What Does "Transfer on Compliance Review" Mean
The "compliance review" status appears when a bank or payment system has decided to perform an additional check on your transaction before processing it. This does not mean the transfer has been rejected — it has simply been placed in a waiting queue.
The compliance department checks whether the transaction violates AML/KYC requirements, sanctions law, or the bank's internal policy.
Why This Happens
Automated triggers. The bank's algorithms flag transactions based on certain parameters: amount above a threshold, atypical destination country, new counterparty, or a change in activity pattern.
Manual flag. A bank employee manually sent the transfer for review — for example, upon noticing an unusual payment reference or a questionable recipient.
Regulatory requirements. In some cases, the law requires the bank to review certain categories of transactions (transfers to specific jurisdictions, amounts above a set limit).
What to Do: Step-by-Step
- Check the transfer status in your online banking app. If the status is "compliance review" or "under review," wait for a notification from the bank.
- Wait for a document request. The bank will typically contact you by email or phone with a specific request.
- Prepare a document package:
- Invoice or contract with the recipient/sender
- Explanation of the transfer purpose (free-form or on the bank's form)
- Proof of the source of funds (bank statement, tax declaration, contract)
- Submit the documents within the specified deadline — usually 3–5 business days. Missing the deadline may result in automatic rejection.
- Follow up on the status 3–5 business days after submitting documents if you have not heard back.
How Long Does a Compliance Review Take
| Situation | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Automated check (small amount) | A few hours to 1 day |
| Document request + review | 3–10 business days |
| Complex cases (sanctions, high risk) | Up to 30 business days |
| Rejection with return of funds | 3–15 business days for return |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bank required to explain the reasons for the delay?
In most jurisdictions, the bank has the right not to disclose the details of the review — this is known as the "tipping off" restriction. You will be told that the transfer is "under review," but not always why.
What if I cannot provide the required documents?
Notify the bank in writing, explaining the situation. If documents genuinely do not exist (for example, an informal transaction without a contract), the bank may refuse to process the transfer. Funds will be returned to the sender.
Does a compliance review affect my credit history?
No. A bank compliance check is not reported to credit bureaus and does not affect your credit score.
Marix helps clients successfully navigate compliance reviews and build reliable payment routes.