Reference Case Number: FOI2025/01102
Freedom of Information: Right to know request:
1. The number of Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STORs) received by the UKFIU each year, for the past three years, from October to September (including this year)
2. The average processing time (from initial alert to completion) for STORs each year, for the past three years, from October to September (including this year)
3. The total number of STORs awaiting review between October 2024 and September 2025
E.g. October 2024 to September 2025:
* 250 Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports Received
* 240 minutes - average processing time for each STOR
* 50 STORs awaiting review from the period between October 2024 and September 2025
FCA response:
We can confirm that we hold the requested information, which is set out below.
For question 1, we would like to explain that the UKFIU is a department of the National Crime Agency. They are responsible for receiving, analysing, and disseminating intelligence submitted through the Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) regime. We assume you intended to refer this request to us.
We publish the numbers requested on an annual basis, usually in February. The most recent data available covers submissions up to the end of 2024, which can be seen here.
We anticipate that the 2025 STOR numbers will be published in February 2026, in line with the FCA’s usual reporting schedule. Therefore, under section 22 (information intended for future publication) we are exempt from the duty to provide it to you in advance. For more information on why we are applying this exemption please see Annex A.
You can also find general information on the reporting of suspect market abuse here.
For question 2, we would like to explain that we triage and assess every STOR received. The triage process typically results in either closure with no further action (NFA) or the opening of a preliminary review (PR) to gather additional information. STORs may also be disclosed to overseas regulators, which can result in either NFA or a PR. We aim to complete the triage of each STOR within 30 days of receipt. We do not record the number of hours spent per STOR.
We have interpreted “average processing time” as the duration from receipt of a STOR through to either NFA or the conclusion of any PR that may be opened (i.e. beyond the initial triage phase). Our average processing times by calendar year (based on closure date) over the past three years are as follows:
| Year | Average processing time |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 122 days |
| 2023 | 57 days |
| 2024 | 80 days |
For question 3, the number of STORs awaiting review will change daily, as we triage every STOR received and aim to do so within 30 days. Therefore, we are unable to provide you with a figure for the period requested, as this will change continuously.
We can, however, provide you with a figure for a specific date and confirm we had 71 open preliminary reviews as of 30 September 2025.