This page provides links to the key legislation and guidance documents for AML in the legal sector, as well as our templates for risk assessments at the practice unit, matter and client level.
- Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) Anti-Money Laundering Guidance for the UK Legal Sector (Part 1).
- Published January 2021 and awaiting final HM Treasury approval.
- LSAG AML Guidance Part 2b: AML Guidance for legal professionals providing Trust or Company Services.
- Published April 2021 and awaiting final HM Treasury approval.
- LSAG AML Guidance Part 2c: AML Guidance for legal professionals offering notarial services.
- Published April 2021 and awaiting final HM Treasury approval.
- The Financial Action Task Force released updated Risk Based Approach Guidance for Legal Professionals in June 2019.
- Good practice in developing AML Policies and Procedures
How might you or your colleagues spot fake ID documents at client take-on stage?
One way would be to compare and contrast documentation presented against those you know are definitely genuine. This may be using your own photo-card licence or passport to compare against, or helpfully - the passport office, the DVLA and utility bill providers all provide information on security features, formats and layouts of their bills or issued documents on their websites.
You can find examples and useful links below:
Main energy providers (for utility bill examples - other utility providers may have similar)
Government agencies
- Passport office basic passport checks
- Passport office - new passport design
- DVLA information on driving licences
The Home Office also gives Guidance on Examining Identity Documents.
AML subscription email service
Regulators such as us have been asked to highlight this service to our member practice units.
