STR Suspicious Transaction Report

Compliance

Detect. Report. Protect.

Finjuris Global empowers UAE businesses with STR frameworks that go beyond compliance—ensuring transparency, safeguarding reputation, and reinforcing regulatory resilience.

+971 561 365 987

In the UAE’s increasingly vigilant financial and regulatory environment, Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) plays a pivotal role in identifying and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. STRs are mandatory filings submitted to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) via the goAML platform when a business identifies potentially illicit or unusual transactions. Failure to comply can lead to hefty penalties, license revocation, and serious reputational damage.

At Finjuris Global, we understand that STR compliance isn’t just a regulatory checkbox, it’s an essential component of ethical business conduct and institutional trust. We help your organization recognize red flags, assess risk indicators, and file STRs accurately and on time. Whether you are a VASP, DNFBP, or financial institution, our STR advisory services ensure you're not just compliant, but confidently so.

What is STR (Suspicious Transaction Report)?

A Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) is a formal report submitted to a country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), in the UAE, this is done via the goAML platform operated by the UAE Central Bank. STRs are submitted by businesses when they detect or suspect that a transaction may involve money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illicit activities.

Under UAE Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism, entities such as Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), banks, and financial institutions are obligated to file STRs without tipping off the client involved.

An STR doesn’t require absolute proof—just reasonable grounds to suspect suspicious behavior. Examples include unusually large cash deposits, inconsistent business activity, third-party transactions with no economic rationale, or clients refusing to provide standard KYC documentation.

Filing an STR protects businesses from liability and demonstrates proactive compliance with UAE law and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Failure to submit an STR when required can result in penalties, license suspension, and criminal charges.

Finjuris Global helps ensure timely, accurate, and confidential STR filings aligned with legal obligations.

Why does it matter?

STR compliance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental safeguard for your business and the broader financial ecosystem. The UAE’s AML/CFT framework is aligned with FATF standards and requires businesses to play an active role in reporting suspicious behavior. Inadequate STR practices expose companies to financial penalties, reputational fallout, and increased regulatory scrutiny.

By choosing Finjuris, you gain a compliance partner who understands the complexities of both the law and your business. Our customized approach ensures your STR framework is not only compliant but also seamlessly integrated with your operations, ensuring both protection and performance.
01.

STR Policy Design & Procedure Manuals

Crafting tailored policies that define red flags, escalation thresholds, internal workflows, and standardized reporting templates—aligned with CBUAE, DFSA, and FATF guidelines.

02.

STR Monitoring Systems

Implementing digital platforms integrated into transaction cycles, automating detection of risk indicators such as high-value or rapid transactions, PEP involvement, or irregular behavior.

03.

STR Reporting via goAML

Managing registration, user access, training, and submission workflows to the FIA goAML portal, meeting federal compliance under Decree Law No. 20/2018.

04.

Threshold & Risk Scoring Models

Designing sector-specific scoring models and sanction indicators to ensure timely, accurate STR reporting.

05.

Audit-Ready STR Documentation

Creating reporting logs, decision memos, escalation chains, STR evidence packs, and ready audit trails for regulatory scrutiny.

06.

Staff Training & Simulations

Conducting interactive training sessions for frontline staff and executives on red flag identification, timely reporting, goAML submission practice, and case walkthroughs.

07.

Independent STR Compliance Audits

Annual independent reviews of STR effectiveness, compliance gaps, turnaround times, and regulatory alignment.

08.

Internal Clearance & Escalation Support

Establishing investigation protocols, STR vetting committees, senior management sign-offs, and legal review mechanisms for high-risk cases.

09.

Ongoing Program Enhancement

Regular updates to STR criteria, scenario libraries, policy manuals, and system logic based on updates from UAE regulators and FATF guidance.

Why does it matter?

STR compliance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental safeguard for your business and the broader financial ecosystem. The UAE’s AML/CFT framework is aligned with FATF standards and requires businesses to play an active role in reporting suspicious behavior. Inadequate STR practices expose companies to financial penalties, reputational fallout, and increased regulatory scrutiny.

Mandatory Legal Requirement

UAE law (Federal Decree Law No. 20/2018, CBUAE Rulebook) mandates financial institutions and DNFBPs to submit timely STRs when suspicious indicators are found—non-compliance results in penalties starting at AED 50k.

Reputation & Trust Preservation

Accurate STR systems foster trust among international banks, investors, regulatory authorities, and audit firms.

Avoiding Legal & Financial Exposure

Delayed or incorrect reporting can lead to regulatory fines, license suspensions, and potential personal liability for compliance officers.

Operational Resilience

Well-structured STR frameworks reduce false positives, enhance internal efficiency, and reduce regulatory friction.

Preventing Financial Crime

STRs are a key defense against money laundering, fraud, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial activity.

Aligning with Global AML Standards

STR compliance is a hallmark of FATF-aligned jurisdictions, bolstering the UAE's standing in cross-border financial integrity.

STR compliance strengthens the integrity of your organization and builds trust with regulators, banks, and investors. Proactive reporting not only shields you from liability but positions your company as a responsible participant in the UAE’s robust financial system.

Why Should You Choose Finjuris Global for STR Compliance?

Finjuris Global brings together regulatory insight, legal acumen, and hands-on compliance execution. With deep experience supporting VASPs, DNFBPs, and regulated entities across DIFC, ADGM, and mainland UAE, we tailor STR compliance frameworks that align with your industry, risk exposure, and regulatory obligations.

End-to-End STR Program Management

From system implementation to training, reporting, and audit readiness, we deliver a cohesive STR framework.

Sector-Specific Competency

We tailor STR frameworks to vertical risk patterns—retail banking, fintech, remittance, virtual assets, real estate, and more.

Regulatory Alignment

Our solutions are compliant with CBUAE, FIA, DFSA, ADGM, and global AML bodies.

Digital-First and Impactful

We deploy compliance dashboards and automated alerts for real-time STR detection and reporting.

Strong Training & Case Management

We coach staff using real-world scenarios and review cases to ensure timely escalation and accurate submission.

Transparent Cost Structure

Clear, fixed-fee engagement based on defined deliverables—no surprises during audits or implementation.


Choosing Finjuris means securing expert-led support in every stage of your STR journey—from policy design to filing and post-submission liaison. We help you stay one step ahead of compliance obligations so you can focus on growing your business without operational risk.

What sets us apart?

At Finjuris Global, we offer tailored AML compliance services designed to support both new and existing entities across the UAE.

01.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach

We combine legal, financial, tech, and behavioral insights into high-functioning STR systems.

02.
Regulator-Responsive Design

Our logic models are updated when regulatory bodies change criteria or thresholds, ensuring always-current compliance.

03.
Audit-Ready Culture

Simulations, logs, and internal reviews ensure readiness for any regulator request or audit visit.

04.
Global Best Practice Meets Local Precision

We blend ACAMS and FATF methodologies with UAE-specific goAML rules and case handling standards.

05.
Sustainable Compliance Evolution

STR frameworks are not static—they evolve alongside your growth, transaction volumes, and digital product offerings.

06.
RET Focus on STR impact

We design STR systems to reduce false positives while maintaining compliance, freeing up compliance resources for deeper investigations.

Our ability to blend regulatory foresight, legal depth, and technology-driven execution makes Finjuris a preferred partner for businesses aiming to stay fully compliant in today’s high-stakes regulatory landscape. When compliance matters, choose the team that delivers it smarter.

FAQs

All financial institutions (banks, insurers, money service providers, VASPs) and DNFBPs (real estate, legal, company services, jewelry dealers) must report STRs via goAML.
Transactions involving unusual size, patterns, red flags (e.g., shell address, crypto transfers), or PEP risk should be submitted without delay, ideally within 24 hours.
No, only genuine suspicious transactions. False positives should be investigated and dismissed via documented review before submission.
Yes, but ultimate accountability remains with the entity. We offer managed services with compliance officer oversight under your governance.
Fines start at AED 50,000 for first offenses; penalties and enforcement escalate with repeat non-compliance under CBUAE rulebooks.
Training is required at least annually; more frequent refreshers are advised for higher-risk staff .
Through metrics such as detection rate, false positive ratio, time-to-report, and regulatory feedback.
Yes, DFSA, ADGM, and CBUAE impose added monitoring rules for transactions involving crypto assets.
Software platforms with rule engines, customizable risk indicators, and goAML integrations.
Yes, we conduct pre-audit reviews, documentation checks, and compliance readiness to ensure smooth regulatory visits.

Reach STR Excellence with Finjuris Global

Build confidence in your operations and ensure regulatory safety with a tailored STR compliance program. Contact us today for a complimentary readiness assessment and elevate your STR defenses.

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+971 561 365 987