.

Mr. Tobon is also known for his exceptional ability to foster collaboration between government agencies and private industry partners, driving successful joint initiatives. His deep understanding of both sectors allows him to bridge gaps, aligning goals and creating mutually beneficial solutions. He has consistently facilitated open communication; building trust and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned in achieving common objectives.

Through his collaborative approach, Mr. Tobon has helped streamline efforts, optimize resources, and maximize impact across a variety of complex projects, including serving as a Senior Advisor to FinCEN during the implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 and the Corporate Transparency Act. He has been instrumental in shaping international anti-money laundering policy through his work as part of U.S. delegations to multi-national bodies, such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and regularly sharing his expertise at global conferences and training sessions.

Mr. Tobon remains actively engaged in the fight against financial crime through his work as a consultant and as an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he teaches on Global Financial Crimes.

He holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York (CUNY), John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is a Certified Professional Coach, and is a native Spanish speaker.

FIU Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs

Becki LaPorte

Strategic Advisor

Becki LaPorte is a Strategic Advisor in Datos Insights’ Fraud & AML practice. She is also the founder and CEO of Exodus Partners Group, LLC, a boutique consulting firm.

Becki brings nearly 25 years of financial crime compliance and business experience including conducting investigations, developing and delivering comprehensive training, and consulting on program design, development, and implementation.

She has served as the Director, Global Risk and Compliance at Computer Services, Inc., Chief AML Officer at Advisor Group (now Osaic), and Associate Director, Lead Compliance Trainer, Regulatory Operations at FINRA®.

She is a Financial Intelligence Specialist and a Certified Financial Crime Specialist where she also serves as a member of the ACFCS Advisory Board.

She is a graduate of Penn State University and is currently enrolled at PennWest University in the Masters degree program in the field of Criminology, Behavioral Crime Analysis.

Datos Insights

Meet Your Hosts

Brian Svoboda-Kindle

Strategic Advisor, Fraud & AML

ACFCS

Cheyenne Vyska

Training Manager

ACFCS

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I register?

Purchase your seat(s) above!

Following the purchase of your seat(s) a confirmation of enrollment will be sent out 1-2 business days following enrollment with additional details on access.

Can we register as a group?

Yes. After adding to cart, click the edit icon in the top right hand corner - this will allow you to adjust the number of seats in your cart. Following purchase, a member of the ACFCS team will reach out to confirm names and emails for your purchased seats.

Can I cancel my registration?

Seats are non-refundable per the refund policy below.
If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact customer service at customerservice@acfcs.org.

E-learning services are intangible goods. As such, they are impossible to return once accessed, and we cannot provide any refunds for purchased e-learning products. Refunds will only be provided in instances where we are unable to provide you with the e-learning package that you purchased from us. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions to learn more.

When does registration close?

Registration closes the day prior to the workshop. For the best user experience, we recommend enrolling at least 2 days prior to the workshop to allow time to complete any pre-work.

Access

How do I access the virtual workshop?

This Workshop is hosted on Zoom.

  • A unique webinar link will be emailed to registered participants no later than 24 hours before the event
  • Click the link 10-15 minutes before the start time
  • If prompted, enter the webinar ID and your name/email
  • You will join as an attendee (cameras and microphones will be disabled by default)

What if I lose my login credentials?

Please contact our support team at customerservice@acfcs.org.

Technical Requirements

What are the System Requirements?

Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS 10.13+, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, or Android
Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (latest versions recommended)
Internet Connection: Minimum 1.5 Mbps upload/download speed (3+ Mbps recommended)
Hardware: Webcam and microphone (built-in or external)

Will I need to download any software?

Software Requirements

No additional software download required for browser access

Optional: Zoom App Installation & Setup

  • Download the Zoom client from zoom.us/download before the workshop
  • Test your setup at zoom.us/test
  • Create a free Zoom account if you don't already have one
  • Ensure your Zoom client is updated to the latest version

I am having difficulties with Zoom, what do I do?

Troubleshooting

  • If audio/video issues occur, try refreshing your browser or restarting the Zoom client
  • Disable VPN connections which may interfere with video streaming
  • Close unused applications to improve performance
  • Switch to a wired ethernet connection if WiFi is unstable
  • If completely disconnected, rejoin using the same link

Will I need audio / video capabilities?

Yes! This workshop is interactive, please come prepared to be on camera and on mic!

Audio/Video Requirements

  • Webcam or built-in camera for video meetings
  • Microphone (built-in or external)
  • Speakers or headphones
  • Recommended: Headset with microphone for best audio quality

During the Workshop

What interactive features are available during the workshop?

Webinar Interaction

Q&A Panel: Submit questions to presenters anytime during the session
Chat: Send messages to hosts, panelists, or other attendees
Polls: Participate in interactive polls launched by the host
Raise Hand: Virtually raise your hand to be recognized
Reactions: Use emoji reactions to provide non-verbal feedback

Will a recording be available?

No.
To facilitate the most open and actionable dialogues, workshops will not be recorded and will not be recorded or available for viewing on-demand.

What if I experience technical difficulties during the event?

Troubleshooting

  • If audio/video issues occur, try refreshing your browser or restarting the Zoom client
  • Disable VPN connections which may interfere with video streaming
  • Close unused applications to improve performance
  • Switch to a wired ethernet connection if WiFi is unstable
  • If completely disconnected, rejoin using the same link

If you need additional assistance, please contact customerservice@acfcs.org

Where do I find my Certificate of Participation?

Certificates of Participation will be provided via email following the completion of the workshop.

Additional Support

I am not based in the United States, is this Workshop still relevant to me?

While the content and examples will primarily focus on US best practices and standards, the core principles and strategies discussed may be applicable across many international contexts.

 

Do I have to complete the pre-work in order to receive credit for the workshop?

No, pre-work is not required to receive credit for attending the workshop. You will receive full credit for participation by attending the live Zoom webinar session. However, we strongly recommend completing the pre-work materials for better understanding of the workshop content and for easier engagement in discussions and activities.

 

Where can I find help during the event?

Support is available through our help desk:
- Help desk email: customerservice@acfcs.org

Where is my Certificate of Participation?

Certificates will be provided via email following the completion of the workshop.

Where do I find more information on CFCS?

Interested in getting certified? Find more information here: CFCS Certification Overview

Where do I find more information on Enterprise and Group pricing?

Interested in getting an Enterprise or Group Package? Find more information here for groups of 10 or more : Enterprise Solutions and Groups

How do I get involved with my local Chapter?

Interested in getting involved with your local ACFCS Chapter? Find your chapter here: ACFCS Chapters