goAML is an IT system developed by UNODC that enables the reporting and analysis of suspicious transactions linked to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It is used by authorities and obliged entities to submit structured reports and supporting information.

What should organisations consider when using goAML?

Organisations should ensure staff understand reporting obligations, are trained in goAML, and follow clear internal procedures for identifying, investigating, and documenting suspicions. Customer due diligence and regular internal control should be integrated with the reporting process to support consistent report quality.

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Q: When does goAML become relevant?

goAML becomes relevant when an organisation is subject to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules and needs to report suspicious transactions or behaviours. It is used for cases such as unusual cash deposits, complex structures, or transfers involving high-risk countries.

We advise on goAML, the reporting of suspicious activities and transactions, and its practical use

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Explained – what is goAML?

goAML is a goaml platform used by authorities and obliged financial and professional firms to manage reporting under the framework on money laundering and terrorist financing. In Sweden, the system is administered by the Swedish Financial Intelligence Unit (Finanspolisen) within the Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten). Through goAML, banks, insurers, estate agents and other obliged firms can submit reports of suspicious activities and transactions. For businesses, an AML consultant can help ensure correct use and compliance with the reporting obligation.

When does goAML become relevant?

The question of goAML arises when a business falls within the scope of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act. The system is used for reporting suspicious transactions, customer behaviours or attempted dealings that deviate from the norm. Examples include unexpectedly large cash deposits, complex corporate structures or transfers to high-risk countries.

Illustration of goAML reporting: a compliance alert document in a connected system, representing suspicious transaction reporting (STR) to the Financial Intelligence Unit and AML compliance workflows.

Points to consider around goAML

Organisations using goAML need a structured approach to ensure accurate reporting and internal control. Key aspects include:

Ensure all staff handling customer transactions understand the reporting obligation.
Train personnel in the practical use of goAML and the data that must be recorded.
Establish clear internal procedures to identify and investigate suspicious transactions.
Make sure customer due diligence is integrated with the reporting process.
Document all decisions and actions leading to a decision on whether to file via goAML.
Carry out regular internal control to ensure reporting quality.
Leverage technical functions in goAML to support analysis and risk assessment.

By working methodically on these issues, an organisation can demonstrate that it takes its responsibilities seriously and build trust in its business relationships, strengthening the rule of law.

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Why is goAML important?

goAML matters because it is the central channel through which obliged entities discharge their duties under anti-money laundering legislation. Without a common system, authorities would struggle to collect and analyse the volume of information needed for reporting suspicious transactions and detecting money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The system also enables more effective cooperation between private actors and law-enforcement authorities. By reporting suspicious transactions, companies actively help prevent illicit funds from entering the financial system. This supports the rule of law and promotes financial system stability.

In the longer term, a sound reporting culture via goAML builds confidence among customers and counterparties. It protects an organisation’s reputation and relationships by demonstrating robust compliance and a clear commitment to combating economic crime.

The purpose is to facilitate systematic reporting of suspicious money laundering and terrorist financing to the Swedish Financial Intelligence Unit (Finanspolisen).

A company must report when it detects a transaction, behaviour or attempted dealing that may be linked to money laundering or terrorist financing. The reporting obligation applies even if the transaction is refused and therefore not carried out.

Reporting is done by logging into the system and filing a report, or by submitting structured data containing the relevant information. The process includes describing the event, providing customer details and explaining the grounds for suspicion. To ensure proper reporting, internal procedures and staff training are essential.

Authorities use goAML to collect, store and analyse data from obliged firms. The system helps identify patterns and trends, making it possible to detect crime at an early stage. The main advantages are:

Centralised handling of reports
Improved analysis of suspicious activities
Better coordination between authorities
The ability to identify international links

The obligation applies to all firms covered by the Anti-Money Laundering Act, such as banks, law firms, insurers, estate agents and accounting consultants.

The most frequent mistakes concern poor documentation and inadequate internal procedures. Businesses can avoid this by working systematically:

Train staff in both the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the system’s functions
Implement clear processes for internal escalation before reporting suspicious transactions
Ensure all relevant information is documented before submission
Follow up and review prior reports to support learning

Working in this way reduces the risk of errors and helps an organisation meet legal requirements more effectively while supporting financial system stability.