June 2024
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.
Professional Standards Update June 2024
- 19 Jun 2024
In this issue, we announce the publication of our Regulatory and Conduct Annual Report, share our response to the UK Government’s tax advice consultation and highlight resources and webinars tailored to your role.
ICAEW supports proportionate approach to AML regulation
- 18 Jun 2024
ICAEW has submitted its response to a recent government consultation on improving the effectiveness of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLRs). Michelle Giddings, ICAEW’s Head of AML, looks at the proposals and draws out the key points for ICAEW-supervised firms.
Disciplinary update: June 2024
- 14 Jun 2024
Take note of the latest disciplinary cases to ensure you or your firm are not making similar mistakes.
A report from the HMCTS Probate Service User Group
- 13 Jun 2024
Rachel Clements, ICAEW Regulatory Policy Manager, shares an update from her visit to HMCTS’ Newcastle office to attend the regular user group meeting.
ICAEW AML supervisory role and activity in Q1 2024
- 06 Jun 2024
Our strategy is to provide robust anti-money laundering (AML) supervision through a risk-based regime. Find out what we did in the first quarter of 2024 to support this.
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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.
February 2024
Podcast: ISQM, preparing and filing accounts, and public practice
- 15 Feb 2024
Listen to the ICAEW podcast to catch up on how firms can maintain momentum on the International Standard of Quality Management for audit, changes in preparation and filing as a result of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act plus find out about ICAEW’s new podcast, The Tax Track, and changes to the Engaging in Public Practice certificate.
Correction: tax returns and payments in administrations alert
- 12 Feb 2024
In January 2024, HMRC issued an insolvency guidance bulletin with information about tax returns and payments in administrations and what process to follow. There was an error in the published bulletin. Please access the corrected bulletin and ensure you have the most current information.
Professional Standards Update February 2024
- 12 Feb 2024
This month we cover some of the professional ethical implications you need to consider when using Generative AI tools such as Chat GPT, invite you to apply for a range of remunerated roles on our regulatory and disciplinary committees and signpost updates and resources relevant to your role.
Don't let AI tools land you in hot water
- 12 Feb 2024
In this article we cover some of the professional ethical implications you need to consider when using Generative AI tools such as Chat GPT.
January 2024
Interested in sharing your thoughts on EDI within the legal profession?
- 31 Jan 2024
On behalf of the Legal Services Board, The Social Change Agency is researching into equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and social mobility in the legal profession, including ICAEW probate accredited firms, and will be conducting short interviews to help develop an understanding of what the barriers are. Email Rachel Krengel on rachel@thesocialchangeagency.org by mid-February to give your input.
Update on probate delays: Government call for evidence
- 31 Jan 2024
The UK Government’s Justice Select Committee wanted to hear from professional and individual users about their experiences of applying for probate and using the Probate Registry. Find out our response after including feedback from affected users on their experiences.
Quality Assurance monitoring end-of-year feedback results
- 29 Jan 2024
Find out what our firms thought of the monitoring review process in 2023.
Client satisfaction: do you really know what your clients think?
- 25 Jan 2024
Client feedback helps you improve your services, pick up any problems early, and build stronger relationships. Good reviews and referrals from satisfied clients can also support you in growing your business. We talk to some ICAEW probate accredited firms about the different ways they obtain feedback, and how they use it.
December 2023
Update on probate delays: Government call for evidence
- 31 Jan 2024
The UK Government’s Justice Select Committee wanted to hear from professional and individual users about their experiences of applying for probate and using the Probate Registry. Find out our response after including feedback from affected users on their experiences.
Professional Standards Update December 2024
- 31 Dec 2023
This month we launch a new consultation on changes to the professional behaviour provisions in the ICAEW Code of Ethics. We also give a final opportunity to respond to our PII consultation and invite you to watch a recording of our drop-in session which summarises the key changes. We launch access for our firms to a free diversity survey tool. The tool will enable non-probate firms to carry out an anonymous staff survey if they wish to do so. And finally, read specific updates categorised by regulated area to quickly see the key news and resources relevant to your role.
Introduction of Digital Journey for Plastic Packaging Tax in the Event of Insolvency
- 18 Dec 2023
HMRC is streamlining the way it deals with insolvency in relation to Plastic Packaging Tax. It has introduced a digital G-Form which can be used to notify HMRC of an Insolvency Event, submit Plastic Packaging Tax Returns and de-register from Plastic Packaging Tax. Please use this process going forward.
Why choose an accountant for probate services?
- 06 Dec 2023
ICAEW has been regulating accountancy firms offering non-contentious probate services for almost a decade. Yet, many people still don’t realise they can turn to probate-accredited accountants to administer an estate and apply for the grant of probate.
November 2023
AML supervision report and MLRO thematic review: Q&A
- 30 Nov 2023
In a recent webinar, ICAEW’s anti-money laundering (AML) team shared the findings of two recent reports: the AML supervision report for 2022/23 and a thematic review examining the role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). We pick out some of the common themes raised during the webinar Q&A and provide responses to key questions.
ICAEW response to LSB consultation on first-tier complaints
- 29 Nov 2023
We strongly support the objectives underpinning the proposed provisions to improve accessibility and trust and to focus on continuous improvement. Many of the proposals are already established good practice in our regulations. An area of concern for us is the very low numbers of complaints that we see in this area, means that there is a very high risk of negative data. Our consultation response includes suggestions on ways in which the risk of distortion of data might be reduced.
Watch a summary of the key areas of proposed PII changes
- 29 Nov 2023
ICAEW's PII and Regulatory Manager Sarah-Jane Owen talks through the PII Committee's proposals. The discussion is aimed at helping members and firms in responding to ICAEW's open consultation on changes to PII arrangements. The consultation can be accessed at icaew.com/piiconsultation.
One year on from ISQM 1
- 29 Nov 2023
Experience from audit monitoring reviews in 2023 shows that most audit firms have made great efforts in the implementation of ISQM1. All firms realise that their policies and procedures will develop over time, and it is now the cycle of monitoring, remediation and evaluation of the system of quality management, at least annually, that will be key to ongoing success.
October 2023
Quality Assurance monitoring feedback results
- 31 Oct 2023
Find out what our firms thought of the monitoring review process in Q3 2023.
ICAEW AML supervisory role and activity Q3 2023
- 26 Oct 2023
- PDF (98kb)
Find out what we did in Q3 2023 to prevent money laundering.
Professional Indemnity Insurance Consultation
- 19 Oct 2023
The ICAEW Regulatory Board is consulting on proposed changes to ICAEW's PII arrangements for transparency and to ensure that they are consistent with its duty to act in the public interest. We encourage you to comment on the proposed changes including our analysis of the potential challenges and impact. The consultation will run between 18 October and 14 December 2023.
Professional Standards Update October 2023
- 12 Oct 2023
In this issue we round-up the latest regulatory updates including resources and consultations on audit education and the UK Audit Regulations. We give some best practice examples, share the recording of our webinar: CPD for firms, and summarise the latest disciplinary cases. You can also apply for current remunerated committee roles.
September 2023
2024 probate fee consultation: feedback and results
- 27 Sep 2023
Each year, ICAEW asks firms to give their views on its proposed probate registration fee scale and budget. The responses are important and we talk to Matthew Downton, Director PSD Finance, Projects and Operations, about the findings of this year’s consultation.
CPD is changing: is your firm ready?
- 27 Sep 2023
On 27 September 2023, ICAEW hosted a live webinar discussing the key steps to prepare firms for the upcoming changes to ICAEW's CPD Regulations. The webinar covered topics, such as, understanding CPD categories, what is meant by verifiable hours and the ethics training requirement.
AML guidance for insolvency practitioners
- 26 Sep 2023
A reminder that where ICAEW is the firm’s anti-money laundering supervisor, insolvency practitioners should refer to ICAEW’s wealth of guidance and resources for current and definitive AML information.
Updated Statement of Insolvency Practice 3.3 Scotland (Trust Deeds)
- 25 Sep 2023
A revised SIP 3.3 relating to trust deeds has been issued. It was approved by the Joint Insolvency Committee and each of the recognised professional bodies following consultation with the profession and wider sector stakeholders. The main changes in the revised SIP 3.3 relate to the principles, key compliance standards and standards of specific applications being, as far as practicable, aligned with the recently revised SIP 3.1 relating to individual voluntary arrangements taking account of Scots law, trust deed procedures, appropriate terminology, etc
August 2023
Live webinar: Legal Services Regulatory Update
- 29 Aug 2023
On 12 September, join this free, live webinar: Legal Services Regulatory Update, when you’ll hear from a range of speakers who will inform you about the latest common issues we are seeing on quality assurance monitoring reviews, a number of regulatory changes that have taken place and a summary of the 2023 Probate Diversity Survey results.
Webinar: Why inflation is a problem for IPs
- 17 Aug 2023
Are your insolvent estate assets appropriately safeguarded? In the recording, hear Alan Stockdale, of Marsh, discuss the consequences of asset and insurance-related issues facing IPs. One listener wrote, “The amount of under-insured properties was eye-opening.” Another said it was useful to understand that under-insurance results in a reduction in insurance payouts, proportionate to the sum insured and valued. Learn other practical tips to avoid the pitfalls. Given the startling statistics, are you satisfied that your portfolio is sufficiently protected?
Our role as an anti-money laundering (AML) supervisor
- 17 Aug 2023
- PDF (89kb)
Find out what our firms thought of the monitoring review process in Q2 2023.
Submission of P11D - what is changing
- 16 Aug 2023
- PDF (63kb)
HMRC’s latest Insolvency Bulletin announces changes to the way employers should report expenses and benefits provided to employees during the tax year ending 5 April 2023 in the February 2023 Employer Bulletin and again in the April 2023 Employer Bulletin. The change, which will apply for that tax year and future tax years, means HMRC will no longer accept paper P11D and P11D(b) forms, this includes lists. This change is for both original submissions and for amendments.
July 2023
ICAEW Firm-wide risk assessment methodology
- 31 Jul 2023
- PDF (197kb)
The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR17) require firms to take the appropriate steps to identify and assess the risk that they could be used for money laundering, including terrorist financing.
Firm-wide risk assessments Q&A
- 31 Jul 2023
The Q&A session in ICAEW’s recent anti-money laundering (AML) webinar on firm-wide risk assessments (FWRAs) highlighted a range of issues. We pick out some common themes, and ICAEW’s AML team provides responses to key questions.
2023 Practice Assurance Monitoring Report
- 26 Jul 2023
Read the latest report to learn about common findings from our monitoring reviews and access resources to support compliance.
AMLbites: Risks and red flags - Accounting records
- 26 Jul 2023
Produced by the anti-money laundering supervision team, this bite size video focuses on common crime indicators and how accountants can spot the red flags.
Archive
Regulatory and Conduct news June 2023
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- 01 Jun 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news May 2023
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- 01 May 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news April 2023
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- 01 Apr 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news March 2023
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- 01 Mar 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news February 2023
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- 01 Feb 2023
Regulatory and Conduct news January 2023
- Listing
- 01 Jan 2023
Regulatory and conduct news 2022
- Listing
- 31 Dec 2022
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: