If you suspect that a person or transaction is linked to a crime, you must submit a suspicious matter report (SMR) to AUSTRAC. SMRs help protect Australia against money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious and organised crime. They are also an important part of your AML/CTF reporting obligations.

This includes where you reasonably suspect a person is committing a crime, is not who they claim to be, or could be the victim of a crime.

The information generated from your SMRs plays a crucial role in identifying potential illegal activity and assists in the detection and prevention of the flow of illegal funds through Australia’s financial system. High-quality, accurate and timely SMRs give us the best chance to detect, deter and disrupt criminal and terrorist activity. 

Timing is critical

Police rely on financial transaction information to track criminals and criminal activity. The timeliness of your SMRs is critical to protecting Australians from serious crime and terrorism.

You must submit an SMR to AUSTRAC:

• within 24 hours if the suspicion is related to terrorism financing
• within 3 business days if the suspicion is related to other matters such as money laundering

Learn more about your SMR reporting obligations and how to submit an SMR.