Historically, HRTCs were defined by the European Union. Following Brexit, the UK adopted its own list under Schedule 3ZA of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017). This changed on 22 January 2024, when the definition was updated to align… Read More »Updated SRA Guidance on High-Risk Third Countries
A small but significant pair of amendments have been introduced to strengthen the UK’s anti-money laundering framework. These changes were implemented via Schedule 2 of the ECCTA 2023 (Consequential, Incidental and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2025 and are now live here.… Read More »Important changes to the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 – effective 18 November 2025
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has provided guidance to help firms understand their obligations when it comes to conducting litigation. This is an area where confusion often arises, particularly around the distinction between supporting litigation and conducting litigation. Here’s what… Read More »Conducting Litigation: Practical Steps for Compliance following the Mazur judgment
When handling client funds, you may encounter situations where continuing an activity could risk committing a money laundering or terrorist financing offence. In these cases, UK law allows you to request a defence—commonly known as “consent”—from the UK Financial Intelligence… Read More »DAMLs and DATFs: What Law Firms Need to Know About Defence Requests
Submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) is a critical part of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. The UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU), part of the National Crime Agency (NCA), is the only body authorised to receive SARs. Here’s what small firms need… Read More »Understanding SAR Guidance: What Every Law Firm Needs to Know
If your firm handles anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, you’ll need to use the SAR Portal—the UKFIU’s secure platform for submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). It replaces the old SAR Online system, so even if you had an account before, you… Read More »Registering for the SAR Portal: A Quick Guide for Busy Law Firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published important guidance on sanctions compliance in its latest update. This reinforces the need for firms to maintain robust systems and controls under the UK sanctions regime. Find the full guidance here. Key Messages… Read More »SRA Update: Sanctions Information – 11 November 2025
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) recently published a thematic review on source of funds and wealth compliance, highlighting key challenges and best practices for firms. For small law firms, where resources are often stretched, understanding these requirements is essential to… Read More »Mastering Source of Funds and Wealth Compliance
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published its AML Annual Report for 2024–25, highlighting progress, challenges, and priorities in tackling money laundering within the legal sector. This year’s report underscores the SRA’s commitment to proactive regulation and risk-based supervision. The… Read More »SRA Anti-Money Laundering Annual Report 2024–25: Key Insights
The regulatory landscape for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) is undergoing a significant transformation. The UK government has announced plans to unify the regulation of AML and CTF under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with the Solicitors Regulation… Read More »Navigating AML and CTF Regulatory Changes