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11 August 2023 / Julie Norris
Issue: 8037 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice , Criminal
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AML: Radical reform on the cards?

Anti-money laundering supervision is under scrutiny & law firms are urged to make their voices heard: Julie Norris examines the potential options for change
  • Under reforms currently being considered, responsibility for the supervision of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism could be taken away from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and given to a new body, meaning firms could be subject to dual regulation in future.

HM Treasury is consulting on radical structural reform to anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism (CT) supervision in the regulated business sector as part of the government’s wider effort to crack down on dirty money entering the UK. It recently announced it is gathering feedback on four new potential supervision models, with the stated objectives of, among other things, selecting one that enhances the effectiveness of supervision and improves coordination across the system.

While any changes introduced will impact an array of regulated businesses including accounting firms, barristers’ chambers and conveyancers, it is clear some of the proposals would be more far-reaching for law firms than others. Whichever model is ultimately adopted, however, will likely mean a ramping

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Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

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Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

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Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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