Which statement describes a risk related to SAR confidentiality?

• A. Disclosure can undermine ongoing and future investigations
• B. Disclosure strengthens all investigations
• C. Disclosure has no impact on investigations
• D. Disclosures are routinely shared with the public

Answer: (A)

Preserving SAR confidentiality is essential to prevent tipping off criminals and protecting investigative integrity. If a SAR is disclosed beyond authorized personnel, it can alert the subject and associates, causing them to alter or halt illicit activity, move funds to avoid detection, or destroy evidence, which undermines both ongoing and future investigations. That risk—disclosure undermining investigations—is the best description. Confidentiality isn’t about strengthening all investigations, and SARs aren’t routinely shared with the public; disclosures are tightly controlled to support enforcement.