Tag: FWRA
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The Independent AML Audit; Why it Matters
Under Regulation 21 of the MLRs, UK law firms are required, where appropriate to the size and nature of the business, to establish an independent audit function. This is no longer a “check-the-box” exercise; it is a critical risk management tool. On the flip side, a poorly executed Independent AML Audit can lead to public…
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Client Matter Risk Assessments:Think First, Type Second, Tick Never
In the world of AML compliance, the Client Matter Risk Assessment is often viewed as the final hurdle before a file can truly get moving. For many fee earners, it is a chore, a list of questions to be “cleared” so the real work can start. According to recent SRA thematic reviews and industry insights,…
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Beyond the Bank Balance: Mastering the Art of Source of Funds
During most Independent AML Audits that I conduct, proof of funds and source of funds are often treated as the same thing. In reality, they are very different. Confusing the two is a common mistake that can expose firms to unnecessary regulatory scrutiny. As professional standards evolve, the CLC and SRA are making it increasingly…
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AML Audit Checklist for Law Firms: Is Your Firm Truly Inspection-Ready?
In the current regulatory climate, “hoping for the best” is no longer a viable compliance strategy for law firms. With the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) increasing the frequency of audits and the transition toward tighter FCA-level scrutiny, law firms are under more pressure than ever to prove their anti-money laundering (AML) credentials. The cornerstone of…
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How Often Should Your Firm Conduct an Independent AML Audit?
In the world of AML compliance, there is a significant difference between doing your work and proving that your work is effective. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is no longer a “set it and forget it” task. For firms regulated under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLR 2017), the requirement for an independent AML audit is a…
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December 2025: The SRA’s AML Audit Crackdown Has Arrived
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.
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Firm Fined for Inadequate FWRA
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) assault on firm for breaches of anti-money laundering (AML) rules has continued, with Raegal Limited being fined £1,520 (an amount equivalent to 2.4% of its gross annual domestic turnover for the last financial year). On top of this an order of £1,350 was made for costs. The penalty was due to…
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Changes to AML Regulations
New changes to the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 took effect on 18 November, following the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These amendments specifically impact how firms interact with the Register of Overseas Entities. Two key updates have been implemented: First, Regulation 28 has been clarified to confirm that the Register…