Both flag suspicion, but schemas, method codes, and validation catalogues differ. Do not copy-paste a US SAR into a Canadian STR path.
Suspicious activity reporting is a shared AML idea with jurisdiction-specific mechanics. FinCEN SAR and FINTRAC STR both capture unusual activity — they do not share field IDs, batch envelopes, or reject codes.
- SAR packs emphasize FinCEN Attachment A document structure and continuing-activity / prior BSA identifiers.
- STR packs emphasize FINTRAC API validation rules, including account/reference consistency and method codes.
- Cross-border programs need two packs and two filing paths — not one “suspicion” JSON.
A pre-file validator should make the jurisdiction explicit in the UI (regulator + report type) so analysts never “almost” file the wrong catalogue.