This section provides guidance on how ICAEW member firms can effectively design and implement a risk-based approach. We also provide information on AML risk.
AML guidance for the accountancy sector
The CCAB has published approved, updated guidance for the introduction of MLR17. The guidance was last amended in 2023, changes included information on proliferation financing and ‘ongoing’ discrepancy reporting requirements.
The guidance is addressed to all entities providing audit, accountancy, tax, insolvency or related services in the UK (including firms providing trust or company services) by way of business, irrespective of membership of a recognised professional body.
The CCAB also publishes a separate appendix for:
ICAEW firm-wide risk assessment methodology
MLR17 requires firms providing accountancy, trust or company services to take the appropriate steps to identify and assess the risk that they could be used for money laundering, including terrorist financing. They must assess the services they provide and the types of client they have, to understand how criminals could use them to conceal the proceeds of a crime or use their services to create an arrangement that could facilitate money laundering.
National Risk Assessment 2020
The National Risk Assessment (NRA) of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing is a stock-take of the UK's collective knowledge of money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the UK. Our summary of the NRA forms part of new resources to support your firm.
AASG Risk Outlook (updated July 2024)
This Risk Outlook sets out the key AML risks within the accountancy sector. It was produced by the Accountancy AML Supervisors Group (AASG). You should review the risks within the Risk Outlook and consider how your firm may face these risks. July 2024 updates include the addition of risks and red flags around proliferation financing and crypto-assets, as well as further details on the risk of trust and company services.
AML risk bulletins
Restricted access bulletins
We send regular AML Risk Bulletins to money laundering reporting officers (MLROs) and money laundering compliance principals (MLCPs) only at our supervised firms. The bulletins are sent to the email addresses we hold on our records, as confirmed in the firm’s most recent annual return. We are not able to extend the distribution list for these bulletins. The contents of these emails are usually protected behind the ICAEW log-in. If you have received an alert but cannot access the content, please contact us via webchat for assistance.
The AASG risk bulletins’ which are protected behind the ICAEW log-in should not be disseminated outside of your firm. The information they contain is for internal use to inform training and any changes to your risk assessment procedures.
Open access bulletins
Access to the following AASG bulletin is not restricted:
ICAEW risk bulletins
Webinar resource: Money laundering risk assessments
Our panel of speakers including MLROs, AML professionals and the ICAEW supervisory team, discussed how to perform a money laundering risk assessment and when to revisit it in this live webinar.
Discussion topics included:
- What should you consider as part of your risk assessment?
- What will your AML supervisor expect to see?
- Example of a risk assessment
- Case studies and a live Q&A
Articles and podcasts on AML risk
Podcast: Economic crime, Russia/Ukraine and the Spring Statement
On this ICAEW Insights podcast episode, we look at the fight to remove Russian economic criminals from the UK, and whether the Spring Statement does enough to address current economic pressures.
What to do if you suspect your client of furlough fraud
Government schemes to ease the financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic have been a lifeline for businesses. But with measures rushed in so quickly, some will inevitably take advantage.
Follow the money: How to combat money laundering
Firms need to be alert to the constantly shifting threat of money laundering. While much of the media’s focus is on banks and other financial institutions, professional service firms are also on the front line in the battle against money laundering.
National strategic assessment on Serious Organised Crime (SOC)
Operationally, the National Crime Agency (NCA) leads and coordinates the UK’s response to serious organised crime. It publishes an annual national strategic assessment on the issue, highlighting key findings and trends.
Guidance on crypto-assets
This guidance gives an introduction to crypto-assets for accountants, and how members may encounter clients with these assets. The guidance then outlines the Money Laundering risks that could be associated with clients who hold crypto-assets, and the issues that members will need to consider in their risk assessments.
Anti-money laundering implications of investments in cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids
Guidance to alert members to their potential position in relation to clients who have invested in Cannabis in jurisdictions where it has been legalised for medicinal and/or recreational use.
Red flag indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking
ICAEW, along with the other accountancy professional body supervisors, worked with the NCA to identify these red flags for the accountancy sector. Firms should read the indicators and watch the Operation Fort Panorama clip on page 9. Remember to use the SAR glossary code XXMSHTXX in any relevant SARs.
COVID-19: Observations from the UKFIU on what is being seen in reporting around COVID-19 and SARs (May and June editions)
NCA publishes important resources describing what trends and typologies they identify. This document sets out key observations on what is being reported around COVID-19.
Useful links
Please make use of the following resources to ensure you are up-to-date with the latest regulatory information and news:
2024 Thematic Review: The firm-wide risk assessment
Read our latest thematic review for insights into what firms are doing well, where improvements can be made and for ICAEW's key reflections.
Find out more
