Mandatory JFIU STREAMS 2 Transition

Mandatory JFIU STREAMS 2 Transition

The launch of STREAMS 2 in 2026 mandates fully electronic suspicious transaction reporting for all practitioners.

A major operational shift for all AML-regulated entities in Hong Kong occurred in early 2026 with the mandatory transition to a new reporting infrastructure. The Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU) officially launched its upgraded Suspicious Transaction Report and Management System, known as STREAMS 2, on February 2, 2026.

Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC)

This upgrade completely modernized how suspicious activities are reported to law enforcement. As a result of this launch, CPA firms, legal professionals, TCSPs, and financial institutions are no longer permitted to submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) via email, fax, or post. All STRs must now be submitted electronically through the secure STREAMS 2 portal.

For compliance departments, this necessitates a workflow overhaul. Firms must ensure their designated compliance officers are properly registered with the new system and that their internal reporting protocols align with the platform’s specific data entry requirements.

This digital transition reflects Hong Kong’s broader push to accelerate financial intelligence gathering. By centralizing and digitizing STR submissions, the JFIU aims to improve the speed and efficiency of money laundering investigations. Compliance teams must ensure staff are thoroughly trained on STREAMS 2 to avoid statutory breaches related to reporting delays.