Miller’s annual CLC Risk & Compliance Conference, in partnership with Today’s Conveyancer, brought together leading voices from across the compliance and conveyancing sectors last month.
Speakers at the full day event, which was held at Miller’s City of London office, included both in-house experts from Miller and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), along with specialists from organisations including Chubb, Caytons Law, Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC), Clyde & Co and IQ Legal Training.
Regulatory changes and ongoing consultations were evergreen topics, with many speakers stressing the importance of active engagement with regulatory consultations. Attention was drawn to the fast-approaching 9 February 2026 deadline for responses to the consultation on the Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts Scheme (ILCA).
Updates regarding the transfer of regulatory oversight for anti-money laundering (AML) were also discussed in depth. While guidance and timeframes remain outstanding, it was acknowledged that legislative change is necessary before new arrangements can take effect. Practitioners were advised to continue using the CLC’s AML toolkit until further updates are provided.
The fact that ongoing CLC audits continue to highlight AML non-compliance, especially where policies are not fully embedded within operational processes, was raised. Practices were reminded that unresolved audit findings may result in referrals to the CLC’s adjudication panel, emphasising the seriousness with which such matters are treated.
The implications of the Mazur case were also addressed, reassuring practitioners that the judgement does not affect conveyancing or probate practice. This aligns with previously published statements from both the CLC and SLC.
Looking to the future, the conference examined the forthcoming requirement for firms and ‘relevant individuals’ to register as tax advisers from May 2026. It was noted that further guidance will be issued, with a minimum three-month transition period anticipated.
Discussion focused on the criteria for ‘relevant individuals’ and regulatory remedies, such as temporary ineligibility and ‘name and shame’ orders. Firms were urged to review the new requirements and their implications carefully and update client engagement documents accordingly. The identification of transactions involving complex SDLT considerations at an early stage and ensuring clients are clearly informed about the scope of advice being provided were also flagged.
A detailed session explored trends in professional indemnity insurance (PII) claims, particularly those arising from tax miscalculations. While stressing that outcomes depend on the specifics of each case, it was noted that successful claims are more likely to arise where overpayments occur, as recovery of such sums is often not possible. Conversely, it was discussed that where there has been underpayment, a client has not suffered a loss unless penalties or interest have accrued.
There was also a broader discussion on the increasing impact of online and AI-driven tools used by complainants. The case was made that these technologies often produce lengthy and jargon-heavy communications, which can require considerable time from compliance and claims professionals to address and may lead to ‘rapid, repeated exchanges’.
The value of cyber insurance was highlighted through the presentation of two different cyber claim scenarios. Even with measures such as multi-factor authentication and robust security in place, it was discussed how breaches can still occur. The serious financial consequences, particularly in cases involving ransomware, were highlighted.
Access to a 24/7 helpline, immediate expert support and specialist forensic or PR assistance were lauded for their ability to make a significant difference in minimising the impact of an incident. Firms were advised to review their level of cyber insurance cover and to ensure their indemnity limits are adequate given the potential costs involved.
The CLC presented insights gleaned from title change applications requisitions data, previously referred to as post-completion work. HM Land Registry (HMLR) shared statistics on title change applications with a designated senior contact at each firm, allowing firms to monitor their own requisition rates. Firms with requisition rates exceeding 10% were encouraged to participate in the HMLR training session scheduled for April 2026.
Delegates raised questions regarding the proposed introduction of mandatory ongoing competence requirements from the 2026 CLC practising year. Further information will be provided by the CLC in due course.
A dynamic session led by Ian Quayle of IQ Legal Training delivered updates and practical advice for conveyancers on the Building Safety Act (BSA), Commonhold, TA6, and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion chaired by Ed Pickard, Miller’s head of UK professions. Providing an open forum for questions and reflections, the panel featured Stephen Ward, CLC director of strategy and external relations, Simon Law, SLC chair and Calum MacLean, Miller risk manager, who offered further insights into the day’s themes.
“Despite the inclement weather, Miller’s annual CLC Risk & Compliance Conference attracted an impressive turnout,” the organisation said.
“Attendees benefited from a comprehensive agenda that underscored the significance of current regulatory changes and industry trends.”
