SRA’s 2024–25 AML Annual Report exposes widespread weaknesses in law firms’ risk assessments and AML controls, calling for urgent, risk-based action and stronger oversight

The report indicates a marked increase in supervisory interventions—covering inspections, file reviews and enforcement actions—as the SRA addresses persistent weaknesses in firm-wide risk assessments, client and matter-level risk evaluations, source-of-funds checks and sanctions compliance. It further emphasises emerging threats in conveyancing, technology risk (including AI) and supply-chain complexity, underscoring the need for firms to evolve controls proportionately as regulatory expectations rise…