How long must Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and supporting documentation be retained under BSA/AML requirements?

Correct answer: 5 years from the filing date

BSA/AML requires SARs and all supporting documentation to be retained for 5 years from the DATE OF FILING (not the date of the suspicious activity). Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) also require 5-year retention. This 5-year period matches the Closing Disclosure retention requirement, which can help with memorization — but the starting point differs (SARs: from filing date; CD: from consummation). FinCEN and examiners may request these records during AML examinations.