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Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

“Frequently assists high-profile individuals and corporate clients with anti-money laundering compliance.”

Chambers UK

The UK is well known for having one of the most onerous anti-money laundering (“AML”) regimes in the world, thanks to a combination of the very broadly worded criminal offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”) (on which see also our separate section on Money Laundering) and the particular duties placed by the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (“MLR”) on the regulated sector, which now extends far beyond those offering financial services.

Increasingly, businesses both within and outside the scope of the MLR need to understand this regime and to operate effective AML compliance systems so as to minimize the risks to them and to their staff. Such systems typically include Customer Due Diligence (“CDD”) and Know Your Customer (“KYC”) checks, and the appointment of a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (“MLRO”). Where appropriate, they will also include making online Suspicious Activity Reports (“SARs”) to the National Crime Agency (“NCA”).

BCL provides expert advice to businesses and MLROs on creating and reviewing AML compliance systems, including CDD and KYC checks, with a particular emphasis on their practical application and suitability to the particular needs of the business (this may also include advice on sanctions, for which see our separate section on Sanctions and Export Controls). We also provide particular advice on whether, when and how to submit a SAR to the NCA, including how to maximize the chances of obtaining any necessary consents for a particular transaction, and minimize adverse consequences under POCA (including, where necessary, assistance with internal investigations). We also provide expert advice to clients investigated for criminal breaches of the regulatory regime.

Our expert team of lawyers includes a past Chair of The Law Society’s Money Laundering Task Force, who contributed to the Law Society’s guidance on money laundering, and has provided expert witness assistance to an overseas common law government in relation to the scope and impact of UK AML legislation. Two of our lawyers are co-authors of Money Laundering Law and Regulation: A Practical Guide, published by Oxford University Press.

Related articles:

So Your Bank Blocked Your Account: Why It Happens, and What to Do About It

Restraint Orders: What To Do When Your Assets Are Frozen

Contact the Team

  • +44 (0)20 7430 2277
  • law@bcl.com
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John Binns

Partner
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Shaul Brazil

Partner
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Guy Bastable

Partner

Related Services

Money Laundering

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”) creates a set of very broadly defined money laundering offences, which are increasingly alleged by the police (or other law enforcement authorities, such as the FCA, HMRC, and the SFO)…

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Proceeds of Crime

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”) provides a broad range of powers to the police (and other law enforcement authorities) to block, freeze, restrain, or seize assets on the basis of their connection with alleged offences or offenders…

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Anti-Bribery & Corruption

In tandem with the increased activity by the UK criminal enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting particular instances of bribery and corruption, recent years have also seen a greater focus on implementing measures designed to minimize the risk that such offences are committed…

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Contact Us

  • Tel: +44 (0)20 7430 2277
    Fax: +44 (0)20 7430 1101
  • law@bcl.com
  • 51 Lincoln's Inn Fields
    London WC2A 3LZ

    DX 37981 Kingsway

Latest News & Insights

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  • Whole life orders – an analysis of the Court of Appeal judgment in McCann and Sinaga: Umar Azmeh writes for the Criminal Law Review
  • NCA planning AML crack down on company formation agents – John Binns writes for GRC World Forums

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