Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) play a central role in national and international AML/CFT frameworks. According to FATF standards, FIUs are responsible for the receipt, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence related to suspected money laundering, terrorist financing, and predicate offenses.

One core function of an FIU is receiving and analyzing SARs submitted by financial institutions and other obliged entities. Through analysis of reported information, FIUs identify suspicious patterns, trends, and networks that may indicate financial crime.

Another key function is disseminating intelligence and typologies to competent authorities and, where appropriate, to the private sector. This includes sharing insights on emerging risks, new money laundering methods, and evolving threat trends, which enhances system-wide financial integrity.

FIUs do not design financial products for institutions, nor do they supervise AML programs—that responsibility lies with AML supervisory authorities. Their role is intelligence-focused rather than regulatory or commercial.