Strengthening compliance: insights from the SRA’s AML inspections

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) currently inspects around 500 law firms annually, combining desk-based and on-site reviews. While there have been encouraging developments in firm-wide compliance – with improved risk assessments, PCPs, and client due diligence – gaps remain. In a session at the recent SRA Compliance Officers conference, the SRA discussed what these breaches […]

AIIC Group acquires stake in Taylor Rose Australia

AIIC Group (AIIC), the holding company behind leading independent law firm Taylor Rose, has completed the acquisition of 15 per cent of Taylor Rose Australia, its joint venture with the Australian firm, GTC Legal (“GTC”), for a consideration of $2.2m AUD. The joint venture was announced in April 2023 to expand AIIC’s legal consultancy model […]

Key insights from the recent SRA Compliance Officers Conference

In November, Legal Eye attended the Solicitors Regulation Authority Compliance Officers Conference. Focusing on enhancing anti-money laundering (AML) compliance within legal practices, the event featured notable speakers such as Alexandra Jones, the SRA’s Director of AML. Recently appointed, Alexandra Jones joins the regulator as it ramps up enforcement action following AML breaches. Here’s what she […]

Infotrack’s upcoming webinars : Can You Really Trust Technology?

Onboarding: Can You Really Trust Technology? Wednesday, 4 December at 11:00 am | Register here Technology is reshaping the onboarding experience for both clients and conveyancers, but how much should you rely on third-party software when managing business risk? How do you balance efficiency with confidence in your compliance processes? Join eCOS Head of Product, […]

Councils Slam Government’s “Unrealistic” 1.5 Million Homes Target

The government’s flagship plan to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029 is facing fierce resistance from local councils, who have branded it “unrealistic” and “impossible to achieve.” Responses obtained by the BBC under Freedom of Information laws reveal widespread concerns from councils of all political stripes. The clash sets local authorities on […]

Government sets 2029 deadline for fixing dangerous building cladding

Passed Fire Safety Bill to leave leaseholders liable for cladding bill

In a significant move to address lingering fire safety concerns, the UK government has announced new deadlines for removing unsafe cladding from residential buildings. The initiative aims to expedite remediation efforts, introduce stricter penalties for non-compliance, and ultimately make homes safer. Under the updated plan, high-rise buildings taller than 18 meters covered by government-funded schemes […]

Industry reacts: HMRC’s latest National Statistics UK Monthly Property Transactions

HMRC have released national statistics, with the seasonally adjusted estimate of UK non-residential (commercial) transactions in October showing a 42 per cent increase compared to October 2023, and a 40 per cent increase compared to September 2024. The seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions in October shows a 21% increase compared to October 2023, […]

£3 billion housebuilding schemes to unlock homes and boost growth

Billions of pounds in guarantees for housebuilders are now open for business as part of a new support package confirmed by the Housing Minister today. Billions of pounds in guarantees for housebuilders are now open for business as part of a new support package confirmed by the Housing Minister today. As announced at the Budget, […]

Martello Unveils Commercial Lite: Modular Environmental Search Reports for Commercial Lawyers

Martello, an independent provider of environmental search reports, has launched Commercial Lite—a suite of modular reports tailored for commercial real estate lawyers. Designed to save time and reduce costs, the Commercial Lite range is already ‘gaining momentum for its efficiency, accuracy, and affordability’. Focusing on transactions such as offices, retail units, and industrial sites, Commercial […]

Homebuying affordability improves as house price to income ratio eases

Modest house price inflation, combined with strong wage growth, means buying a home is becoming more affordable relative to income, according to new research. The analysis – based on data from mortgage lender Halifax House Price Index – compared typical house prices to average earnings across the UK. House prices have increased by 3.8 per […]

The Secret Diary of A High Street Conveyancer: Christmas Contract Rush

Every year, I forget how busy it is coming into Christmas – the pressure of those who want to move before Christmas coupled with the pressure of those who just want to exchange contracts before Christmas so that minds cannot be changed over the Christmas dinner table. Picture the scene: – So how are you […]

First-time buyers rush to beat stamp duty deadline in higher-priced areas

The latest real-time market analysis from the UK property website Rightmove reveals early signs of first-time buyers rushing to beat the stamp duty deadline in more expensive areas. In the Autumn Budget it was confirmed that stamp duty thresholds in England would lower from April 1 next year, and the rate at which properties will […]