Author: Simon Seaton

For years, many law firms have treated the Conveyancing Quality Scheme has been seen as a badge of honour, renewed annually to keep lender panels satisfied and operations running smoothly. That approach may no longer be enough. The regulatory environment has changed. As of 2020 the Solicitors Regulation Authority started increasing its focus on anti…

Independent AML Audit: How to Prepare

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An independent AML audit shouldn’t be a frantic scramble to “clean up” files. True readiness means moving beyond basic documentation to ensure your internal capacity is prepared. By clearing calendars for interviews and pre-booking senior management reviews, you transform the audit from a stressful “check-box” exercise into a strategic health check. Don’t just show them…

Ranson Houghton LLP fined over AML failings

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The Solicitors Regulation Authority has fined Andover based firm Ranson Houghton LLP, a total of 10,283 pounds following a settlement reached in March 2026. The issue: missing AML compliance frameworks Following an SRA AML Audit the regulator found that between 2017 and 2026 the firm did not maintain a compliant anti money laundering environment. In…

Lender panels and compliance audits: why preparation is your firm’s strongest defence in 2026

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For many conveyancing firms, lender panel membership has long been treated as a stable and reliable part of the business. With CQS accreditation in place and a clean professional indemnity record, lender panel status often felt secure and rarely required active attention. That assumption is becoming increasingly outdated. In 2026, lender panel membership is no…

The AI AML Assessor: how agentic AI is reshaping AML compliance for law firms

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For many years the role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer in a law firm has carried significant responsibility but often with very limited support. Unlike financial institutions that employ extensive compliance teams, most law firms outside the largest practices operate with minimal AML resources. The burden of reviewing alerts, gathering evidence and making judgement…

From SRA to FCA: Is Your Firm Ready for the 2026 Supervisory Shift?

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The transition to the FCA as the Single Professional Services Supervisor marks the end of “tick-box” compliance for the legal sector. As the regulator moves from a periodic review model to a proactive, data-led enforcement stance, many firms are discovering that their historic SRA standards may no longer pass muster. The primary difference? The FCA…

The FCA AML Audit: Are Conveyancing Firms Ready?

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For the last five years, law firms have been accustomed to the SRA’s oversight. But the transition to the FCA marks a shift from “assisted compliance” to a high-stakes, data-driven enforcement model. The FCA brings with it a “financial services” mindset, one that values hard evidence and operational proof over well-drafted AML Policies and Procedures…

How to Check if a Solicitor is on a Lender’s Panel (And Why it Matters)

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Don’t let a “non-panel” solicitor delay your house move. Learn how to use LenderPanel.com to verify your solicitor’s status, avoid double legal fees, and download our free “Panel Check” email template.

Why ‘Small’ Conveyancing Errors are Costing Firms Thousands

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