The Money Laundering Regulations

Businesses regulated by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, SI 2007/2157 (MLRs) must take steps to identify any activity they suspect to be linked to money laundering or terrorist financing. Money laundering is the process by which the proceeds of crime are converted into assets which appear to have a legitimate origin in order that they can be retained permanently or recycled into further criminal enterprises. All businesses that are covered by the regulations have to put in place suitable anti-money laundering controls. For more information on the MLRs, see Practice Note: The anti-money laundering regime.

The UK anti-money laundering regime, as it applies to regulated entities, is governed mainly by the MLRs and by requirements found in the Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls Sourcebook (SYSC) within the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook. HM Treasury is responsible for the MLRs and for appointing supervisors to review and implement their provisions.

Offences