Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Registration Guide
1. Who should register with the AMLC?
Registration with the AMLC is exclusively for Covered Persons (CPs) enumerated in Section 3(a)(1) to (10) of the R. A. No. 9160 (AMLA), as amended. These are the:
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Supervised/Regulated Entities
- banks, off-shore banking units, quasi-banks, trust entities, savings and loan associations, foreign exchange dealers, pawnshops, money changers, remittance and transfer companies, electronic money issuers, operator of payment systems, virtual asset service providers and other similar entities/financial institutions
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Supervised/Regulated Entities
- securities dealers, brokers, salesmen, investment houses and other similar persons managing securities or rendering services as investment agent, advisor, or consultant,
- mutual funds, closed-end investment companies, common trust funds, and other similar persons, and
- lending/financing companies, transfer companies and other entities administering or otherwise dealing in currency, commodities or financial derivatives based thereon, valuable objects, cash substitutes and other similar monetary instruments or property
- Insurance Commission (IC) Supervised/Regulated Entities
- insurance/reinsurance companies, pre-need companies, health maintenance organizations, insurance/reinsurance brokers, mutual benefit associations, insurance agents, insurance holding systems and all other persons
- Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)
- jewelry dealers in precious metals and precious stones;
- company service providers which, as a business, provide any of the following services to third parties:
- acting as a formation agent of juridical persons;
- acting as (or arranging for another person to act as) a director or corporate secretary of a company, a partner of a partnership, or a similar position in relation to other juridical persons;
- providing a registered office, business address or accommodation, correspondence or administrative address for a company, a partnership or any other legal person or arrangement; and
- acting as (or arranging for another person to act as) a nominee shareholder for another person; and
- accountants/lawyers/firms/professionals who provide any of the following services:
- managing of client money, securities or other assets;
- management of bank, savings or securities accounts;
- organization of contributions for the creation, operation or management of companies; and
- creation, operation or management of juridical persons or arrangements, and buying and selling business
- casinos, including internet and ship-based casinos, with respect to their casino cash transactions related to their gaming operations;
- real estate developers and real estate (individual) brokers; and
- internet gaming licensees (offshore gaming operators), as well as their service providers, supervised, accredited or regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) or any government agency.
2. Are real estate agents required to register?
No. In the real estate industry, only real estate developers and real estate (individual) brokers are required to register.
3. Are real estate brokerage firms required to register?
No. Real estate brokers, as defined under AMLA, as amended, refer exclusively to natural persons or individuals licensed as real estate brokers. Thus, real estate brokerage firms, which are juridical entities, are not mandated to register.
To reiterate, it is the individual brokers—not the brokerage firm—who are required to register under AMLA.
4. Are all accountants/lawyers required to register?
No. Only those who provide the following covered services are required to register:
- managing of client money, securities or other assets;
- management of bank, savings or securities accounts;
- organization of contributions for the creation, operation or management of companies; and
- creation, operation or management of juridical persons or arrangements, and buying and selling business
5. What are the documentary requirements needed to register?
- Corporations/Partnerships: Most recent Articles of Incorporation/Partnership and Secretary’s Certificate or Board Resolution designating a compliance officer (CO)
- Sole Proprietorship: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Registration (and notarized document designating a CO, if owner is not the CO)
- Professionals (Real Estate Brokers, Lawyers, and Accountants): PRC or IBP ID
6. How do I register with AMLC?
Step-by-Step Procedure on how to register with AMLC
- Covered persons (CP) must sign-up at https://portal.amlc.gov.ph
- Provide basic information and contact details in the mandatory fields.
- Upload the documentary Make sure to follow the prescribed filename:
Articles of Incorporation – AOI.pdf or AOI.jpg;
Partnership - AOP.pdf or AOP.jpg;
Secretary Certificate – SecCert.pdf or SecCert.jpg;
Appointment of Compliance Officer – COAppointment.pdf or COAppointment.jpg;
Sole Proprietor – DTICertificate.pdf or DTICertificate.jpg; and
Professional – PRCID.pdf, PRCID.jpg or IBPID.pdf or IBPID.jpg
- Provide a valid e-mail address.
- Make sure to verify the email address. An email shall be sent to the compliance officer as well as the alternate and this should be verified within 72 hours.
- Please check your email containing the link of the Provisional Certificate of Registration (PCOR). The PCOR is valid for six (6) months and is issued prior to the issuance of the actual Certificate of Registration
- Please wait for the registration approval. Once approved, CP will receive another email with a link to the Certificate of Registration.
7. What is the status of my registration?
CP may check the status of registration at https://portal.amlc.gov.ph/amlc/web/inquiry.htm
CP must enter the reference number which was provided after registration.
8. Why was my registration disapproved?
Registration may be disapproved for any of the following reasons:
- Registrant is not a covered person.
- CP failed to provide the complete set of registration documents.
- Double registration. Another registration was already approved under the same name.
- Any other reason as may be advised by the AMLC.
9. “I was identified by the bank as a covered person and is now being required to register. However, I am not engaged in any of the enumerated services. What shall I do?”
- Please get in touch with the AMLC via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further evaluation, confirmation and/or clarification on the matter. Kindly provide your Articles of Incorporation (AOI), particularly, the sections detailing the company's primary and secondary purposes to support your claim of non-engagement.
- Please wait for the email reply with further instructions. Registrants may be required to execute a Sworn Statement of Non-Engagement (SSNE) or may be advised to proceed with their registration as a covered person.
10.How can I confirm if an entity/individual is AMLC-registered?
The AMLC maintains lists of registered covered persons, which can be accessed on the AMLC website (amlc.gov.ph) under the "Covered Persons" tab. Additionally, you may verify an entity's registration by calling any of the following landlines: 5310-3244, 5302-3848, or 8708-7067.
Please note that registration with the AMLC and the subsequent issuance of Certificates are for the purpose of submitting Covered and Suspicious Transaction Reports (C/STRs). It does not, in any way, vouch for the character or integrity of the corporation. Individuals and entities are strongly advised to conduct their own due diligence before entering into any transactions.
For more information on the AMLC Registration, please refer to the Compliance Optimization and Registration System
Password Reset and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Guide
Password Reset Guide
- How can a user reset their password?
- Click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.
- Enter the registered email address and click Submit.
- Check the email inbox for a password reset link and click on it.
- If applicable, select the appropriate account and enter a new password.
- Submit the new password. A confirmation email will be sent once the password has been successfully updated.
- What should a user do if they did not receive a password reset email?
- Check the Spam or Junk folder
- Confirm that the correct email address associated with the account was entered.
- Wait a few minutes, as email delivery may be delayed.
- If the email is still not received, the user should request a new reset link or report the issue to the Secretariat (call the Registration and Reporting hotlines posted on the website)
- What can a user do if the password reset link is not working?
- Ensure the most recent password reset email was used.
- Try opening the link in a different browser or in Incognito/Private mode.
- If the link has expired, request a new password reset link.
- How can a user confirm a successful password reset?
- A confirmation email should be received after the reset.
- The user should attempt to log in using the new password.
- What steps should a user take if they still cannot access their account after resetting the password?
- Verify that the new password was entered correctly
- Clear the browser cache or attempt login using a different browser.
- If the problem persists, report the issue the Secretariat (call the Registration and Reporting hotlines posted on the website)
- How long is a password reset link valid?
- The password reset link is valid for 30 minutes. If it expires, the user must request a new one.
- What happens if a user does not complete the password reset process?
- If the user does not submit a new password, the old password remains active, and the user can still attempt to log in using it.
Use of Multi-Factor Authentication Guide
- How can a user access the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) settings?
- Log in using the Institution Code, registered Email, and Password.
- Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent via email or generated by an authenticator app.
- Once logged in, navigate to the left sidebar, expand the Settings menu, and select Two-Factor Authentication.
- What Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) methods are available?
- Email OTP – A one-time password is sent to the user’s registered email.
- Authenticator App – Apps such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate time-based OTPs.
- How can a user switch their MFA method?
- Navigate to Two-Factor Authentication under the Settings menu.
- Select the preferred method:
- Choose Receive code via email for email OTPs.
- Choose Use authenticator app for app-generated OTPs.
- Click Update Settings, enter the account password, and click Update to apply changes.
- How can a user set up an authenticator app?
- Install an authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) on a mobile device.
- In the Two-Factor Authentication settings, select Use authenticator app.
- Click Update Settings, enter the account password, and click update.
- Scan the displayed QR code using the installed authenticator app.
- Enter the verification code generated by the app to complete the setup.
- What should a user do if access to the authenticator app is lost?
The user should report the issue to the Secretariat (call the Registration and Reporting hotlines posted on the website).
- What can a user do if the authenticator app shows an incorrect code?
- Ensure the mobile device's system time is correct or set to automatic, as authenticator apps rely on accurate time settings.
- Restart the device to resolve potential temporary issues.
- If the issue persists, the user should contact the Secretariat (call the Registration and Reporting hotlines posted on the website).
- What happens if a user enters the wrong OTP multiple times?
- After three failed OTP attempts, the account will be temporarily locked
- The lockout period lasts for 30 minutes, during which login attempts are not allowed
- After 30 minutes, the user may attempt to log in again using the correct OTP.
Uploading of Reports and Viewing of File Upload History
How to Upload Reports to the AMLC Portal: Step-by-Step Guide
- Log in to the AMLC Portal at https://portal.amlc.gov.ph
- On the left toolbar, go to the CTR/STR tab, and click on “File Upload”
- Click “Select a file to upload” and choose the CSV file to be uploaded.
Filename Format: 999999999yyyymmddssss.csv (The first nine digits correspond to the first nine digits of the institution code, followed by the reporting date (year, month, and; day), and a four-digit sequence number The sequence number ranges from 0001 to 9999, indicating the number of files transmitted for the day, with 0001 being the default value.
Institution code in the Header Record should be the complete 18-digit institution code of the covered person or the covered person’s branch if applicable.
- Once selected, click “Submit” to upload the file.
- A confirmation will show that the file was successfully uploaded. Please note, however that the Upload Confirmation Receipt does not guarantee that all CTRs/STRs in the CSV file/s have been uploaded. To check if all files/CTR have been accepted by the system (without format errors), files should be viewed in the File Upload History Page.
How to View Uploaded Reports
- Log in to the AMLC Portal at https://portal.amlc.gov.ph
- Enter the specific date range in the “Select Date Range” section to view your query results.
- Check the result/s of the file uploaded by comparing the number of transaction count (Tran. Count) with the number of good transactions (Good Trans).
- If the transaction count is equal to the number of good transactions, the CP can save a copy of the confirmation receipt by clicking on the SAVE REPORT TO FILE button, or the PRINT button to have a printed copy for filing.
- If the transaction count is not equal to the number of good transactions, the CP should select the report file with Bad Transactions and click on “Download Validation Message”. The validation message of the selected uploaded file will be sent via email. Check the validation message for the details of the error/s and make the appropriate correction.
How to Edit or Delete Reports
The steps on uploading Edit or Delete Requests is similar to the steps above. However, please take note of the following differences:
- EDIT Request (Submission Type E): This amends the previously and successfully uploaded CTR/STR (Good transactions) with ERRONEOUS VALUE or INCORRECT information. All fields may be amended EXCEPT the INSTITUTION CODE, TRANSACTION DATE, and TRANSACTION REFERENCE NUMBER.
- DELETE Request (Submission Type D): This request is for deleting previously and successfully uploaded CTR/STR. If the error involves fields other than the Institution Code, Transaction Date and Transaction Reference No., CPs should submit an EDIT Request instead. After uploading the Delete Request, an email must be sent to the Data Collection and Quality Staff, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating the reason for deletion.
Implementation of 20 MB File Upload Size Limit in the AMLC Portal
- What is the new file upload size limit in the AMLC Portal?
Effective 1 March 2026, the AMLC Portal will implement a maximum file upload size limit of 20 MB per file for the submission of Covered Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs). - When will the file size limit take effect?
The 20 MB file size limit will take effect on 1 March 2026. - Why is AMLC implementing a file upload size limit?
This measure is being implemented to ensure the stability, security, and efficient operation of the AMLC Portal. - Who is affected by this change?
All Covered Persons submitting CTRs and STRs through the AMLC Portal are required to comply with the 20 MB per file limit. - What should Covered Persons do to comply?
Covered Persons must ensure that all files uploaded through the AMLC Portal do not exceed 20 MB per file beginning 1 March 2026.
For more information on reporting, please refer to the 2021 AMLC Registration and Reporting Guidelines.
STR Filing Guide
STR Filing Guide (Quick Reference Table)
- STR-Regular
|
Scenario |
When Does the Obligation Arise? |
Determination Period |
Filing Deadline |
STR Type |
Key Notes |
|
Suspicious circumstances under AMLA Sec. 3(b-1) or TFPSA IRR Rule 3.a.15 |
Upon establishing or determining the existence of any suspicious circumstance (including attempts) |
Within 10 calendar days from transaction date or determination date |
Next working day after determination period |
STRR |
TMS detection is not required |
|
Transactions or persons related to an unlawful activity |
Upon determining linkage to an unlawful activity or money laundering offense |
Within 60 calendar days from transaction date or determination date |
Next working day after determination period |
STRR |
TMS detection is not required |
|
TMS-generated alerts |
Upon case creation from periodic TMS run |
Within 60 calendar days from case creation date |
Next working day after determination period |
STRR |
Applies only to alerts generated by TMS |
- Other STR Types
|
Scenario |
Determination Rule |
Filing Deadline |
STR Type |
Additional Requirements |
|
STR – Bulk Report |
Suspicion related to unlawful activities (60 days) except those unlawful activities enumerated in STRHP |
Next working day after determination period |
STRBR |
Minimum 10 STRs; BSFIs only; perpetrator unknown; account holder is individual and is the victim |
|
High Priority Predicate Crimes (PC13, PC14, PC19, PC31) |
Suspicion must be established promptly on the same day of transaction, activity, or trigger |
Next working day |
STRHP |
Mandatory uploading of KYC documents |
|
Highly Unusual or Suspicious Transactions |
Suspicion established promptly on the same day of transaction, activity, or trigger |
Next working day |
STRHU |
Excludes transactions already reportable under STRHP |
- Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS)
|
Scenario |
Trigger |
Filing Deadline |
STR Type |
Additional Requirements |
|
Target match / potential target match / related accounts |
Upon implementation of freeze |
Same day freeze is implemented |
STRR (Trigger Code G) |
Mandatory KYC upload; Delete Request required if no AMLC confirmation within 36 hours for potential matches |
- STR Filing for AMLC Referrals
|
Referral Scenario |
Determination Period |
Filing Deadline |
STR Type |
Notes |
|
Referral identifies an unlawful activity |
Within 10 calendar days from receipt of referral |
Next working day after determination period |
STRR |
Referral date = determination date |
|
Referral does not identify a specific unlawful activity |
Within 60 calendar days from receipt of referral |
Next working day after determination period |
STRR (Code C) |
Conduct determination first |
|
The AMLC’s Executive Director or Officer-in-Charge requires immediate filing |
Not applicable |
Next working day (or as instructed) |
STRA |
Mandatory eSOA and KYC upload (with stated exceptions) |
**Note: Determination Date refers to the date when the covered person concludes its assessment and establishes the existence of suspicion, which may fall anytime within the prescribed determination period.
STR scenarios
|
Scenario |
Required Action |
Determination Period |
Determination Date |
Date of Occurrence |
Filing Date |
STR Type |
Other Requirements |
|
Transaction involves any suspicious circumstance under AMLA Sec. 3(b-1) or TFPSA IRR Rule 3.a.15 |
Establish or determine the existence of any of the suspicious circumstances enumerated under Section 3(b-1) of the AMLA and Rule 3.a.15 of the IRR of TFPSA in any transaction or activity, including any attempt thereof |
Within 10 calendar days from transaction date or determination date |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
Last day of the determination period |
the next working day |
STRR |
TMS detection not a prerequisite |
|
Transactions or persons related to an unlawful activity except those unlawful activities enumerated under STRHP |
Establish or determine that the transaction is in any way related to an unlawful activity, as enumerated under Rule 3 of the 2018 IRR of the AMLA, or the person transacting is involved in or connected to an unlawful activity or money laundering offense, including any attempt thereof |
Within 60 calendar days from the date of the transaction or from the determination date |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
Last day of the determination period |
the next working day |
STRR |
TMS detection not a prerequisite |
|
For STRs filed under STR – Bulk Report
|
Establish or determine that the transaction is in any way related to an unlawful activity, as enumerated under Rule 3 of the 2018 IRR of the AMLA, or the person transacting is involved in or connected to an unlawful activity or money laundering offense, including any attempt thereof except those unlawful activities enumerated under STRHP. |
Within 60 calendar days from the date of the transaction or from the determination date |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
Last day of the determination period
|
the next working day |
STRBR |
Report is at least 10 STRS. Intended for BSFIs only. Perpetrator is unknown and the account holder/s is/are individual/s (natural person) and is/are the victim/s |
|
High Priority Predicate Crimes (PC13, PC14, PC19, PC31) |
Establish the suspicion or determine the suspicious nature of the transaction, activity, or circumstance, including any attempt thereof, promptly on the date of the transaction, activity, or establishment of the suspicious circumstance. |
NA |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
the next working day |
STRHP |
Mandatory uploading of KYC docs |
|
Highly Unusual or Suspicious Transactions |
Establish suspicion on same day of transaction, activity, or trigger
|
NA |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
transaction date, date of activity or establishment of suspicion |
the next working day |
STRHU |
Applicable only to highly suspicious transactions as defined under Chapter I, Section 5.4(vi), excluding those reported based on predicate crimes under STRHP. |
|
Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) |
File STRR using STR Trigger Code G on target match, potential target match, and related accounts upon freeze implementation |
NA |
Same day freeze is implemented |
Same day freeze is implemented |
Same day freeze is implemented |
STRR (code G) |
Mandatory uploading of KYC docs
**CP must submit a Delete Request if no AMLC confirmation is received within 36 hours for potential matches. |
|
TMS-Generated Alerts |
Determine suspicious nature based on case creation from periodic TMS run |
Within 60 calendar days from case creation date |
Alert date |
Last date of the determination period |
the next working day |
STRR |
NA |
STR Filing Periods for Referrals from AMLC
|
Scenario |
Required Action |
Determination Period |
Determination Date |
Date of Occurrence |
Filing Date |
STR Type |
Other Requirements |
|
1. Referral identifies an unlawful activity |
Establish suspicion, determine suspicious nature, or confirm involvement in unlawful/money laundering activity |
Within 10 calendar days from receipt of referral |
Referral Date |
Last day of the determination period |
the next working day |
STRR |
NA |
|
2. Referral does not identify any specific unlawful activity |
Conduct determination and file STR if warranted |
Within 60 calendar days from receipt of referral |
Referral Date |
Last day of the determination period |
the next working day |
STRR (Code C) |
NA |
|
3. The AMLC’s Executive Director or Officer-in-Charge requires immediate filing |
File the report as instructed |
NA |
NA |
Referral receipt date (or as stipulated in the referral) |
the next working day |
STRA |
Mandatory uploading of eSOA and KYC, except for transactions that pass thru Remittance Platform Providers, Remittance Transfer Center, Operator of Payment System or similar services, wherein the customer who availed or made use of the platform is a customer of another CP |
** Referral date (date when the CP was notified through ________) is the start of the determination period – Day 1 of determination period
** Referral date is the determination date
** Occurrence date is the last day of the determination period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Guidelines on Digitization of Customer Records (DIGICUR) Guidelines
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