New committee adds to Society's AML efforts

Solicitor and lay members are being sought for a new anti-money laundering (AML) subcommittee being set up by the Law Society of Scotland.

Designed to help the Society meet its increasing statutory obligations as a responsible and effective AML regulator, the new regulatory group is one of seven committees and accreditation panels across the Society that are currently looking for members.

There are also vacancies on the accreditation panels covering pensions, personal injury and professional negligence specialisms, as well as a convener vacancy on the Education & Training (Standard Setting) subcommittee. Two further convener posts are available on the Admissions Subcommittee and the Civil Justice Committee.

Committee members are volunteers from the Scottish legal profession and lay members from a variety of backgrounds, including financial services, the technology sector, academia and other professional bodies.

Graham Mackenzie, head of AML at the Society, commented: "As the AML supervisor for the Scottish legal profession, we undertake a wide range of supervisory assurance activities to ensure our members comply with their AML duties and responsibilities. We are committed to being a responsible and effective AML regulator – and in order for us to meet our increasing statutory obligations we are establishing a brand new regulatory AML Subcommittee with specific responsibilities not only to ensure our own compliance with the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations, but also to protect the profession and the public interest by dealing properly and promptly with significant cases of non-compliance.

"It’s a very exciting time to be working in this area, and I would encourage both solicitors and non-solicitors with the relevant experience to apply for this new committee."

Society Vice President John Mulholland added: "Sitting on a committee affords great opportunities for learning and development – it’s really varied and invaluable experience. I would strongly encourage anyone who believes they can contribute to the committee system, to grab the experience with both hands and get involved."

Click here for further information and to access the application form. The deadline for applicants is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2019.