2026 SAR Narratives

Frontline Alert: Essentials of Suspicious Activity Reporting 

What are the key red flags today's frontline needs to recognize? How should suspicious activity be escalated to the BSA Officer? What role does the frontline play in supporting the institution's SAR process?

This focused session provides frontline and operations staff with the essential knowledge and confidence needed to identify, document, and report suspicious activity effectively. Participants will learn how to recognize behavioral and transactional red flags, understand when and how to escalate, and appreciate how their observations fit into the overall BSA/ AML compliance program. 

Through interactive discussion, examples, and practical exercises, attendees will refine their ability to detect unusual activity, strengthen communication with BSA staff, and support accurate, timely Suspicious Activity Reports.

Attendees will receive a Training Program Manual and Resource Manual packed with real­ world examples, templates, and forms for immediate use. 

INSTRUCTOR:

Kristin Harville, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer 
Performance Solutions, Inc. 

Agenda Highlights:

• Roles and responsibilities in identifying and reporting suspicious activity
• Understanding the regulatory framework behind SARs
• Key red flags and behavioral indicators across products and channels
• Recognizing suspicious activity related to money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing
• Practical approaches to documenting and escalating alerts
• What happens after the alert - insight into the SAR investigation and filing process
• Common errors and best practices for improving reporting accuracy
  
  

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR:
Kristin Harville is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer with Performance Solutions, Inc., a training and consulting company that has served the banking community for over 40 years. With experience as a banker, examiner, and consultant, Kristin brings real-world insight and practical solutions to her sessions. 

Before joining PSI, Kristin led the compliance team for a $2. 7 billion financial institution, overseeing BSA, Compliance Management Systems, Internal Audit, Technology Implementation, and Enterprise Risk Management 
Kristin holds a Juris Master's Degree in Law (major in Financial Regulation) and maintains several professional certifications, including Certified Regulatory Vendor Program Manager, Certified AML and Fraud Professional (CAFP), Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), Certified Bank Secrecy Act Professional, and a Banking Certificate from the Barret School of Banking.