On 24 April 2025, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) released updated guidance aimed at helping businesses—including small law firms—understand how to raise concerns about suspected fraud or corruption and how to engage with the SFO when wrongdoing is identified. Why… Read More »SFO Guidance on Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs) – 24 April 2025
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to tackling financial crime. Gradually implemented since 2024, ECCTA aims to strengthen transparency, disrupt economic crime, and modernise the UK’s corporate framework… Read More »What Law Firms Need to Know About ECCTA 2023 and Companies House Reforms in April 2025
On 23 April 2025, the Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) released a significant update to its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Guidance, approved by HM Treasury. This update replaces the March 2023 guidance and the December 2023 addendum, and is now the… Read More »Key LSAG AML Guidance Updates – April 2025
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has released its updated list of High-Risk Third Countries (HRTCs) as of 21 February 2025, identifying jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT frameworks. For small law firms, this update is a critical reminder… Read More »HRTCs List Update – 21 February 2025
Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance is not optional—it’s a legal obligation. For small law firms and sole practitioners, understanding and implementing a Firm-Wide Risk Assessment (FWRA) is essential to meet the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLRs) and avoid… Read More »AML Guidance Note from the SRA regarding Firm-Wide Risk Assessments – Updated December 2024