On 2nd May 2023 the SRA wrote to all firms they regulate who are NOT within scope of the AML regulations (they already asked those within AML scope) with a series of questions on how they comply with the Sanctions Regime. (Check your junk box!) Answering is mandatory and answers must be submitted by the end […]
We thought it worth putting up an answer to this questions as it has been asked may times. Compliance with AML is a particularly hot topic and the SRA is increasing inspection, audit and enforcement. The SRA does not give an absolutely categorical list, but does supply helpful guidance (we understand a lot more helpful […]
The SRA has issued updated guidance on 4th May 2023. This is in response to continued reports of an unsupportive, bullying or toxic working environment and culture in some firms it regulates. The guidance is for all individuals and firms the SRA regulates, including managers and other individuals involved in senior leadership within law firms […]
One of our client law firms has forwarded the email they received yesterday from the SRA giving them notice that the SRA will be asking them to answer specific questions about how they comply with the UK Sanctions Regime. They have provided a list of the questions they will ask. It is mandatory that the […]
The SRA published information about this in February 2023 to be brought into effect “later in the year”. This seems a sensible approach to streamline the process and save the profession expense. It also comes at a time when the SRA has been given powers to raise the maximum it can fine firms from £2,000 […]
The guidance has two parts: part 1: anti-money laundering guidance for the legal sectorpart 2: specific anti-money laundering guidance forbarristers/advocates (2a)trust or company service providers (2b)notaries (2c) 2b and 2c are to be read alongside part one of the guidance. 2a is designed to be read independently of part one. What’s changed? The Legal Sector […]
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has published some useful FAQs about handling complaints. Here is the link: https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/media/iatjbphd/guidance-scheme-rules-faq-april-2023.pdf Here are the contents chapter headings: Chapter 1 – Introduction and definitionsChapter 2 – Who can complain about whatChapter 3 – What authorised persons must doChapter 4 – When complaints can be referred to usChapter 5 – How […]
The Guidance was issued on 23rd November 2022. It relates to all solicitors, registered Foreign lawyers (RFLs), registered European lawyers (RELs) and firms they authorise and those they supervise to undertake immigration work. For the purposes of this guidance, the term 'solicitor' includes RELs and RFLs. Summary It covers: Here is a link to the […]
OFSI have issued guidance on how this will be done. OFSI is part of the UK Government Treasury which runs the UK Sanctions regime. (OFSI stands for 'Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation'.) The Guidance was issued in March 2023. Summary of Contents The Guidance sets out: • an explanation of the powers given to the […]
We don't publish most of the thanks and testimonials we get, but here is one. It is from Firas Jayyusi, Senior Consultant at Cedar White Bradley "Only a few people would have the chance to come across a remarkable professional like Ingemar. Ingemar, and his amazing team, helped me with the confirmation of my Qualifying […]
