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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

October 30, 2025

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…

TI-UK’s paper Improving the UK’s Trust Registration Service urges expanding the TRS’s scope and data access to expose hidden ownership in UK property and close loopholes enabling ML through opaque trusts

October 25, 2025

The report highlights that the Trust Registration Service (TRS) under HM Revenue & Customs remains ineffective in tackling hidden ownership in UK property via trusts, citing examples of at least £2.5 billion held through trust structures. It recommends reforms to broaden registration (including trusts acquiring property before October 2020 and overseas trusts holding UK assets) and to allow more meaningful public access to TRS data, in line with the Sixth Anti‑Money Laundering Directive standard…

UK Govt’s guidance Supply chain resilience against ransomware outlines steps for organisations to tighten supplier oversight, boost cybersecurity, and adopt a four-step plan to strengthen defences

October 24, 2025

The UK, in collaboration with Counter‑Ransomware Initiative members and Singapore, launches new international guidance designed to help organisations identify vulnerabilities in supply-chain networks and stop cyber criminals before they exploit them. With endorsement from 67 CRI member states and in view of rising incidents — including a 2024 attack on a key NHS supplier in the UK — the initiative underscores the importance of coordinated global action to protect critical services and networks…

UK Govt appoints the FCA as the single AML/CTF supervisor for professional services, bringing around 60K firms – including lawyers, accountants, and TCSPs under one unified regulator

October 21, 2025

The report outlines the UK government’s response to its 2024 consultation on AML supervision reform, confirming that the FCA will become the single public supervisor for professional services firms. This reform, shaped by consultation feedback, aims to streamline oversight, strengthen risk-based supervision, and improve coordination with law enforcement, addressing previous gaps in the UK’s AML framework…

FCA’s survey on Financial Crime Controls in Corporate Finance firms exposes major AML gaps, with two-thirds failing key standards and urging stronger risk assessment, due diligence, and oversight

October 20, 2025

The FCA’s review reveals that a notable proportion of corporate finance firms fail to maintain comprehensive business-wide risk assessments or adequately monitor their appointed representatives. Strengthening these controls is essential to ensuring compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations and reducing the sector’s vulnerability to money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes…

UK AAT’s 2024–25 AML Annual Report reveals major compliance gaps among accountancy firms and rising crypto and AI-fraud risks, urging stronger governance to combat evolving FC

October 17, 2025

The report provides a detailed overview of AAT’s monitoring activity during the year, including practice-assurance reviews, identified deficiencies, enforcement actions and monetary fines imposed on members who fail to meet AML obligations. It further outlines the supervisory approach, emerging threats and highlights resources and guidance made available by AAT to help members fulfil their obligations under the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations…

UK PSR decides not to proceed with an interim cap on UK-EEA cross-border interchange fees, citing the need stronger data and analysis to protect transparency and integrity in payment systems

October 10, 2025

The decision highlights the PSR’s cautious approach to regulatory intervention, aiming to prevent distortions in cross-border payment flows that could obscure transaction data or complicate oversight. It also reinforces the importance of developing a sound evidence base and coordinated framework to maintain visibility and accountability across international payment networks…

UK Border Force seizes 15.6 tonnes of cocaine worth over £1BN between June and Aug 2025, as smugglers use ingenious methods like hiding drugs in cheese wheels to evade detection

October 9, 2025

One major seizure included 2.4 tonnes of cocaine valued at £100 million from a vessel at London Gateway. The operation, supported by the National Crime Agency and international partners, reflects enhanced intelligence sharing and detection capabilities to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks.

CoLP and Action Fraud warn of rising payment diversion fraud, where criminals pose as solicitors or estate agents to intercept property funds, reporting 143 cases and £11.7M in losses Apr 24 – Mar 25

October 7, 2025

The majority of these cases involved residential property transactions, with an average loss of £78,393 per case. Victims were predominantly individuals aged 30 to 49, and the fraud was reported across the UK, with higher volumes in London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Sussex, and Essex. The police urge anyone involved in property transactions to verify payment requests directly with trusted contacts…

HMT publishes the G7 Cyber Expert Group’s AI and Cybersecurity Statement which urges jurisdictions to track AI developments, foster collaboration, and proactively tackle emerging cyber risks

October 6, 2025

While AI enhances resilience through advanced anomaly detection, fraud prevention, and predictive maintenance, it also introduces risks such as AI-driven phishing and automated exploit development. The Group urges jurisdictions to monitor AI developments, foster public-private-academic collaboration, and proactively address emerging cybersecurity challenges. This statement serves as a call to action for…

FCA convicts an individual for running a £1.3M Ponzi scheme through the fraudulent Imperial Investment Fund, targeting 238 investors via Facebook with unrealistic returns

October 6, 2025

Operating from his Devon home, the perpetrator misled 238 investors by promising unrealistic returns of 1.4% daily, 7% weekly, or 350% annually, primarily through Facebook advertisements. Despite knowing the scheme was collapsing, he continued to recruit new investors…

CoLP joins forces with public and private partners on World Romance Scam Prevention Day to combat romance fraud, which cost victims over £106M last year – £12,000 per hour

October 3, 2025

CoLP coordinated a national response to romance fraud, uniting public and private sector partners—including Bumble Inc, Ofcom, UK Finance, Barclays, and the Metropolitan Police—to address this emotionally and financially devastating crime. It emphasized the importance of collaboration in disrupting criminal networks and supporting victims. They also provided guidance on protecting oneself

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