Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Sanctions compliance for the Bar.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and sanctions compliance is a regulatory requirement for all chambers and members, particularly those operating in regulated sectors. The Money Laundering Regulations place direct personal obligations on individuals, and non-compliance carries criminal penalties.
Every chambers must have current AML and Sanctions policies and must provide training to all relevant members and staff. Briefed provides bespoke training covering the BSB requirement and current obligations, plus policy templates that chambers can adopt or customise.
What the BSB requires.
The BSB Handbook requires chambers to have in place effective policies and procedures to manage the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. Members who handle client money must understand the Money Laundering Regulations and their personal obligations.
Members who work on cases involving potential sanctions exposure must understand sanctions rules and reporting obligations. All chambers must have AML and Sanctions policies in place and must provide training to all members and relevant staff.
The requirement is absolute. The BSB expects chambers to evidence training, to maintain policies, and to demonstrate that the team understands the regulatory framework. Non-compliance can result in regulatory investigation, disciplinary action, and criminal penalties.
What this means in practice.
Many barristers and chambers assume that only sets working in corporate and commercial areas need AML and Sanctions training. In practice, the requirement is broader. Most chambers, and their members, face financial exposure risks, and all chambers must therefore follow BSB requirements. Chambers staff managing client information or financial transactions need to understand the protocols.
Training alone is not sufficient. Chambers also need current policies, clear procedures for due diligence, and a mechanism for reporting and recording suspicious activity. Many chambers have policies that are outdated or generic.
Briefed provides training and policies built specifically for chambers and the particular obligations of the Bar.
What Briefed offers for AML and Sanctions Compliance.
Training
Standalone training modules consisting of Anti-Money Laundering for the Bar and UK Sanctions Compliance for the Bar. Both modules are suitable for members and chambers staff. All delivered on-demand with completion tracking and evidence recording.
Policy creation and review
AML and Sanctions policies built for chambers. These align with the legislative Money Laundering Regulations, the BSB Handbook requirements, and the Legal Services Board's Anti-Money Laundering guidance.
Non-compliance carries severe consequences.
AML and Sanctions compliance is not discretionary. The BSB expects chambers to have policies, to provide training, and to maintain records. Regulatory investigations into chambers' AML and sanctions procedures have occurred, and the penalties have been significant.
For specialist advisory, risk assessment, or audit support, Briefed recommends working with dedicated financial crime compliance advisors who specialise in this area. Briefed training and policies provide the essential foundation.