Leading independent law firm MacRoberts has launched AMLIFY, a dedicated anti-money laundering consultancy service, in response to the growing importance of AML compliance in the legal sector and at local and national level.

Headed by Fraser Sinclair, MacRoberts’ Head of AML and former Law Society of Scotland AML specialist, AMLIFY works with AML-supervised firms to ensure their AML and CTF processes are up-to-date, robust and reduce firms’ vulnerability to financial crime.

Whether firms are looking for reassurance on small points of compliance or a full risk review, AMLIFY offers consultation advice on firms’ policies, controls, procedures and file reviews. AMLIFY supports firms whether they are pre-, mid- or post-AML inspection, supporting them in preparing for inspections and responding to reports and findings from the Law Society of Scotland.

AMLIFY also offers tailored training and workshops to help firms ensure compliance with AML laws and regulations and best practice. These sessions can be provided to MLROs or to all staff for general CPD purposes.

Fraser, who was the Law Society of Scotland’s first AML Risk Manager, also designs and delivers the Society’s official accredited AML specialist course to solicitors in Scotland each year. This course gives MLROs and AML Managers the opportunity to be taken through the fundamentals of compliance and grow in confidence in their approach

Fraser Sinclair, Head of AMLIFY, said:

“The legal sector is clearly defined as being at high risk of money laundering and, as such, it is vital that legal professionals have the correct processes and procedures in place to ensure they won’t unwittingly support criminal activity through financial transactions in their firms.

We know that AML compliance can be daunting, the regulatory framework can 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 – the purpose of AMLIFY is to support legal, and other AML regulated, firms in their compliance journey and ensure they are fully-equipped with the right tools to ensure their legitimate services are not used for an illegitimate purpose.”