February 2025
What you need to know about ACSP registration opening on 25 February
- 11 Feb 2025
Are you a third-party provider planning on carrying out identity verification checks for Companies House on behalf of your clients? Mark your calendar, as authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) registration opens on 25 February 2025. To register, you must be supervised by a UK anti-money laundering body.
Disciplinary update: February 2025
- 11 Feb 2025
Take note of the latest disciplinary cases to ensure you or your firm are not making similar mistakes.
HMRC’s risk assessment for trust and company service providers
- 07 Feb 2025
HMRC published its sectoral AML risk assessment for trust and company service providers, which are at a high risk of money laundering. Firms should use this to help them prepare their own firm-wide risk assessment.
SARs Reporter Booklet January 2025
- 07 Feb 2025
This booklet contains a sanitised summary of feedback from law enforcement agencies (LEAs) on their use of SARs.
2025 Audit Regulations changes: movement of audits and sole practitioner alternates
- 05 Feb 2025
Following a consultation process, the ICAEW Regulatory Board (IRB) will be asked to approve updated Audit Regulations at its March 2025 meeting. The revised regulations introduce a notification requirement for registered audit firms when they are appointed to audits that are potentially complex or high risk, and a requirement for sole practice auditors to appoint an alternate.
Check and monitor your firm’s audit eligibility
- 05 Feb 2025
Use this tool to check if your firm is still eligible to carry out audit work following recent Audit Regulations changes on audit firm control. You should also use this tool if you considering making changes to your firm structure.
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January 2025
New government guidance on Russian Sanctions Circumvention
- 31 Jan 2025
The UK Government has published two guidance documents to support UK industry counter and combat current and emerging trends relating to Russian sanctions circumvention.
SARs Reporter Booklet November 2024
- 30 Jan 2025
This booklet contains a summary of feedback from law enforcement agencies on their use of SARs. The booklet provides a snapshot of some of the examples UKFIU receive highlighting the work of law enforcement agencies in utilising SAR intelligence to initiate investigations and informing existing ones.
Latest SARs in Action issues
- 30 Jan 2025
Issue 29 examines efforts to combat human trafficking, highlights the Hydroponics Cell’s Amber Alert, recaps the 2024 Global Financial Institutions Partnership Summit, and celebrates the TECAs winners.
Issue 28 focuses on CARIN’s role in asset recovery, the Egmont Group’s impact on financial intelligence, and collaborative efforts by the National Economic Crime Centre Public Private Partnerships Team.
Probate News, Issue 25
- 27 Jan 2025
Give your view on proposed changes which, among other amendments, will introduce the service of the administration of oaths, sign up to the Probate Diversity Survey webinar to learn what’s new for 2025 and access resources and an update from HMCTS.
December 2024
Disciplinary update: December 2024
- 18 Dec 2024
Take note of the latest disciplinary cases to ensure you or your firm are not making similar mistakes.
Get ready for the 2025 Probate Diversity Survey
- 17 Dec 2024
The next Probate Diversity Survey is this spring. Join us to find out how to prepare – from understanding the process to using the free online survey tool plus changes for 2025. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. The webinar is free, and will take place on 5 February, 13:00-14:00. A recording will be available if you miss it.
Professional Standards Update December 2024
- 10 Dec 2024
We share an update regarding poor conduct in relation to tax matters, highlight upcoming changes to the ICAEW Code of Ethics and to practising certificate rules. You can also read a round up of the latest and most common issues our quality assurance team highlighted to insolvency practitioners, register for a webinar to find out about the process for the 2025 Probate Diversity Survey or sign up to an event from our AML supervisory team on how to protect against professional enabling.
Insolvency round-up 2024: issues raised during quality assurance visits
- 02 Dec 2024
ICAEW’s Restructuring and Insolvency Community roadshows cover key issues facing insolvency practitioners (IPs). In the final webinar of the 2024 series, Allison Broad, Head of Insolvency Monitoring, and Victoria Alexandrou, Insolvency Manager, discussed the most important findings from monitoring reviews, and highlighted some recent and upcoming changes affecting IPs.
November 2024
Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation: a tax perspective on ethics
- 29 Nov 2024
ICAEW’s Conduct Department is dealing with a growing number of disciplinary cases related to poor conduct in relation to tax matters. We look at the key role played by Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT) in setting boundaries and supporting members and firms in meeting their professional and ethical obligations by providing guidance.
New sanctions reporting obligations for insolvency practitioners
- 28 Nov 2024
On 14 November 2024, the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No.2) Regulations 2024 was laid in Parliament. This instrument expands the definition of relevant firms subject to financial sanctions reporting obligations to cover insolvency practitioners (IPs).
HMCTS probate drop in sessions
- 14 Nov 2024
An opportunity for probate professionals to meet members of HM Courts and Tribunals Service, find out more about the service and give your feedback.
Professional Standards Update November 2024
- 12 Nov 2024
Read recently updated FAQs around continuing professional development requirements, a summary of the latest disciplinary cases and the latest guidance and resources to support you in our role.
October 2024
Professional regulation: processes and people
- 31 Oct 2024
Catherine Boyd joined the ICAEW Regulatory Board (IRB) earlier this year. In the third of our series introducing new board members, she tells us about her long-standing interest in governance and explains why a holistic approach to regulation is so important.
The firm-wide risk assessment
- 30 Oct 2024
The money laundering regulations (MLRs) require every relevant organisation to take appropriate steps to identify and assess the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing to which its business is subject. We refer to this as the firm-wide risk assessment. It is the foundation upon which a firm builds its AML policies and procedures, particularly regarding customer due diligence (CDD). We asked the money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) at a sample of 100 high and high/medium risk accountancy firms a series of questions. We also asked for a copy of their most recent firm-wide risk as...
Quality Assurance monitoring feedback results
- 30 Oct 2024
Find out what our firms thought of the monitoring review process in Q3 2024.
HMRC Insolvency Bulletin: Confidentiality and disclosure in personal insolvencies
- 28 Oct 2024
HMRC cannot usually disclose information it holds on a debtor taxpayer. Please read HMRC’s latest guidance on when disclosures are allowed in personal insolvency cases.
September 2024
HMRC Insolvency Bulletin: Digital journey for Plastic Packaging Tax
- 30 Sep 2024
HMRC is streamlining its process for handling insolvency related to Plastic Packaging Tax by introducing a new Digital G-Form that is required to use when notifying HMRC of an Insolvency Event, submitting Plastic Packaging Tax Returns and deregistering from Plastic Packaging Tax. Be sure you make the necessary updates and follow the new procedure to help ensure your correspondence is handled efficiently.
Help The Gazette improve its services
- 30 Sep 2024
Best practice for many ICAEW-registered probate firms includes publishing details of the deceased’s estate in The Gazette and/or local newspapers. The Gazette has reached out to ICAEW for help to test its new website to ensure it meets the needs of practitioners.
HMCTS Probate Service User Group update
- 26 Sep 2024
ICAEW, along with other group members, met with the senior team at HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in September. In this article, Rachel Clements, ICAEW Regulatory Policy Manager, shares the latest updates from HMCTS on a range of topics of interest to practitioners, including current service levels between April and July.
Access to working papers guidance: regulation 3.13
- 18 Sep 2024
The guidance supporting audit regulation 3.13 “access to working papers” has been updated following the UK’s exit from the EU, and to reflect some changes to FRC functions. Following Brexit, the regulation now applies to a registered auditor accessing another firm’s working papers where the other firm is based in a third country (ie, a country outside the UK including EEA member states). Previously the regulation only applied when accessing working papers from a firm outside the EEA.
August 2024
Listen again to Professional Refresher: the ICAEW DPB (Designated Professional Body) Licence
- 30 Aug 2024
Listen to the webinar recording to learn about details of the ICAEW DPB (Designated Professional Body) Licence, along with practical examples to illustrate how it can be used to work collaboratively with FCA regulated financial advisers.
Urgent clarification requested regarding secured creditors
- 30 Aug 2024
ICAEW, along with two of the UK's other recognised professional bodies (IPA and ICAS); recently co-signed R3's letter to INSS (the Insolvency Service) to ask for urgent clarification to assist insolvency practitioners in carrying out their functions as an administrator of a company
HMRC Insolvency Bulletin: postal addresses to use for insolvency-related correspondence
- 28 Aug 2024
Be sure to update the address used to send insolvency-related correspondence to HMRC to avoid unnecessary delays. Post should be sent to the Enforcement and Insolvency Service addresses shown on Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56).
Feedback on proposed changes to Audit Regulations: CPD, alternates and sanctions for responsible individuals
- 22 Aug 2024
During 2023 ICAEW consulted on proposed changes to the Audit Regulations in relation to three policy areas: continuing professional development (CPD), compulsory alternates for sole practice auditors and the sanctioning of responsible individuals (RIs). The consultation ran for ten weeks from 1 September to 27 October 2023 and an overview of the results is shown below.
July 2024
AML - the essentials. Issue 32 July 2024
- 29 Jul 2024
We launch ICAEW's new guide and website area for those working in AML compliance. Use the guide to help you fulfil your role effectively. We also highlight the recently updated AASG Risk Outlook, explain the proposed new process for ID verification for Companies House, and flag changes to the high risk third countries list you should be aware of.
Your guide to the role of money laundering reporting officer
- 29 Jul 2024
ICAEW's new guide and dedicated web pages for new and existing money laundering reporting officers (MLROs) to enable you to fulfil your role effectively and break it down into manageable tasks.
Changes to Insolvency Guidance Papers
- 24 Jul 2024
Under the Joint Insolvency Committee’s (JIC’s) strategic work plan, Insolvency Guidance Papers (IGPs) are subject to periodic review to ensure they remain relevant to changing legislation and market conditions. In 2024 all of the IGPs are being reviewed and this notice is to advise you of the changes that have been approved by the JIC to date.
Deficiency accounts: back to basics
- 24 Jul 2024
Insolvency practitioners (IPs) are making some common mistakes during the preparation of statements of affairs and deficiency accounts. In a previous article, we offered some tips on how to prepare accurate and compliant statements of affairs. Here we focus on deficiency accounts.
June 2024
Ensuring accountants play by the book: the Conduct Committee in action
- 27 Jun 2024
Chairing ICAEW’s Conduct Committee for the past eight years has given Paul Brooks a unique insight into ICAEW’s disciplinary and enforcement activity. In the year he steps down as chair, he reflects on the critical role of the committee in ensuring accountants play by the book and reassuring the public that those who don’t are dealt with properly and fairly.
Webinar - Professional Refresher: the ICAEW DPB (Designated Professional Body) Licence
- 26 Jun 2024
Sign up to hear from Dean Neaves, Senior Manager, and Phil O'Halloran, Case Manager, from ICAEW's Professional Standards Department, who join other experts to provide a refresher on DPB regulation, ensuring firms remain compliant. It's also an opportunity for firms to learn more if they are looking to expand their service offering into this regulated area. The webinar is free and takes place 28 August, 12:00 - 13:00 BST, on Zoom.
HMRC Insolvency Bulletin: VAT Insolvency Only Mailbox
- 25 Jun 2024
Please read HMRC's reminder for insolvency practitioners (IPs) that the VAT Insolvency Only mailbox (vatinsolvencyonly@hmrc.gov.uk) is automated. You must only choose one of the provided options in the subject field. No other characters or amendments are viable. By ensuring the correct details are used, it enables HMRC to deal with correspondence as quickly as possible.
ICAEW’s Regulatory and Conduct Annual Report 2023–2024: Strengthening Trust is now available
- 20 Jun 2024
Our role as an improvement regulator is to act in the public interest and to strengthen consumer confidence and trust. We do this by enabling, evaluating and enforcing the high standards expected of ICAEW Chartered Accountants and those we regulate. Read about our operational performance over the past year.
May 2024
Professional Standards Update May 2024
- 31 May 2024
This month we highlight the government’s open consultation on the tax advice market, summarise the latest disciplinary cases and provide resources that are relevant to your role.
Insolvency News, Issue 15
- 30 May 2024
Read our latest update for information on some recent changes to our monitoring visit cycles and tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly. We also highlight upcoming events, provide guidance on how often you should reconcile estate accounts and remind you of recent common compliance issues to ensure you are not making similar mistakes.
Tips to improve quality assurance monitoring visits
- 21 May 2024
Since returning to offices post-COVID, some quality assurance monitoring visits for insolvency practitioners (IPs) are taking longer than planned. Please ensure you are helping to ensure the visit goes as quickly and efficiently as possible by ensuring key staff are available, files are accessible and that you respond promptly to our queries.
How often should I reconcile my estate accounts?
- 21 May 2024
ICAEW’s insolvency team recommends that the frequency of estate account reconciliations should be based on a risk-based approach. This may result in more or less frequency than our Clients’ Money Regulations stipulate. We explain what that means in practice and the importance of documenting the reasons for your decision of how often to reconcile.
April 2024
AML - the essentials. Issue 31, April 2024
- 30 Apr 2024
So far in 2024, there have been a number of regulatory and legislative changes, which we share in this edition. We also encourage you to respond to the open consultations and government surveys to ensure that future changes to the anti-money laundering regulatory framework are workable for the accountancy sector.
HMRC update on process for directors’ loan accounts (DLAs) written off in corporate insolvency procedures
- 25 Apr 2024
From 1 April, HMRC's mailbox relating to DLAs was decommissioned. Insolvency practitioners (IPs) used it to send copies of their final reports in corporate insolvency cases for HMRC to identify tax compliance risks from any directors with an unpaid loan account. Instead, IPs wishing to engage with HMRC regarding DLAs should write to Corporation Tax Services, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AX. Please access the Insolvency Guidance bulletin for more information.
Regulatory and Conduct Appointments Committee is now recruiting for its Chair
- 23 Apr 2024
The role for Chair is currently open for the Regulatory and Conduct Appointments Committee (RACAC). RACAC is responsible for dealing with all matters relating to the appointment and performance evaluations of chairs and members of the ICAEW Regulatory Board and Professional Standards Committees. The role is remunerated and is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the regulatory arena. Apply by 17 May.
Improving the effectiveness of the Money Laundering Regulations
- 23 Apr 2024
HM Treasury has published a consultation on improving the effectiveness of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 which place requirements onto a range of businesses to identify and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. While the consultation is open, HM Treasury is holding a series of virtual, working-level events to discuss the consultation with interested stakeholders.
March 2024
Proposed amendments to FCA guidance for insolvency practitioners
- Article
- 19 Mar 2024
The FCA has published a consultation on proposed amendments to FG21/4 - Guidance for insolvency practitioners on how to approach regulated firms. The amendments reflect legal, regulatory and economic changes since the guidance was first published and also seek to improve clarity and provide further information on certain aspects. The deadline for responses is 30 April 2024
Professional Standards Update March 2024
- Link
- 13 Mar 2024
This month we announce new Professional Indemnity Insurance Regulations that will take effect on 1 September 2024, we also encourage our firms to make sure they are allowed to use the ‘chartered accountants’ description and highlight common mistakes we see in this area. You can also read the outcomes of the latest disciplinary cases and access updates and resources that are relevant to your role.
ICAEW Insolvency Monitoring Report 2023
- Link
- 12 Mar 2024
We completed more than 150 insolvency reviews in 2023. Access the infographic to find out the results and what actions were taken.
DPB Monitoring Report 2023
- Link
- 12 Mar 2024
We monitor all DPB (Investment Business) licensed firms to ensure they are operating within the scope and eligibility criteria of their licence and that they have appropriate quality control procedures in place. Access the infographic to find out what was reported in 2023.
Archive
Regulatory and Conduct news February 2024
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- 01 Feb 2024
Regulatory and Conduct news January 2024
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- 01 Jan 2024
Regulatory and Conduct news December 2023
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- 01 Dec 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news November 2023
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- 01 Nov 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news October 2023
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- 01 Oct 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news September 2023
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- 01 Sep 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news August 2023
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- 01 Aug 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news July 2023
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- 12 Jul 2023
Further support
Useful links
Please make use of the following resources to ensure you are up-to-date with the latest regulatory information and news: