client due diligence (CDD) is a central pillar of the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regime. CDD requirements underpin the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017), SI 2017/692, as amended.

Counter-proliferation financing is the most recent addition to the long-established AML and CTF regime. Requirements in relation to counter-proliferation financing were introduced through amendments to the MLR 2017 and include in relation to systems and controls, risk assessment, etc. No specific counter-proliferation financing requirements were added in relation to CDD, and existing CDD provisions in the MLR 2017 were not amended to include mention of proliferation financing. As things stand, therefore, counter-proliferation financing is not covered in this Practice Note. For more information, see Practice Note: Counter-proliferation financing—CPF—the basics.

Where the MLR 2017 apply (see Practice Notes: Money Laundering Regulations 2017—scope and application—law firms), conducting CDD is an absolute requirement. It is not in itself subject to the risk-based approach. Certain components of CDD however, allow for flexibility and positively require