April 2025
Protecting against professional enabling – webinar Q&A
- 17 Apr 2025
Following our webinar on protecting against professional enabling, we’ve highlighted some common themes raised by viewers and ICAEW’s AML team has provided answers to the key questions.
Behind the scenes of ICAEW’s training film: Crossing the Line
- 14 Apr 2025
Ahead of the launch of his most ambitious training film yet, Duncan Wiggetts takes us behind the scenes of Crossing the Line. In this Q&A, he reveals the inspiration, challenges and unexpected moments behind a drama designed to spark debate and help raise standards across the audit profession.
ACSP registration is open
- 10 Apr 2025
Are you a third-party provider planning on carrying out identity verification checks for Companies House on behalf of your clients? Registration to be an authorised company service provider (ACSP) will now open on 18 March 2025 and firms will then be able to voluntarily verify the identity of clients from 8 April. The mandatory verification requirement will take effect in autumn 2025.
Disciplinary update: April 2025
- 09 Apr 2025
Take note of the latest disciplinary cases to ensure you or your firm are not making similar mistakes.
Part 2 - safeguarding the quality of your audits
- 09 Apr 2025
This is the second of three articles aimed at firms to help navigate the requirements of International Standard on Quality Management (UK) 1 (ISQM1). This article focuses on what to do with your monitoring findings and getting to the root cause.
Help The Gazette improve its services
- 08 Apr 2025
The Gazette (UK’s official public record) is one of the outlets for making the public aware of a deceased’s estate through statutory advertisements. It is making improvements to its website and services and invites probate firms to share their views.
Latest HMCTS updates for probate practitioners
- 04 Apr 2025
Our regular meeting with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) took place in March. These meetings provide a platform for us to raise your feedback and help us to understand any operational issues affecting probate practitioners. Find out the latest information on stopped applications, service levels and plans for future changes and improvements.
UKFIU: SARs best practice workshop
- 03 Apr 2025
The UKFIU Engagement Team is hosting monthly, sector-specific SAR best practice workshops. The next session, tailored for the accountancy sector, takes place on Tuesday, 29 April, from 1–4pm via Teams. This workshop is designed for AML compliance professionals and SAR writers in teams of five or fewer.
Places are limited, but additional sessions will be available later in the year for those who miss out.
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March 2025
National Crime Agency: SARs Annual Report
- 31 Mar 2025
The National Crime Agency has published its Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) Annual Report 2024, providing valuable insights into emerging money laundering threats and trends.
AML webinar: Understanding ACSP registration and compliance
- 28 Mar 2025
Join us on 11 June for our next AML webinar following the opening of the Companies House ACSP registration process.
Insolvency Monitoring Results 2024
- 26 Mar 2025
In 2024, we undertook 153 reviews with our accredited insolvency practitioners. Access our infographic to see the results and outcomes of those visits plus what help and support are available.
SARs Reporter Booklet March 2025
- 25 Mar 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.
February 2025
Part 1 – safeguarding the quality of your audits
- 27 Feb 2025
This is the first of three articles aimed at firms to help navigate the requirements of International Standard on Quality Management (UK) 1 (ISQM1), especially how and what to monitor.
UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022
- 26 Feb 2025
On 24 February, the UK Government designated 67 individuals and entities and specified 40 vessels under the Russia Sanctions Regime. One existing designation under the Russia Sanctions Regime has been varied.
Updates to the FATF 'grey list'
- 24 Feb 2025
The Financial Action Task Force has added Lao PDR and Nepal to the list of jurisdictions subject to increased monitoring but removed the Philippines.
SARs in Action issue 30
- 20 Feb 2025
The first issue of 2025 covers the UKFIU’s role in tackling Illegal Wildlife Trade, an NECC alert on AI bypassing due diligence, SARs Digital Service Delivery updates, and Operation DESTABILISE’s crackdown on major money laundering networks. Plus, the introduction of "Dear UKFIU," answering your SARs questions.
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.
Archive
Regulatory and Conduct news April 2024
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Regulatory and Conduct news March 2024
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- 05 Mar 2024
Regulatory and Conduct news February 2024
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- 01 Feb 2024
Regulatory and Conduct news January 2024
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Regulatory and Conduct news December 2023
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Regulatory and Conduct news November 2023
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Regulatory and Conduct news October 2023
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Regulatory and Conduct news September 2023
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- 01 Sep 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: