Category: CQS Conveyancing
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Technology Impact Assessment: Let’s Talk AML Software
Most firms today rely on slick AML tools to handle ID checks and source-of-wealth. Platforms like Thirdfort and CDDmonitor (digital CMRA) have quickly become the norm. But the rules have changed. Recent HM Treasury guidance and LSAG advisory notes have quietly reshaped what “good” looks like, and many firms haven’t caught up. It is no…
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Navigating the New “Source of Funds” Standards in Reports on Title
The “Report on Title” has always been a cornerstone of client communication. However, a significant shift is occurring in how we report on one of the most sensitive areas of a transaction: Source of Funds (SoF). The days of simply seeing a bank statement and ticking a box are over. Recent updates to industry guidance—including…
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Regulatory Settlement Agreements: Key Benefits and Strategic Advantages
Regulatory Settlement Agreements (RSAs) have become crucial for efficiently resolving disciplinary matters amidst increased SRA AML Audits. They offer benefits such as resource management, cost reduction, and certainty of outcomes, making them advantageous compared to lengthy legal battles. Expert representation is vital for effective use, especially in straightforward cases.
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Post Completion Risks in Conveyancing
The post completion stage of conveyancing is facing unprecedented scrutiny as HM Land Registry continues it’s transition from private feedback to public transparency. New data from HMLR highlights a significant divide in application quality across the legal sector. While the proportion of firms with an avoidable requisition rate under 1 percent has risen to 20…
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The ghost client and AML risk for law firms in 2026
In 2026, one of the most serious anti money laundering risks facing law firms is the rise of synthetic identity fraud. These are not stolen identities, but entirely fabricated ones, built using a mix of real data such as National Insurance numbers and fake details including names, addresses and AI generated images. The result is…
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Is CQS accreditation a safety net or a false sense of security?
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…
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Independent AML Audit: How to Prepare
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…
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The AI AML Assessor: how agentic AI is reshaping AML compliance for law firms
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…
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From SRA to FCA: Is Your Firm Ready for the 2026 Supervisory Shift?
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…