FOR3705
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 23 March 2026
QUESTION 1
In financial crime investigations, fraud examiners often use different analytical tools to detect
suspicious financial behaviour. Two important tools used in this process are the financial
profile and the behavioural profile. Both profiles assist investigators in understanding the
financial activities and lifestyle of a suspect in order to detect possible fraudulent conduct.
Although these profiles have similar objectives, they differ in terms of their focus, information
sources and methods of analysis.
Financial Profile
A financial profile refers to a structured analysis of a suspect’s financial position in order to
understand their financial standing over a specific period. It provides a financial statement-
like overview of what the subject earns, owns, owes and spends. The financial profile
therefore focuses on measurable financial information such as income, expenses, assets
and liabilities. This information assists investigators in determining whether an individual’s
lifestyle is consistent with their legitimate sources of income.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
In financial crime investigations, fraud examiners often use different analytical tools
to detect suspicious financial behaviour. Two important tools used in this process are
the financial profile and the behavioural profile. Both profiles assist investigators in
understanding the financial activities and lifestyle of a suspect in order to detect
possible fraudulent conduct. Although these profiles have similar objectives, they
differ in terms of their focus, information sources and methods of analysis.
Financial Profile
A financial profile refers to a structured analysis of a suspect’s financial position in
order to understand their financial standing over a specific period. It provides a
financial statement-like overview of what the subject earns, owns, owes and spends.
The financial profile therefore focuses on measurable financial information such as
income, expenses, assets and liabilities. This information assists investigators in
determining whether an individual’s lifestyle is consistent with their legitimate
sources of income.
The main purpose of the financial profile in financial crime detection is to identify
suspicious financial activity and unexplained wealth. Fraud examiners develop this
profile by examining financial records, tax records, payroll information and other
relevant documentation. Where such records are not available, investigators may
use interviews, public records, lifestyle observations and circumstantial information
to estimate the financial position of the suspect. By analysing these financial
indicators, investigators can determine whether the suspect’s financial behaviour
suggests potential fraud or corruption.
The key elements of a financial profile include identifying all significant assets owned
by the suspect, identifying liabilities such as debts, determining all income sources
during the investigation period and analysing major expenses. Once this information
is collected, investigators analyse the data to identify inconsistencies between known
income and observed wealth. If a suspect’s assets and spending significantly exceed
their legitimate income, this may suggest illicit financial activity such as bribery,
kickbacks or embezzlement.
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 23 March 2026
QUESTION 1
In financial crime investigations, fraud examiners often use different analytical tools to detect
suspicious financial behaviour. Two important tools used in this process are the financial
profile and the behavioural profile. Both profiles assist investigators in understanding the
financial activities and lifestyle of a suspect in order to detect possible fraudulent conduct.
Although these profiles have similar objectives, they differ in terms of their focus, information
sources and methods of analysis.
Financial Profile
A financial profile refers to a structured analysis of a suspect’s financial position in order to
understand their financial standing over a specific period. It provides a financial statement-
like overview of what the subject earns, owns, owes and spends. The financial profile
therefore focuses on measurable financial information such as income, expenses, assets
and liabilities. This information assists investigators in determining whether an individual’s
lifestyle is consistent with their legitimate sources of income.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
In financial crime investigations, fraud examiners often use different analytical tools
to detect suspicious financial behaviour. Two important tools used in this process are
the financial profile and the behavioural profile. Both profiles assist investigators in
understanding the financial activities and lifestyle of a suspect in order to detect
possible fraudulent conduct. Although these profiles have similar objectives, they
differ in terms of their focus, information sources and methods of analysis.
Financial Profile
A financial profile refers to a structured analysis of a suspect’s financial position in
order to understand their financial standing over a specific period. It provides a
financial statement-like overview of what the subject earns, owns, owes and spends.
The financial profile therefore focuses on measurable financial information such as
income, expenses, assets and liabilities. This information assists investigators in
determining whether an individual’s lifestyle is consistent with their legitimate
sources of income.
The main purpose of the financial profile in financial crime detection is to identify
suspicious financial activity and unexplained wealth. Fraud examiners develop this
profile by examining financial records, tax records, payroll information and other
relevant documentation. Where such records are not available, investigators may
use interviews, public records, lifestyle observations and circumstantial information
to estimate the financial position of the suspect. By analysing these financial
indicators, investigators can determine whether the suspect’s financial behaviour
suggests potential fraud or corruption.
The key elements of a financial profile include identifying all significant assets owned
by the suspect, identifying liabilities such as debts, determining all income sources
during the investigation period and analysing major expenses. Once this information
is collected, investigators analyse the data to identify inconsistencies between known
income and observed wealth. If a suspect’s assets and spending significantly exceed
their legitimate income, this may suggest illicit financial activity such as bribery,
kickbacks or embezzlement.
