The first rule is simple — don’t panic.
A request from your bank does not mean that you are suspected of breaking the law. In many cases, it is simply part of the bank’s anti-money laundering (AML) compliance procedures.
However, a bank’s request should never be ignored.
What should you do:
✓ Respond within the deadline specified by the bank.
✓ Keep your response clear, factual, and focused on the questions asked. Emotional arguments or disputes are unlikely to help.
✓ Provide only the documents that directly address the bank’s request.
✓ Avoid sending unnecessary documents or information, as this may raise additional questions.
Your primary objective is to clearly demonstrate the source of funds, the purpose of the transaction, and its underlying economic rationale.
The clearer and more consistent your explanations and supporting documents are, the sooner the bank is likely to complete its review.
Keep in mind:
A well-prepared response can often help avoid follow-up requests, account restrictions, and unnecessary delays in the review process.
One More Important Point
Many people seek legal advice only after they have already responded to the bank several times on their own.
If the initial responses contained incomplete information, inconsistent documentation, or changing explanations, correcting the situation later can become significantly more difficult. In some cases, those earlier responses may even work against your position.
If the bank’s request is complex or you are unsure which documents or explanations should be provided, it is usually advisable to seek legal advice before submitting your first response rather than after several unsuccessful attempts.
