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What Is Layering in Money Laundering?
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), it is a realistic proposition that upwards of £100 billion is laundered through and within UK-registered corporate structures each year; a staggering statistic which puts the level of threat that money laundering creates into perspective. The layering stage of money laundering is perhaps one of the most elusive - where illicit funds are disguised through complex and seemingly legitimate financial transactions.

A Guide to Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) Checks
For legal professionals, conducting “Know Your Customer” (KYC) checks are an essential component of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. These rigorous measures check a client’s identity by examining key information and documents about them, to assess the potential for their connection with financial crimes such as money laundering or terrorist financing.

How to Reduce AML False Positives
Many legal professionals face common challenges when adhering to their AML obligations, and an issue of increasing concer is the potential for false positives - instances where legitimate transactions or information are flagged as suspicious.

What Is an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)?
To ensure a fair and transparent legal system, law firms conduct several rigorous checks at the start of a new business relationship, one of which is identifying the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO). Identifying UBOs is important for firms when unravelling or unveiling hidden layers of corporate ownership, which has been a persistent issue for many solicitors up and down the country. From ensuring fair business practices to combating financial crimes like money laundering and tax evasion, UBOs are the key to unlocking more transparent client relationships.

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Proceedures for Law Firms
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) is one of the most important proceedures for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, ensuring firms meet regulatory requirements while creating trust and transparency in client relationships. This process is crucial in mitigating risks, particularly for legal professionals who handle sensitive information and manage complex transactions on a daily basis.

7 Steps To Create A Robust AML Compliance Program
Law firms regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have a legal obligation to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation, and a duty to follow additional best practice guidelines. However, some firms still do not have robust AML compliance programs in place, putting the firm at risk of financial or reputational harm.

What Is A Senior Responsible Officer (SRO)?
Law firms authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) must make several key appointments within their teams to ensure their firm is compliant across the board, from COLPs and COFAs to Money Laundering Reporting Officers. These roles are tasked with supporting or upholding the firm’s obligations in respect of regulation.
Away from the regulatory aspect, one of the most important positions in many firms that conduct residential conveyancing work, is that of the “Senior Reporting Officer” (SRO), who is a critical figure as required for the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). In this article, we shall assess the role of an SRO, informing you of key aspects for consideration when deciding who to appoint.

Understanding the Responsibilities of COLPs and COFAs
Regulatory compliance in SRA-authorised (Solicitors Regulation Authority) firms is vital for ensuring ethical conduct, financial integrity, and risk management. These firms must meet stringent standards to protect clients' interests and uphold public trust in the legal profession, and to maintain these high standards, firms designate Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) and Compliance Officers for Finance and Administration (COFAs) to oversee adherence to legal, ethical, and financial rules.
In this article, we will investigate how these roles are central to promoting transparency and accountability, safeguarding the firm’s reputation and integrity.

Anti-Money Laundering Checks for Solicitors
Anti-money laundering (AML) checks are a critical aspect of legal practice, especially for solicitors who handle client transactions that may be vulnerable to misuse by those seeking to launder illicit funds.

A Guide to “Know Your Customer” (KYC) Compliance for 2025
"Know Your Customer" (KYC) is an essential regulatory requirement for businesses, particularly within the legal and financial sectors, aimed at verifying the identity of clients to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing. This guide provides a detailed overview of the KYC requirements in the UK for 2025, highlighting key aspects, regulations, and best practices.