Scots lawyers encouraged to complete anti-money laundering registration ahead of deadline next month

As part of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, all beneficial owners, managers and officers of Scottish law firms must register for approval with the Law Society by 26 June 2016. The Law Society, as a HM Treasury-appointed AML Supervisor, is required to collect, retain and provide anti-money laundering related information about our members.

The Law Society has launched an online AML registration portal for firms to complete the registration process by the June deadline.

Ian Messer, director of financial compliance at the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The new AML requirements bring a huge amount of change for solicitors and it’s vital for our members to keep up to date. These are mandatory and non-compliance could potentially result in criminal penalties for individuals or even the closure of the firm.

“As the AML Supervisor for Scottish solicitors, we are committed to educating and supporting our members as much as possible to ensure they can take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and prevent the Scottish legal system being used to launder the proceeds of crime.

“We will continue to send regular updates on the new AML requirements and solicitors can also check our website, where there is a wealth of information on how to comply. We have also published helpful information on the new registration process and what to do before submitting your application, such as ensuring you have the necessary disclosure documents, by the deadline on 26 June.”

All AML registration applications must be submitted by 26 June 2018.

The society intends to recover AML supervisory cost, such as the OPBAS fee and staff costs associated with AML supervision, from partners and directors of practice units doing work within scope of the money laundering requirements. More detailed information, including how this will affect the Accounts Fee, will be published in due course.

For more information see the AML section of the Law Society’s website or contact them at AMLregistrations@lawscot.org.uk