SRA Update
Issue 137 - March 2025
Welcome to the March issue of SRA Update. In this issue, we talk about our continuing work around high-volume claims, share an update on the Post Office IT scandal, and highlight that this year’s Keeping of the Roll exercise will soon open. You will also find details of where you can watch our recent webinars covering themes such as AML, the SQE and qualifying work experience.
Paul Philip
Chief Executive
Following a number of high-profile cases of firms specialising in high-volume claims work failing, we are continuing our work to consider whether this area of the market is working as well as it should. The number of firms we are looking into for issues linked to claims work has now risen to more than 60, and we are working with wider industries to consider what more can be done.
Now that the evidence-gathering sessions of the public inquiry have finished, we have updated our statement on our investigations into the Post Office Horizon scandal. While we can't confirm the exact timeline, we are hopeful that we can launch prosecution action in some cases in the summer.
Read more about: Post Office IT scandal – update to timeline
Following last week’s announcement of Paul Philip’s decision to retire as our Chief Executive, we have started the recruitment process to find a replacement. A job advert, and further details about how the recruitment process will work, are available.
We want to share candidates', newly qualified solicitors' and employers'/QWE providers' experiences of the SQE and qualifying work experience. We are looking to feature these in case studies, on social media and in videos. If you are interested in sharing your story, please complete the form below.
Solicitors without a practising certificate must tell us each year if you wish to remain on the roll. If you do, then you will need to apply during the application window (3 April - 28 May) and pay a £20 fee.
Do you use investigators as part of your work? The Association of British Investigators new code of conduct has been approved by the Information Commissioners Office, meaning its members have clear standards to uphold when working for you.
The University of Law will soon assume the role as the single assessment provider to deliver assessments for the Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) criminal and civil qualification. This means that we are consulting on minor technical changes to our rules, required ahead of this change.
Read more about: Rule changes ahead of move to HRA single assessment provider
There is still time to book onto our March AML webinar, where we will share the recent findings from our proactive sanctions work, cover the expansion of the sanctions regime, and update you on the work of The Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation. This session will be of particular interest to firms working in areas of higher risk such as international trade, or firms dealing with sanctioned entities or people.
Read more about: Anti-money laundering sanctions webinar this month
Our SQE virtual conference takes place on Wednesday 2 April. It’s open to employers offering qualifying work experience and is free to join. Hear from employers about their experiences, as well as from newly qualified solicitors who have been through the SQE route.
Read more about: Learn more about qualifying work experience at our virtual SQE conference
All solicitors with a practising certificate and registered lawyers must keep their knowledge and skills up to date and provide competent legal services. To help support this, we have a range of materials available, including templates and targeted information for specific practice areas.
We are currently recruiting for wide range of roles, including qualified roles in Client Protection, Authorisation, Business Improvement and Data. Our jobs page has more information.
The latest issue of Lawtech Insight covers practical tips on procuring onboarding technology and discusses everything from integration to data security. Also covered are the latest news stories on legal technology and innovation.
Read more about: Get practical tips for onboarding clients online
The University of Law will be conducting a pilot and testing programme in April 2025 for the new Higher Rights of Audience assessments prior to the first delivery point in October 2025. As part of that programme, they are asking for members of the profession to register their interest in taking part.
Read more about: Get involved in Higher Rights of Audience pilot
Are you worried about your health affecting your work? Life as a solicitor can be challenging, and the demands and pressures can easily build up. We can signpost you to sources of help and make adjustments for you if you are in difficulty.
Welcome to the March issue of SRA Update. In this issue, we provide the latest information on making claims in financial mis-selling work, as the Financial Ombudsman Service is introducing a new charge for claims made via a professional representative. The National Crime Agency is hosting an online workshop to help smaller firms improve the quality of suspicious activity reports – let them know if you are interested. And we have updated one of our anti-money laundering Q&As to clarify the position around cryptocurrency.
Paul Philip
Chief Executive
The Financial Ombudsman Service will next month start charging for compensation claims made through ‘professional representatives’. Each application will be £250, although 70 per cent is refunded if the claim is successful. We have guidance for those firms who run financial product mis-selling claims.
Read more about: New charge for financial product mis-selling claims
We have updated a question in our anti-money laundering Q&A about accepting cryptocurrency as a payment. We do not recognise crypto as money that can be paid into the client account. A valid client account can also only be used via a bank or building society, and neither have the facilities for crypto at this stage.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is holding a workshop later this month to help smaller firms (with less than eight employees) improve the quality of suspicious activity reports (SARs). The event takes place on 26 March. Find out how to sign up.
We have summarised the latest updates to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) list of high-risk jurisdictions. All regulated firms should be aware of these changes and consider any potential implications for risk assessments and due diligence procedures.
The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI), launched in October 2024, has the power to investigate suspected breaches of specific trade sanctions and take enforcement action. OTSI has recently issued new guidance, which has implications for the legal sector.
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