
AML: Beware the weapons link
New amendments to the UK Money Laundering Regulations mean that law firms must assess their exposure to "proliferation financing".
MacRoberts is now Morton Fraser MacRoberts. As we embark on this exciting journey, rest assured that we will continue to provide the same exceptional service to our loyal clients. Find out more
If you offer legal services within scope of the UK Money Laundering Regulations, you are required by law to have policies and procedures in place which comply with those regulations.
AMLify is MacRoberts' expert anti-money laundering consultancy service which can help your business with AML and CTF compliance, ensure your processes are robust and reduce your vulnerability to financial crime.
Headed by ex-Law Society of Scotland AML specialist Fraser Sinclair, AMLify offers masterclasses and tailored training sessions to suit your business and help you ensure compliance with AML laws and regulations and best practice.
Fraser was the Law Society of Scotland's first AML Risk Manager and now designs and delivers the Society's official AML certification course to solicitors across Scotland each year.
The Law Society of Scotland's AML Certification Course is aimed at solicitors within legal firms who have responsibility for AML decision-making, policy and procedural design.
AML compliance contains many grey areas, and often allows for differing approaches based on risk, size and nature of firm. This course is designed to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of AML and their implementation, and how to think about and problem solve in AML.
The course is split into five 2-hour seminar/workshop sessions with Fraser Sinclair, one written assignment and optional private study. Completing the full course fulfils your CPD requirements for the year.
Find out moreAML compliance can be a daunting task. We know the regulatory framework can sometimes feel unclear and the scope for firms to tailor their own risk-based approach can often leave firms wondering if they are doing the right thing.
Whether you are looking for some reassurance on small points of compliance, or if you would like a full review of your firm-level risk, policies or procedures, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact UsAre you expecting an AML inspection, or are you perhaps mid-way through one?
AMLify is led by our Head of AML, Fraser Sinclair, a formative member of the Law Society of Scotland's AML team, bringing in-depth, specialist knowledge of AML risk and compliance elements for the legal sector and beyond.
Fraser offers consultation advice pre-, during and post-inspection, and can help you prepare for inspections and respond to reports and findings from the Law Society of Scotland.
Whether you are looking for AML training for your MLRO only, general AML CPD, or help with something specific, we can tailor training and workshops to suit your needs.
For more information on our training courses, please contact us.
"The course was really well structured and jammed full of relevant content. At the end of the course, I feel I am now more confident in my role as MLRO. I also have a better knowledge of where to look for any information I need. Fraser brought this heavy, and sometimes dry, subject to life in a way that was easily understood and I can thoroughly recommend this course."
"Fraser clearly put a lot of effort into the preparation and delivery of the course and I appreciate the caring way in which he conducted things."
"Fraser is very knowledgeable on the topic and delivers the training well. Definitely worth attending any AML course that he is delivering."
"I have found the course incredibly useful – I particularly liked the practical aspects. The course really boosted my knowledge and confidence – let’s be honest, you saved my bacon!"
"The course was excellent. By some way, the most interesting and useful CPD I have attended."
"Well worth attending; Fraser has a very good knowledge of the topic and communicates very well."
"A practical ‘spin’ from Fraser, who clearly had valuable knowledge and insight to impart. Hugely useful!"
"This is an excellent course for anyone seeking to meet the legislative, compliance and regulatory challenges posed by AML. Super content and a relaxed and practical delivery style from Fraser makes for a very enjoyable learning experience. Well worth the time and effort."
"I have been the MLRO of our firm since 2007, but learned a great deal during this course. Fraser is to be commended for making a difficult subject comprehensible and delivering his course in an authoritative but approachable way"
"Excellent course. Well structured. Varied content with a good mix of technical analysis of the regulations and practical tips."
"I was delighted with the course content – it was particularly helpful for any firm facing an AML inspection by the LSS."
"A practical and pragmatic AML overview given by a very knowledgeable trainer, Fraser."
Contact us today to find out how AMLify can bring value to your firm.
New amendments to the UK Money Laundering Regulations mean that law firms must assess their exposure to "proliferation financing".
Fraser Sinclair considers Spotlight on Corruption’s recent article on AML supervision in the legal sector, and whether it is true to say that law is a “privileged profession”.
Fraser Sinclair highlights the importance of the practice-wide risk assessment, and AML record keeping, as part of a practice's compliance steps.
In 2016, we were one of the first law firms in Scotland to become accredited Living Wage employers.
Shortlisted for Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2022.
Winners of Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2020.
Our Real Estate team won the Property Team of the Year Award at the British Legal Awards in 2018.
Winner of SME of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards 2017, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.
Highly Commended for Commercial Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016.
In 2019, MacRoberts achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a UK Government entry-level information security standard.
MacRoberts holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management, the most widely recognised quality management system standard in the world.
MacRoberts holds the ISO14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness.
MacRoberts holds the ISO27001:2013 certification for Information Security, an internationally recognised security gold standard.
Business continuity is a critical element of the Business Management System at MacRoberts and we hold full accreditation with the ISO 22301:2019.
MacRoberts is a member of IP Inclusive, a network of intellectual property professionals working to make our community more equal, diverse and inclusive.
We are active members of the PRIME Programme – an organisation that focuses on ensuring a career in law is open to talent from all economic and social backgrounds.
MacRoberts supports the Scottish Business Pledge, a values-led partnership between Government and business that is based on boosting productivity and competitiveness through fairness, equality and sustainable employment.
We are supporters of the Partnership for Change, a network of organisations and individuals who share a common ambition to improve diversity on boards and in senior leadership.
We are a member of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), a UK-based not-for-profit organisation which helps employers build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures through our membership, training, and consultancy services.
MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark for 2023. TIDE is enei's self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool which measures an organisation's overall approach and progress on diversity and inclusion.
MacRoberts is a Disability Confident employer, and are committed to disability equality across our firm.
MacRoberts fully supports flexible working practices and supports family-friendly working practices.
In 2022, MacRoberts received a Bronze Award in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusivity in the workplace.
MacRoberts is a longstanding member of Scotland Food & Drink, the leading trade association for Scotland's food and drink industry.
MacRoberts is an Associate Member of SELECT, Scotland's largest construction trade association.
You can still contact us as usual, or find out more about Morton Fraser MacRoberts at mfmac.com