HUGGINS LEWIS FOSKETT

Decision - Prosecution

Outcome: Referral to Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

Outcome date: 17 July 2024

Published date: 23 October 2024

Firm details

Firm or organisation at time of matters giving rise to outcome

Name: Huggins Lewis Foskett

Address(es): 5/6 The Shrubberies, George Lane, London NE18 1BG

Firm ID: 061515

Firm or organisation at date of publication

Name: Huggins, Lewis Foskett

Address(es): 5/6 The Shrubberies, George Lane, London

Firm ID: 061515

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by SRA decision.

Reasons/basis

This notification relates to a Decision to prosecute before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.  This is an independent Tribunal which will reach its own decision after considering all the evidence, including any evidence put forward by the Respondent(s). The Tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer in respect of allegations which are or include that:-

1. Between 26 June 2017 and April 2022, the firm failed to have in place an appropriate Firm Wide Risk Assessment (FWRA) that identified and assessed the risks of money laundering to which it was subject, taking into account all risk factors pursuant to Regulation 18(2) of the MLRs 2017.
1. Between 26 June 2017 and April 2022, the firm failed to establish and maintain appropriate Policies Controls and Processes (PCPs) to mitigate and effectively manage the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing, identified in any risk assessment (FWRA), pursuant to Regulation 19(1)(a) of the MLRs 2017, and regularly review and update them pursuant to Regulation 19(1)(b) of the MLRs 2017.
2. Failed to monitor and manage compliance with its PCPs, as required by Regulation 19(3)(e) of the MLRs 2017.
2. Between 26 June 2017 and April 2022, the firm failed to conduct client and matter risk assessments (CMRAs), as required by Regulations 28(12)(a)(ii) and 28(13) of the MLRs 2017.
3. Between 26 June 2017 and 2024, failed to establish an independent audit, as required by Regulation 21(1)(c) of the MLRs 2017.

The allegations are subject to a Hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.