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 Guidance (LSAG)

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Other

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

The Home Office also gives Guidance on Examining Identity Documents.

Refreshed Sectoral AML Risk Assessment

We have carried out a new, refreshed and far more detailed assessment of AML risks, tailored to the circumstances, demographic and context of the Scottish profession. The Money Laundering Regulations require that our members use this information when carrying out their own money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessments.

Financial sanctions FAQ

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the resulting sanctions and other restrictions imposed by the UK Government, we...

AML FAQs

Answers to some of the most frequently asked AML-related queries, to help the legal profession understand the rationale and responsibilities around AML regulations.

AML subscription email service

HM Treasury's financial crime team provides a money laundering subscription email service that may be of interest to practice units. The purpose of the service is to allow the Treasury to communicate directly with subscribers when there are important anti-money laundering developments.

Regulators, such as us, have been asked to highlight this service to our member practice units.