The article explains the UK digital verification services register and how it helps businesses confirm whether an identity verification provider has been independently certified under the government trust framework. It distinguishes between certification and registration, and outlines the information available on the public register to support due diligence when selecting a provider.
The article argues that safe AI adoption in conveyancing depends on a single controlled route to client data, rather than relying on prompts or bolt-on guardrails. It sets out four functions for that route: authenticate the user, authorise access by individual permissions, minimise the data returned, and automatically record each data transfer.
The FCA has banned a former law firm manager from financial services after findings that he allowed more than £28 million of client money to be taken from client accounts without authorisation. The case follows SRA action against Kingly Solicitors, including a record fine, firm closure, and findings of forged statements, improper transfers and a remaining client money shortfall of around £10 million.
The article examines concerns raised by law firms and compliance advisers about the SRA’s new Rule 8.4, which is intended to separate significant management control from key compliance roles such as COLP and COFA. Critics argue the rule may be unclear, disproportionate and costly for smaller and mid-sized firms, particularly where it applies even to firms that do not hold client money.
The Conveyancing Task Force has joined criticism of the SRA’s planned changes to who can hold COLP and COFA roles, arguing the regulator should publish the evidence behind the rule change. The group says the proposals may be too blunt for different firm structures and calls for a wider review of whether the current role-based model is the best safeguard for client money.
A solicitor has been suspended for nine months after the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found serious accounting and compliance failings at a sole practice, including unreliable books of account, missing reconciliations and continued operation of a client account despite known record-keeping problems. The SRA intervened, recovered client funds, and the tribunal also ordered costs and post-suspension practice conditions.
The article explains that lawful basis for processing personal data is determined once per purpose, not re-established for every AI interaction. It argues that firms should focus on documenting approved AI use and maintaining records that evidence accountability, vendor control and data flow, rather than treating each AI action as a separate compliance event.
The government has indicated that the Financial Conduct Authority will begin taking on anti-money laundering supervision for professional services firms by the end of 2028, with full onboarding expected by mid-2030. The transition is intended to be phased, risk-based and supported by consultation on the future fee model, while existing supervisors remain in place until the FCA assumes responsibility.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has fined sole practitioner Bryn Roberts £20,148 after finding repeated breaches of regulatory obligations over several years, including failures in client care, complaints handling and client account management. The investigation identified a client account shortage, missing reconciliations and other issues that the SRA said created a risk of significant harm to clients.
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has struck two solicitors off the roll and ordered them to pay combined costs of £89,000 after finding serious misconduct in conveyancing-related matters. The cases involved breaches of client account rules, misuse of client money, and conduct that caused significant financial harm to clients and to the profession’s compensation arrangements.
The Law Society has criticised the SRA’s proposed changes to first-tier complaints handling, arguing they may add administrative burden without clear consumer benefit. The consultation follows record complaint volumes and concerns from the Legal Ombudsman about poor complaints handling in a significant share of cases, while the Law Society also highlights the growing impact of AI-assisted complaints.
CILEX has raised concerns about proposed increases to Legal Ombudsman fees, warning that a tiered charging structure could encourage firms to make unwarranted payments to complainants to avoid higher costs. The consultation also proposes stricter admissibility thresholds and new timing rules, while the Law Society has separately warned the changes could reduce confidence in the complaints process.
