| name | AML alert narrative |
| description | Write the factual narrative behind a monitoring alert for an analyst to decide on. |
| category | security |
Writing an alert narrative
The analyst needs the facts assembled, in order, with nothing characterised.
The structure
What the rule fired on, in plain language · the transactions that triggered it,
with dates, amounts, counterparties and channels · what the customer's expected
activity is, from onboarding · how the observed activity differs · what the
customer has said about it, if anything · prior alerts on this customer and how
they were closed.
Neutral language, throughout
"Six transfers of 9,800 over eight days to three new counterparties" is the
narrative. "Structuring" is a conclusion, and writing it changes what the file
means.
Always include
The negative findings — the checks made that found nothing. An analyst needs to
know what has already been looked at.
Never
Reach a conclusion, recommend a filing, use typology names as descriptions, or
tell the customer that any of this is happening.