Tag: SRA AML Audit
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Independent AML Audit: Is Your Firm Prepared for the 2027 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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SRA Update 147: Are Your Sanctions Checks Compliant After the Bank of Scotland Fine?
For conveyancing firm, the Bank of Scotland fine earlier this your should be a “loud” warning. In property transactions, where you are dealing with high-value assets and often complex ownership structures, a “near miss” on a name could lead to a total freeze of the transaction, or worse, a heavy fine and a report to…
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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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HMRC Tax Adviser Registration: The SDLT & Conveyancing Trap
As of May 2026, tax advisers in the legal sector, particularly conveyancing practices, must complete mandatory HMRC registration, which hinges on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. Firms must update their AML policies, prepare for thorough audits, and ensure all relevant individuals are vetted to avoid registration refusal and filing blocks.
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Firmwide Risk assessment failures land more firms with AML fines
So far in 2026, SRA AML audits have continued to unleash a wave of Regulatory Settlement Agreements (RSAs), signaling a zero-tolerance approach to static, generic, or missing Firmwide Risk Assessments (FWRAs). The Cost of Non-Compliance In the first quarter of 2026, financial penalties for AML-related failures have reached record levels. Analysis of recent settlements reveals…
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HSBC Panel Removal: LMS Oversight
The conveyancing sector is undergoing changes in how LMS manages HSBC’s conveyancing panel, particularly after SRA AML audits. Firms facing SRA sanctions risk lender panel removal, complicating client arrangements and increasing costs. Firms need strategic, remediation-focused responses to manage potential risks. Lexsure offers lender panel removal consultancy services for affected firms.
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Reg 21 Independent AML Audit : The Real Work Begins After
5 Immediate Actions for Law Firms Following a Reg 21 Independent AML Audit You’ve just crossed the finish line of your Regulation 21 Independent AML Audit. The report is in your inbox, and the temptation to file it away and return to “business as usual” is strong. However, the stakes for law firms have changed.…
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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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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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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…