If your compliance software platform sits between financial institutions and their regulators — and you're using Zapier or Make to run BSA/AML alerts, OFAC screenings, or SEC record-keeping workflows — you have a problem that your sales team hasn't talked to your compliance officer about yet.
Here's the issue: FinCEN BSA/AML SAR data flowing through a third-party iPaaS vendor's servers is a potential 31 USC §5318(g)(2) tipping-off violation. The anti-tipping-off provision doesn't just prohibit you from telling the subject their account is flagged — it prohibits disclosure to any person involved in the transaction. If Zapier processes your SAR routing, Zapier employees with infrastructure access are potentially 'persons' in the chain.
This isn't hypothetical. The FinCEN SAR Activity Review (2023) specifically flags automation vendor data custody as an emerging BSA compliance risk. OCC and FDIC examination teams have started asking about third-party system access to SAR-triggering transaction data in bank technology reviews.
The RegTech/Compliance SaaS Stack
RegTech and compliance software vendors face a recursive problem: you sell compliance, so your own compliance posture is under a microscope. Your clients' regulators (OCC, FINRA, CFTC, ESMA) view your platform as part of their clients' regulated infrastructure.
The seven RegTech SaaS buyer segments each have a distinct regulatory stack:
| Tier | Key Regulations | Fastest Clock |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Compliance SaaS | FinCEN BSA/AML, OFAC, FFIEC, OCC | SAR: 30 days from discovery (31 CFR §1020.320) |
| Broker-Dealer SaaS | SEC Rule 17a-4 WORM, FINRA 4511, Reg SCI | WORM: same-day record integrity |
| Investment Adviser SaaS | SEC Rule 204-2, Form ADV annual, Reg BI | Books & records: 5-year retention |
| Crypto Exchange SaaS | EU MiCA Art.59, FinCEN MSB, FATF R16 Travel Rule | Market abuse: 1 business day to ESMA/NCA |
| Payments Compliance SaaS | FinCEN BSA, FATF R16, PSD2 Art.89 | FATF Travel Rule: per-transfer |
| Insurance Compliance SaaS | NAIC Model #668, GLBA, TCPA FCC 23-107 | NAIC breach: 3-day investigation |
| RegTech Startup | Multi-framework awareness, SOC2 Type II, GDPR Art.28 | SOC2 audit cycle |
5 n8n Automations for RegTech/Compliance SaaS
Workflow 1: FinCEN BSA/AML SAR & OFAC Screening Pipeline
Every bank compliance SaaS platform needs a transaction monitoring pipeline that correctly separates the Currency Transaction Report (CTR) clock (15 calendar days, 31 CFR §1010.310) from the Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) clock (30 days from discovery of suspicious activity, 60 days if no suspect identified — 31 USC §5318(g) + 31 CFR §1020.320). Most platforms conflate these.
Critical detail: OFAC SDN screening happens before any SAR determination. An OFAC hit is not a SAR — it's a blocking action with a separate 10-day blocking report requirement (31 CFR §501.604). If your platform routes both through the same alert pipeline, you're mixing two fundamentally different regulatory responses with different timelines and different regulators.
{
"name": "FinCEN BSA/AML SAR & OFAC Screening Pipeline",
"nodes": [
{
"parameters": {
"httpMethod": "POST",
"path": "bsa-aml-pipeline",
"responseMode": "responseNode",
"options": {}
},
"id": "n1",
"name": "Transaction Webhook",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.webhook",
"position": [
240,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "const tx = $json;\nconst amount = tx.amount_usd || 0;\nconst txType = tx.transaction_type || 'WIRE';\nconst customerName = tx.customer_name || '';\nconst country = tx.originating_country || 'US';\n\nconst HIGH_RISK_COUNTRIES = ['IR','KP','CU','SY','RU','BY','VE'];\nconst OFAC_WATCHLIST = tx.ofac_score || 0;\n\nlet alertType, urgency, clock, regulation, action;\n\nif (OFAC_WATCHLIST >= 85) {\n alertType = 'OFAC_SDN_HIT';\n urgency = 'IMMEDIATE';\n clock = '10 calendar days';\n regulation = '31 CFR \u00a7501.604 \u2014 OFAC Blocking Report required within 10 days';\n action = 'BLOCK transaction, file OFAC Blocking Report, freeze account, notify OFAC';\n} else if (OFAC_WATCHLIST >= 60) {\n alertType = 'OFAC_POSSIBLE_MATCH';\n urgency = '4_HOURS';\n clock = '4 hours';\n regulation = '31 CFR \u00a7501.604 \u2014 enhanced due diligence required before release';\n action = 'HOLD transaction, assign OFAC analyst for manual review within 4h';\n} else if (amount >= 10000 && ['CASH_DEPOSIT','CASH_WITHDRAWAL','CURRENCY_EXCHANGE'].includes(txType)) {\n alertType = 'CTR_REQUIRED';\n urgency = 'URGENT';\n clock = '15 calendar days';\n regulation = '31 CFR \u00a71010.310 \u2014 Currency Transaction Report due within 15 days';\n action = 'File FinCEN CTR (FinCEN Form 112) by ' + new Date(Date.now() + 15*86400000).toISOString().split('T')[0];\n} else if (amount >= 5000 && (HIGH_RISK_COUNTRIES.includes(country) || tx.structuring_flag || tx.layering_flag)) {\n alertType = 'SAR_REQUIRED';\n urgency = 'CRITICAL';\n clock = '30 calendar days (60 if no suspect ID)';\n regulation = '31 USC \u00a75318(g) + 31 CFR \u00a71020.320 \u2014 SAR due 30 days from discovery, 60 if no suspect';\n action = 'File FinCEN SAR (FinCEN Form 111). DO NOT tip off subject (31 USC \u00a75318(g)(2) tipping-off prohibition)';\n} else if (tx.pep_flag) {\n alertType = 'PEP_EDD_REQUIRED';\n urgency = 'URGENT';\n clock = '5 business days';\n regulation = 'FinCEN CDD Rule 31 CFR \u00a71010.230(e)(2) \u2014 PEP Enhanced Due Diligence';\n action = 'Initiate PEP Enhanced Due Diligence procedure within 5 business days';\n} else {\n alertType = 'AML_MONITORING_CLEAR';\n urgency = 'INFO';\n clock = null;\n regulation = '31 CFR \u00a71010 \u2014 transaction logged for annual SAR lookback';\n action = 'Log to AML monitoring database for 5-year retention (31 CFR \u00a71010.430)';\n}\n\nconst deadlineTs = clock && !['IMMEDIATE','4_HOURS'].includes(urgency)\n ? new Date(Date.now() + (alertType === 'SAR_REQUIRED' ? 30*86400000 : alertType === 'CTR_REQUIRED' ? 15*86400000 : 5*86400000)).toISOString()\n : null;\n\nreturn [{ json: { ...tx, alertType, urgency, clock, regulation, action, deadlineTs, ofac_score: OFAC_WATCHLIST, customer_name: customerName, tipping_off_warning: alertType === 'SAR_REQUIRED' ? '31 USC \u00a75318(g)(2): Do NOT disclose SAR existence to subject or any person involved in the transaction' : null } }];"
},
"id": "n2",
"name": "BSA/OFAC Risk Assessment",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
460,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"conditions": {
"string": [
{
"value1": "={{ $json.urgency }}",
"operation": "isNotEmpty"
}
]
},
"combineOperation": "any"
},
"id": "n3",
"name": "Alert Required?",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
"position": [
680,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"authentication": "oAuth2",
"resource": "message",
"operation": "sendMessage",
"chatId": "#bsa-aml-alerts",
"text": "=\ud83d\udea8 *{{ $json.alertType }}* | {{ $json.urgency }}\n\n*Customer:* {{ $json.customer_name }}\n*Amount:* ${{ $json.amount_usd?.toLocaleString() }}\n*Transaction:* {{ $json.transaction_type }}\n*OFAC Score:* {{ $json.ofac_score }}/100\n\n*Regulation:* {{ $json.regulation }}\n*Required Action:* {{ $json.action }}\n*Deadline:* {{ $json.deadlineTs || 'IMMEDIATE' }}\n\n{{ $json.tipping_off_warning ? '\u26a0\ufe0f TIPPING-OFF WARNING: ' + $json.tipping_off_warning : '' }}"
},
"id": "n4",
"name": "Slack BSA Alert",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
"position": [
900,
200
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"fromEmail": "bsa-officer@yourcompany.com",
"toEmail": "bsa-officer@yourcompany.com",
"subject": "=[{{ $json.urgency }}] {{ $json.alertType }} \u2014 {{ $json.customer_name }} (${{ $json.amount_usd }})",
"text": "=BSA/AML ALERT\n\nAlert Type: {{ $json.alertType }}\nUrgency: {{ $json.urgency }}\nRegulation: {{ $json.regulation }}\n\nTransaction Details:\n- Customer: {{ $json.customer_name }}\n- Amount: ${{ $json.amount_usd }}\n- Type: {{ $json.transaction_type }}\n- Country: {{ $json.originating_country }}\n- OFAC Score: {{ $json.ofac_score }}/100\n\nRequired Action: {{ $json.action }}\nDeadline: {{ $json.deadlineTs || 'IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED' }}\n\n{{ $json.tipping_off_warning || '' }}\n\nn8n self-hosted: SAR data never transits third-party iPaaS infrastructure. 31 USC \u00a75318(g)(2) tipping-off prohibition compliance maintained."
},
"id": "n5",
"name": "Email BSA Officer",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.gmail",
"position": [
900,
350
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"operation": "executeQuery",
"query": "=INSERT INTO bsa_sar_log (customer_name, amount_usd, transaction_type, alert_type, urgency, regulation, action_required, deadline_ts, ofac_score, tipping_off_flag, created_at) VALUES ('{{ $json.customer_name }}', {{ $json.amount_usd }}, '{{ $json.transaction_type }}', '{{ $json.alertType }}', '{{ $json.urgency }}', '{{ $json.regulation }}', '{{ $json.action }}', {{ $json.deadlineTs ? \"'\" + $json.deadlineTs + \"'\" : 'NULL' }}, {{ $json.ofac_score }}, {{ $json.alertType === 'SAR_REQUIRED' ? 'TRUE' : 'FALSE' }}, NOW())"
},
"id": "n6",
"name": "Log to Postgres",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.postgres",
"position": [
900,
500
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"respondWith": "json",
"responseBody": "={{ JSON.stringify({ received: true, alertType: $json.alertType, urgency: $json.urgency, deadline: $json.deadlineTs }) }}"
},
"id": "n7",
"name": "Respond 200",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook",
"position": [
900,
650
]
}
],
"connections": {
"Transaction Webhook": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "BSA/OFAC Risk Assessment",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"BSA/OFAC Risk Assessment": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Alert Required?",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Alert Required?": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Slack BSA Alert",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Email BSA Officer",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Log to Postgres",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Respond 200",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
Self-hosting argument for bank clients: The 31 USC §5318(g)(2) anti-tipping-off provision prohibits disclosing the existence of a SAR to the subject or any person involved in the transaction. SAR data in Zapier's infrastructure introduces third-party server access to SAR-triggering transaction patterns. Self-hosted n8n keeps all SAR routing within your perimeter — no third-party data custody.
Workflow 2: SEC Rule 17a-4 WORM Record Retention Compliance Monitor
SEC Rule 17a-4 requires broker-dealers to maintain records in non-rewriteable, non-erasable storage (WORM). The rule specifies different retention periods by record type: trade confirmations (3 years, 17a-4(b)(1)), blotters and ledgers (6 years, 17a-4(b)(2)), customer records (6 years, 17a-4(b)(4)), business communications (3 years, 17a-4(b)(4)), and AML records (5 years, 31 CFR §1010.430).
FINRA Rule 4511 runs parallel to 17a-4 and explicitly requires that records be maintained in the format specified by SEC rules. A WORM integrity failure is a per se violation — no intent required, no 'reasonable mistake' defense in broker-dealer examination.
{
"name": "SEC Rule 17a-4 WORM Record Retention Compliance Monitor",
"nodes": [
{
"parameters": {
"rule": {
"interval": [
{
"field": "cronExpression",
"expression": "0 6 * * *"
}
]
}
},
"id": "n1",
"name": "Daily 6AM",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger",
"position": [
240,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"operation": "read",
"documentId": "YOUR_SHEETS_ID",
"sheetName": "retention_records"
},
"id": "n2",
"name": "Read Retention Records",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets",
"position": [
460,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "const records = $input.all().map(i => i.json);\nconst now = new Date();\nconst alerts = [];\n\nconst RECORD_TYPES_17A4 = {\n 'TRADE_CONFIRMATION': { retention_years: 3, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(1)' },\n 'BLOTTER': { retention_years: 6, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(2)' },\n 'GENERAL_LEDGER': { retention_years: 6, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(2)' },\n 'CUSTOMER_RECORD': { retention_years: 6, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(4)' },\n 'BUSINESS_COMMUNICATION': { retention_years: 3, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(4) + FINRA 4511' },\n 'AML_RECORD': { retention_years: 5, regulation: '31 CFR \u00a71010.430 BSA record retention' },\n 'SAR_RECORD': { retention_years: 5, regulation: '31 CFR \u00a71010.430 \u2014 Note: SAR existence is confidential' },\n 'OPTIONS_RECORD': { retention_years: 3, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(7)' },\n 'CUSTOMER_COMPLAINT': { retention_years: 4, regulation: 'FINRA Rule 4513' },\n 'FINANCIAL_STATEMENT': { retention_years: 6, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(2)' },\n 'EXAM_CORRESPONDENCE': { retention_years: 3, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(4)' },\n 'FOCUS_REPORT': { retention_years: 6, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(b)(2) + FINRA 4511' }\n};\n\nfor (const rec of records) {\n const worm_ok = rec.write_once_verified === 'TRUE';\n const expires = rec.retention_expires_date ? new Date(rec.retention_expires_date) : null;\n const daysUntilExpiry = expires ? Math.floor((expires - now) / 86400000) : null;\n const info = RECORD_TYPES_17A4[rec.record_type] || {};\n\n if (!worm_ok) {\n alerts.push({ ...rec, alertType: 'WORM_INTEGRITY_FAILURE', urgency: 'CRITICAL', regulation: `${info.regulation || 'SEC Rule 17a-4'} \u2014 WORM non-compliant record. SEC requires non-rewriteable, non-erasable storage (17a-4(f)(2)(ii)(A))`, action: 'Immediately verify WORM storage. Broker-dealer exam finding: SEC can order disgorgement for record-keeping violations. FINRA 4511 parallel violation.' });\n } else if (daysUntilExpiry !== null && daysUntilExpiry < 0) {\n alerts.push({ ...rec, alertType: 'RETENTION_OVERDUE', urgency: 'CRITICAL', daysOverdue: Math.abs(daysUntilExpiry), regulation: `${info.regulation} \u2014 record past retention end date`, action: `Disposition required. If no litigation hold: schedule for WORM purge per 17a-4(f)(3)(iv) disposal log requirement` });\n } else if (daysUntilExpiry !== null && daysUntilExpiry <= 30) {\n alerts.push({ ...rec, alertType: 'RETENTION_EXPIRING_30D', urgency: 'WARNING', daysRemaining: daysUntilExpiry, regulation: `${info.regulation} \u2014 retention window closing`, action: `Verify no litigation hold (FRCP 37(e)). If hold active: extend. If clear: schedule disposal with 17a-4(f)(3)(iv) disposal log entry` });\n }\n}\n\nreturn alerts.length > 0 ? alerts.map(a => ({json: a})) : [{json: {status: 'ALL_RECORDS_COMPLIANT', checked: records.length, timestamp: now.toISOString()}}];"
},
"id": "n3",
"name": "Check WORM Compliance",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
680,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"conditions": {
"string": [
{
"value1": "={{ $json.alertType }}",
"value2": "WORM_INTEGRITY_FAILURE",
"operation": "equals"
}
]
}
},
"id": "n4",
"name": "WORM Failure?",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
"position": [
900,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"authentication": "oAuth2",
"resource": "message",
"operation": "sendMessage",
"chatId": "#records-management",
"text": "=\u26a0\ufe0f *{{ $json.alertType }}* | {{ $json.urgency }}\n\n*Record:* {{ $json.record_id }} ({{ $json.record_type }})\n*Regulation:* {{ $json.regulation }}\n*Action:* {{ $json.action }}\n{{ $json.daysOverdue ? 'Overdue by: ' + $json.daysOverdue + ' days' : '' }}\n{{ $json.daysRemaining !== undefined ? 'Days remaining: ' + $json.daysRemaining : '' }}"
},
"id": "n5",
"name": "Slack Records Alert",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
"position": [
1120,
200
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"fromEmail": "cco@yourcompany.com",
"toEmail": "cco@yourcompany.com",
"subject": "=CRITICAL: WORM Integrity Failure \u2014 {{ $json.record_id }} ({{ $json.record_type }})",
"text": "=WORM record integrity failure detected.\n\nRecord ID: {{ $json.record_id }}\nType: {{ $json.record_type }}\nRegulation: {{ $json.regulation }}\nRequired Action: {{ $json.action }}\n\nSEC Rule 17a-4(f)(2)(ii)(A) requires non-rewriteable, non-erasable storage.\nFINRA Rule 4511 requires maintenance of all books and records in 17a-4 format.\n\nExam risk: FINRA/SEC record-keeping violation is a per se violation \u2014 no intent required."
},
"id": "n6",
"name": "Email CCO + General Counsel",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.gmail",
"position": [
1120,
400
]
}
],
"connections": {
"Daily 6AM": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Read Retention Records",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Read Retention Records": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Check WORM Compliance",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Check WORM Compliance": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "WORM Failure?",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"WORM Failure?": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Slack Records Alert",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "Email CCO + General Counsel",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
Self-hosting argument: SEC Rule 17a-4(f)(3)(i) requires records to be available for examination within 1 business day (4 hours for emergency production). If your automation platform for WORM compliance monitoring is itself Zapier — and Zapier has an outage during an SEC examination — you have a records production failure on top of the original WORM alert. Self-hosted n8n execution logs are part of your own WORM-compliant infrastructure, not a separate vendor's.
Workflow 3: EU MiCA / CFTC Part 45 Regulatory Reporting Deadline Monitor
EU MiCA (Regulation 2023/1114, effective December 2024) created a new class of regulatory reporting obligation for crypto-asset service providers and asset-referenced token issuers. MiCA Art.59 market abuse reports to ESMA/NCA are due within 1 business day of detection — faster than most traditional financial reporting clocks.
CFTC Part 45 swap data repository reporting operates on a different clock: continuation data (life cycle events for existing swaps) must be reported by the next business day. If your RegTech platform serves both EU crypto clients and US swap dealer clients, you're managing fundamentally different reporting cadences to different regulators on the same underlying infrastructure.
{
"name": "EU MiCA / CFTC Part 45 Regulatory Reporting Deadline Monitor",
"nodes": [
{
"parameters": {
"rule": {
"interval": [
{
"field": "cronExpression",
"expression": "0 8 * * 1-5"
}
]
}
},
"id": "n1",
"name": "Weekdays 8AM",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger",
"position": [
240,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"operation": "read",
"documentId": "YOUR_SHEETS_ID",
"sheetName": "regulatory_reporting_deadlines"
},
"id": "n2",
"name": "Read Reporting Deadlines",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets",
"position": [
460,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "const rows = $input.all().map(r => r.json);\nconst now = new Date();\nconst bizDayMs = 86400000;\nconst alerts = [];\n\nconst DEADLINE_TYPES = {\n 'MICA_ART59_MARKET_ABUSE': { biz_days: 1, regulation: 'MiCA Art.59 \u2014 market abuse reporting to ESMA/NCA within 1 business day of detection', regulator: 'ESMA + national NCA' },\n 'MICA_ART76_WHITEPAPER_UPDATE': { biz_days: 5, regulation: 'MiCA Art.76 \u2014 crypto-asset white paper material change notification within 5 business days', regulator: 'NCA' },\n 'MICA_ART88_PERIODIC': { biz_days: 5, regulation: 'MiCA Art.88 \u2014 periodic reporting for significant ART/EMT issuers', regulator: 'EBA/ESMA' },\n 'CFTC_PART45_SWAP_DATA': { biz_days: 1, regulation: 'CFTC Part 45 \u2014 swap data repository reporting within 1 business day of execution (17 CFR \u00a745.3)', regulator: 'CFTC via SDR' },\n 'CFTC_PART45_CONTINUATION': { biz_days: 1, regulation: 'CFTC Part 45 \u2014 continuation data (life cycle events) next business day', regulator: 'CFTC via SDR' },\n 'FATF_TRAVEL_RULE_1K': { biz_days: 1, regulation: 'FATF Recommendation 16 + FinCEN CVC Travel Rule \u2014 wire transfers \u2265$1,000 require originator+beneficiary info', regulator: 'FinCEN/OFAC' },\n 'FINRA_4511_RECORDS': { biz_days: 1, regulation: 'FINRA Rule 4511 \u2014 all books and records in 17a-4 format, missing entry same-day flag', regulator: 'FINRA' },\n 'SEC_17A4_EXAMINATION': { biz_days: 5, regulation: 'SEC Rule 17a-4(f)(3)(i) \u2014 records available for examination within 1 business day (emergency within 4h)', regulator: 'SEC EXAMS' },\n 'OCC_BANK_EXAM_RESPONSE': { biz_days: 5, regulation: 'OCC Examination Policies Manual \u2014 MRA/MRIA response due within specified timeframe', regulator: 'OCC' },\n 'MICA_CASP_LICENSE_ANNUAL': { biz_days: 30, regulation: 'MiCA Art.62 \u2014 CASP annual regulatory report to home NCA', regulator: 'NCA' },\n 'EU_AML_6AMLD_SAR': { biz_days: 1, regulation: 'EU 6AMLD Directive 2018/1673 + national FIU \u2014 suspicious transaction report within 1 business day', regulator: 'National FIU' },\n 'OFAC_BLOCKING_REPORT': { biz_days: 10, regulation: '31 CFR \u00a7501.604 \u2014 OFAC blocking report within 10 business days of blocking action', regulator: 'OFAC' }\n};\n\nfor (const row of rows) {\n const info = DEADLINE_TYPES[row.deadline_type] || {};\n const deadline = row.deadline_date ? new Date(row.deadline_date) : null;\n if (!deadline) continue;\n const daysLeft = Math.floor((deadline - now) / bizDayMs);\n let urgency;\n if (daysLeft < 0) urgency = 'OVERDUE';\n else if (daysLeft <= 1) urgency = 'CRITICAL';\n else if (daysLeft <= 3) urgency = 'URGENT';\n else if (daysLeft <= 10) urgency = 'WARNING';\n else urgency = 'NOTICE';\n\n if (['OVERDUE','CRITICAL','URGENT'].includes(urgency)) {\n alerts.push({ ...row, alertType: 'REPORTING_DEADLINE_ALERT', urgency, daysLeft, regulation: info.regulation, regulator: info.regulator });\n }\n}\n\nreturn alerts.length > 0 ? alerts.map(a => ({json: a})) : [{json: {status: 'NO_CRITICAL_DEADLINES', checked: rows.length}}];"
},
"id": "n3",
"name": "Check Reporting Deadlines",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
680,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"authentication": "oAuth2",
"resource": "message",
"operation": "sendMessage",
"chatId": "#regulatory-reporting",
"text": "=\ud83d\udccb *{{ $json.urgency }}* \u2014 {{ $json.deadline_type }}\n\n*Regulation:* {{ $json.regulation }}\n*Regulator:* {{ $json.regulator }}\n*Deadline:* {{ $json.deadline_date }}\n*Days Left:* {{ $json.daysLeft }}"
},
"id": "n4",
"name": "Slack CRO Alert",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
"position": [
900,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"fromEmail": "cro@yourcompany.com",
"toEmail": "cro@yourcompany.com",
"subject": "=[{{ $json.urgency }}] Regulatory Reporting Deadline: {{ $json.deadline_type }}",
"text": "=Regulatory reporting deadline approaching.\n\nType: {{ $json.deadline_type }}\nUrgency: {{ $json.urgency }}\nDays Remaining: {{ $json.daysLeft }}\nDeadline Date: {{ $json.deadline_date }}\nRegulation: {{ $json.regulation }}\nRegulator: {{ $json.regulator }}\n\nAction: Review {{ $json.reporting_item }} and ensure submission to {{ $json.regulator }} by deadline."
},
"id": "n5",
"name": "Email CRO",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.gmail",
"position": [
900,
450
]
}
],
"connections": {
"Weekdays 8AM": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Read Reporting Deadlines",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Read Reporting Deadlines": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Check Reporting Deadlines",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Check Reporting Deadlines": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Slack CRO Alert",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Email CRO",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
FATF Recommendation 16 Travel Rule detail: For crypto exchange SaaS platforms: the FinCEN CVC Travel Rule requires originator and beneficiary information to accompany all wire transfers ≥$3,000 (31 CFR §1010.410(f)) and ≥$1,000 for virtual asset transfers under FinCEN's 2019 guidance. FATF R16 sets the international standard at $1,000 USD equivalent. If your platform processes transfers in multiple jurisdictions, you're managing two different thresholds simultaneously — $1,000 internationally, $3,000 domestically — with the same underlying transaction data.
Workflow 4: OFAC SDN Real-Time Screening & Blocking Pipeline
OFAC SDN screening is not optional and not periodic — it must happen at onboarding and at transaction initiation. The OFAC 50% Rule (published August 2014) means that an entity 50%+ owned by a blocked person is itself blocked, regardless of whether it appears on the SDN list. Your screening logic must account for beneficial ownership, not just direct name matches.
{
"name": "OFAC SDN Real-Time Screening & Blocking Pipeline",
"nodes": [
{
"parameters": {
"httpMethod": "POST",
"path": "ofac-screen",
"responseMode": "responseNode",
"options": {}
},
"id": "n1",
"name": "Screening Webhook",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.webhook",
"position": [
240,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "const subject = $json;\nconst name = (subject.entity_name || subject.person_name || '').toUpperCase();\nconst country = (subject.country || '').toUpperCase();\nconst entityType = subject.entity_type || 'PERSON';\nconst ofacScore = subject.ofac_score || 0;\n\nconst SANCTIONED_COUNTRIES = ['IR','KP','CU','SY','BY'];\nconst MONITORED_JURISDICTIONS = ['RU','VE','MM','ZW','LY'];\n\nlet result, urgency, disposition, blockingDeadline, regulatoryNote;\n\nif (ofacScore >= 85 || SANCTIONED_COUNTRIES.includes(country)) {\n result = 'OFAC_SDN_HIT';\n urgency = 'IMMEDIATE';\n disposition = 'BLOCK';\n blockingDeadline = new Date(Date.now() + 10*86400000).toISOString().split('T')[0];\n regulatoryNote = '31 CFR \u00a7501.604: File OFAC Blocking Report within 10 business days. IEEPA authority. No property may be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn \u2014 all dealings PROHIBITED.';\n} else if (ofacScore >= 60 || MONITORED_JURISDICTIONS.includes(country)) {\n result = 'OFAC_POSSIBLE_MATCH';\n urgency = '4_HOURS';\n disposition = 'HOLD_FOR_REVIEW';\n blockingDeadline = null;\n regulatoryNote = 'Enhanced due diligence required. Verify against OFAC SDN List at sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov. OFAC 50% Rule: entity 50%+ owned by blocked person = blocked regardless of list status.';\n} else if (ofacScore >= 30) {\n result = 'OFAC_EDD_FLAG';\n urgency = 'REVIEW';\n disposition = 'FLAG_FOR_EDD';\n blockingDeadline = null;\n regulatoryNote = 'Risk-based enhanced due diligence. Review ultimate beneficial ownership (FinCEN CDD Rule 31 CFR \u00a71010.230) and verify no OFAC 50% Rule application.';\n} else {\n result = 'OFAC_CLEAR';\n urgency = 'INFO';\n disposition = 'PROCEED';\n blockingDeadline = null;\n regulatoryNote = 'Screening passed. Log result for 5-year retention (31 CFR \u00a71010.430 BSA record-keeping).';\n}\n\nreturn [{ json: { ...subject, ofacResult: result, urgency, disposition, blockingDeadline, regulatoryNote, screenedAt: new Date().toISOString() } }];"
},
"id": "n2",
"name": "OFAC Risk Scoring",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
460,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"conditions": {
"string": [
{
"value1": "={{ $json.disposition }}",
"value2": "BLOCK",
"operation": "equals"
}
]
}
},
"id": "n3",
"name": "Block?",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
"position": [
680,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"authentication": "oAuth2",
"resource": "message",
"operation": "sendMessage",
"chatId": "#ofac-screening",
"text": "=\ud83d\udd34 *{{ $json.ofacResult }}* | {{ $json.urgency }}\n\n*Entity:* {{ $json.entity_name || $json.person_name }}\n*Country:* {{ $json.country }}\n*OFAC Score:* {{ $json.ofac_score }}/100\n*Disposition:* {{ $json.disposition }}\n*Blocking Report Deadline:* {{ $json.blockingDeadline || 'N/A' }}\n\n*Regulatory Note:* {{ $json.regulatoryNote }}"
},
"id": "n4",
"name": "Slack OFAC Alert",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
"position": [
900,
200
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"operation": "executeQuery",
"query": "=INSERT INTO ofac_screen_log (entity_name, country, ofac_score, ofac_result, disposition, blocking_deadline, regulatory_note, screened_at) VALUES ('{{ $json.entity_name || $json.person_name }}', '{{ $json.country }}', {{ $json.ofac_score }}, '{{ $json.ofacResult }}', '{{ $json.disposition }}', {{ $json.blockingDeadline ? \"'\" + $json.blockingDeadline + \"'\" : 'NULL' }}, '{{ $json.regulatoryNote?.replace(/'/g, \"''\") }}', NOW())"
},
"id": "n5",
"name": "Postgres Screen Log",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.postgres",
"position": [
900,
400
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"respondWith": "json",
"responseBody": "={{ JSON.stringify({ ofacResult: $json.ofacResult, disposition: $json.disposition, blockingDeadline: $json.blockingDeadline, screenedAt: $json.screenedAt }) }}"
},
"id": "n6",
"name": "Respond with Result",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook",
"position": [
900,
600
]
}
],
"connections": {
"Screening Webhook": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "OFAC Risk Scoring",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"OFAC Risk Scoring": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Block?",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Block?": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Slack OFAC Alert",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Postgres Screen Log",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Respond with Result",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "Postgres Screen Log",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Respond with Result",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
EAR/Export Control angle for crypto platforms: OFAC SDN screening results contain sensitive U.S. government sanctions intelligence. If your RegTech SaaS routes OFAC screening results through a foreign-owned cloud service (including EU-based cloud providers), you may be inadvertently exporting controlled information under EAR Part 744. Self-hosted n8n keeps OFAC screening results within a U.S.-controlled perimeter.
Workflow 5: Weekly RegTech Compliance KPI Dashboard
{
"name": "Weekly RegTech Compliance KPI Dashboard",
"nodes": [
{
"parameters": {
"rule": {
"interval": [
{
"field": "cronExpression",
"expression": "0 7 * * 1"
}
]
}
},
"id": "n1",
"name": "Monday 7AM",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger",
"position": [
240,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"operation": "executeQuery",
"query": "SELECT COUNT(*) as sar_pending, SUM(CASE WHEN urgency='OVERDUE' THEN 1 ELSE 0 END) as sar_overdue, SUM(CASE WHEN ofac_result='OFAC_SDN_HIT' AND disposition='BLOCK' THEN 1 ELSE 0 END) as ofac_blocks_7d, SUM(CASE WHEN alert_type='CTR_REQUIRED' AND created_at >= NOW()-INTERVAL '7 days' THEN 1 ELSE 0 END) as ctr_filings_7d FROM bsa_sar_log WHERE created_at >= NOW()-INTERVAL '7 days'"
},
"id": "n2",
"name": "Query BSA Incidents",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.postgres",
"position": [
460,
200
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"operation": "executeQuery",
"query": "SELECT COUNT(*) as worm_alerts, SUM(CASE WHEN alert_type='WORM_INTEGRITY_FAILURE' THEN 1 ELSE 0 END) as worm_failures, SUM(CASE WHEN urgency IN ('OVERDUE','CRITICAL') THEN 1 ELSE 0 END) as critical_deadlines FROM compliance_deadlines WHERE checked_at >= NOW()-INTERVAL '7 days'"
},
"id": "n3",
"name": "Query Compliance Deadlines",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.postgres",
"position": [
460,
450
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"mode": "combine",
"combinationMode": "mergeByIndex"
},
"id": "n4",
"name": "Merge Queries",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.merge",
"position": [
680,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"jsCode": "const d = $json;\nconst sar_pending = parseInt(d.sar_pending) || 0;\nconst sar_overdue = parseInt(d.sar_overdue) || 0;\nconst ofac_blocks = parseInt(d.ofac_blocks_7d) || 0;\nconst ctr_filings = parseInt(d.ctr_filings_7d) || 0;\nconst worm_failures = parseInt(d.worm_failures) || 0;\nconst critical_deadlines = parseInt(d.critical_deadlines) || 0;\n\nlet ragStatus, ragColor, executiveSummary;\nif (worm_failures > 0 || sar_overdue > 0) {\n ragStatus = 'RED';\n ragColor = '#c0392b';\n executiveSummary = `CRITICAL: ${worm_failures} WORM integrity failure(s), ${sar_overdue} overdue SAR filing(s). Immediate CCO and General Counsel escalation required.`;\n} else if (critical_deadlines > 0 || ofac_blocks > 0) {\n ragStatus = 'AMBER';\n ragColor = '#d35400';\n executiveSummary = `WARNING: ${critical_deadlines} critical regulatory deadline(s), ${ofac_blocks} OFAC block(s) this week. Review required.`;\n} else {\n ragStatus = 'GREEN';\n ragColor = '#27ae60';\n executiveSummary = 'All BSA/AML, OFAC, and WORM record systems within compliance thresholds.';\n}\n\nconst html = `<h2 style='color:${ragColor}'>RegTech Weekly Compliance KPI \u2014 ${ragStatus}</h2><p>${executiveSummary}</p><table border='1' cellpadding='6'><tr><th>Metric</th><th>Value</th><th>Threshold</th></tr><tr><td>SAR Filings This Week</td><td>${sar_pending}</td><td>File within 30/60 days (31 CFR \u00a71020.320)</td></tr><tr><td>Overdue SARs</td><td style='color:${sar_overdue>0?'#c0392b':'#27ae60'}'>${sar_overdue}</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>OFAC SDN Blocks (7d)</td><td>${ofac_blocks}</td><td>File blocking report within 10 biz days (31 CFR \u00a7501.604)</td></tr><tr><td>CTR Filings (7d)</td><td>${ctr_filings}</td><td>File within 15 days (31 CFR \u00a71010.310)</td></tr><tr><td>WORM Integrity Failures</td><td style='color:${worm_failures>0?'#c0392b':'#27ae60'}'>${worm_failures}</td><td>0 \u2014 per se SEC Rule 17a-4 violation</td></tr><tr><td>Critical Compliance Deadlines</td><td style='color:${critical_deadlines>0?'#d35400':'#27ae60'}'>${critical_deadlines}</td><td>0</td></tr></table><p style='font-size:11px;color:#666'>n8n self-hosted: SAR data, OFAC screening results, and WORM audit logs never transit third-party iPaaS infrastructure. 31 USC \u00a75318(g)(2) tipping-off prohibition maintained. SEC Rule 17a-4(f) WORM audit trail within controlled perimeter.</p>`;\n\nreturn [{json: {html, ragStatus, ragColor, executiveSummary, sar_pending, sar_overdue, ofac_blocks, ctr_filings, worm_failures, critical_deadlines}}];"
},
"id": "n5",
"name": "Build RAG KPI Report",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
"position": [
900,
300
]
},
{
"parameters": {
"fromEmail": "compliance@yourcompany.com",
"toEmail": "cro@yourcompany.com",
"subject": "=[{{ $json.ragStatus }}] RegTech Weekly Compliance KPI \u2014 {{ $json.executiveSummary.substring(0,80) }}",
"html": "={{ $json.html }}"
},
"id": "n6",
"name": "Email CRO + BCC General Counsel",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.gmail",
"position": [
1120,
300
]
}
],
"connections": {
"Monday 7AM": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Query BSA Incidents",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Query Compliance Deadlines",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Query BSA Incidents": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Merge Queries",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Query Compliance Deadlines": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Merge Queries",
"type": "main",
"index": 1
}
]
]
},
"Merge Queries": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Build RAG KPI Report",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Build RAG KPI Report": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Email CRO + BCC General Counsel",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
BCC structure note: The BCC to General Counsel on the KPI email is intentional. FinCEN's anti-tipping-off provision (31 USC §5318(g)(2)) means that SAR-related communications should maintain a separation between compliance reporting and legal privilege. BCC creates a parallel attorney-client communication channel for SAR-adjacent KPI data without the BSA Officer's email being in the To/CC thread that compliance teams forward internally.
The Self-Hosting Argument for RegTech SaaS Clients
When you're selling compliance software to banks, broker-dealers, crypto exchanges, or insurance companies, your platform's data handling is part of their regulatory compliance posture. Here's the specific argument for each regulator:
FinCEN (Bank Compliance, Crypto): BSA SAR data in a third-party iPaaS = potential anti-tipping-off exposure (31 USC §5318(g)(2)). FinCEN examination teams review automation vendor access logs as part of BSA program adequacy reviews.
SEC/FINRA (Broker-Dealer, IA): FINRA Rule 4370 (BCP) and SEC Rule 17a-4(f)(3)(i) require records available within 1 business day. If your broker-dealer's compliance alerts run through Zapier and Zapier goes down during an SEC examination, the broker-dealer has a records production failure. Self-hosted n8n is within the broker-dealer's own infrastructure perimeter.
CFTC (Swap Dealers): CFTC Part 45 swap data must flow to a registered SDR. If your RegTech platform uses iPaaS to route swap continuation data, the iPaaS is in the data transmission chain between swap dealer and SDR. CFTC Regulation 1.31 requires records available for examination — same infrastructure argument as FINRA 4370.
ESMA/NCA (EU Crypto, MiCA): MiCA Art.70 complaint handling and Art.77 record-keeping require records maintained in the CASP's own controlled infrastructure. ESMA Q&A (May 2024) specifically notes that CASPs cannot delegate record-keeping obligations to cloud vendors without maintaining control over data retrieval. Self-hosted automation = data remains in CASP's own systems.
OFAC (All Financial SaaS): SDN screening results contain U.S. government sanctions intelligence. Routing through foreign-owned cloud services raises EAR Part 744 technology export questions. OFAC Advisory (October 2021) on virtual currency sanctions specifically notes vendor due diligence obligations for any service processing OFAC-relevant data.
Get These Workflows
All 5 n8n workflow JSON files are available at stripeai.gumroad.com — import directly into your n8n instance.
FlowKit n8n Automation Templates — built for SaaS vendors who need compliance automation that keeps sensitive regulatory data within their own infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This is technical automation guidance, not legal advice. Consult qualified securities, banking, or compliance counsel for your specific regulatory obligations.
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