Redacting Documents
Sterling allows you to mark documents as redacted for compliance and record-keeping purposes. Redacting a document flags it as containing sensitive information and creates an audit trail of when and by whom it was marked.
Redaction Is a Label, Not a Restriction
Marking a document as redacted does not hide or restrict access to the file. All team members with household access can still view and download redacted documents.
How to Redact a Document
- Navigate to the household's Documents page
- Locate the file you want to redact
- Click the three-dot menu on the file card
- Select Mark as Redacted
A green Redacted badge appears on the file, indicating its status. Sterling records the date and the team member who marked the file.
Removing the Redacted Status
To remove the redacted flag from a document:
- Click the three-dot menu on the redacted file
- Select Mark as Not Redacted
The green badge disappears and the file returns to normal status.
Why Use Redaction
- Compliance: Identify documents containing personally identifiable information or sensitive financial data
- Audit Trail: Track when documents were flagged and by whom
- Visual Identification: Quickly spot sensitive files with the green badge
- Record Keeping: Maintain documentation of how sensitive materials are handled
What Redaction Does Not Do
Redaction in Sterling is a labeling system for your internal tracking. It does not:
- Block access to the document
- Hide the document from team members
- Encrypt or modify the file contents
- Prevent downloading or copying
Use Redaction for Workflow
Many advisors use redaction to flag documents that need review before sharing with clients, or to identify files containing Social Security numbers and account numbers.