Category: Independent AML Audit
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Nine Years Without a Documented FWRA: What This SRA Fine Teaches
An SRA desk based AML review found that a small London practice had operated for almost nine years without a documented firm wide risk assessment and could not produce CMRA records on half the files examined.
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FCA Wants Partnership With Solicitors. It Will Still Expect Proof
The FCA says it wants partnership, proportionate supervision and less unnecessary paperwork. For law firms, that makes evidence of effective AML controls more important, not less.
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FCA AML Supervision of Law Firms: The 2028 Transfer Is Taking Shape
The FCA expects to begin assuming AML supervision of approximately 60,000 legal and accountancy entities toward the end of 2028. This article examines its proposed risk based approach and the practical steps law firms should take now.
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Independent AML Audit Should Be Your First Move – Here is Why
AML compliance has moved firmly to the front of the agenda for UK law firms. With the Solicitors Regulation Authority taking a more assertive stance and the courts broadening the scope of what constitutes money laundering an independent AML audit is the most important step they can take right now. The Regulatory Mood Has Changed…
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The SRA’s AML Questionnaire Is About to Get Much Harder to Bluff
The SRA’s AML data collection process is evolving, leveraging AI to identify discrepancies in submitted data by 2026. Firms must prepare for more in-depth questions and independent audit requirements. With the FCA taking over as the AML supervisor, continuous data capture and genuine risk management are now essential for firms to avoid penalties.
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Independent AML Audit: Is Your Firm Prepared for the 2028 FCA Takeover?
Robust anti-money laundering (AML) controls are critical for law firms. The SRA emphasizes practical compliance over mere documentation. A Reg 21 Independent AML Audit is essential for assessing risks, due diligence, and governance. As scrutiny intensifies, firms should prioritize these audits to foster a culture of compliance and avoid FCA sanctions.
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Independent AML Audits : The High Street Firm’s Secret Weapon
The FCA’s shift toward “Impactful Deterrence” is already making waves, there is a specific regulatory transition looming that should have every High Street partner checking their risk register: the transfer of AML supervision. Currently, for most High Street firms, the Solicitors Regulation Authority holds the reins. But the landscape is shifting. The Financial Conduct Authority…
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Reg 21 Independent AML Audit : The Real Work Begins After
Receiving a Reg 21 independent AML audit report is only the beginning. These five practical steps will help your firm review the findings, manage remediation, deliver targeted training and demonstrate that improvements are working.
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Mind the Gap: SRA Targets the “Disconnect” in AML Policies for 2026 Thematic Review
The SRA’s 2026 AML thematic review will scrutinize the effectiveness of firms’ AML Policies, Controls, and Procedures (PCPs). It aims to address the ongoing disconnect between established policies and actual practices. The review emphasizes the importance of independent audits and proactive compliance measures to strengthen AML frameworks and mitigate risks effectively.
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SRA AML Audits: What Law Firms Need to Evidence
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is intensifying its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) enforcement, conducting a record number of audits ahead of the FCA’s expanded oversight. Firms must prioritize compliance, as deficiencies found can lead to serious consequences. A compliance checklist highlights essential steps to prepare for increased scrutiny and potential fines.