Anti Money Laundering

In September 2008, TM conducted a programme of research in conjunction with Central Law Training (CLT).

'Money Laundering Regulations 2007: the impact on solicitors and conveyancers'

As a leading provider of online property searches, we are aware that many firms have had to substantially change their procedures to comply with the new regulations. The aim of the project was to help us to understand the extent of the impact of the 2007 Money Laundering Regulations on our customers.

While there is no doubt that money laundering is a real threat to the UK and international economy, we are aware that some solicitors and conveyancers are finding that the burden of compliance is having a negative impact in terms of time involved in staff training, higher costs of administration and a potentially negative impact on the client experience.

Our research demonstrates that the legal profession views the introduction of the new regulations in 2007 in a positive light, with 63% of respondents considering them as necessary.

Firms have embraced the need to train all members of staff and 83% of firms are confident that their anti-money laundering systems pick up any fraudulent or suspicious activity.

Despite the seriousness of the threat and the investment in training, the majority of firms continue to validate the identity of clients with methods that do not fully comply with the new regulations.

Over 65% of firms still rely upon a visual check of photo ID and utility bills as their only method of identification, and are therefore falling short of 'best practice' and exposing themselves to the penalties outlined in the legislation.

Our report provides clear and practical guidance to enable firms to comply with Law Society and Joint Money Laundering Group guidelines.

View: TM's AML - Best Practice Guide View brochure: Anti Money Laundering

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