Regulatory regime

Regulatory regime

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the independent regulatory arm of the Law Society. It has primary responsibility for regulation of the solicitors’ profession. The SRA regulates solicitors, solicitor practices and some alternative business structures. It does not represent the solicitors’ profession, which is the function of the Law Society. Its purpose is to ensure that consumers receive a good service and that the rule of law is

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Practice Compliance News

SRA research reveals small law firms' barriers to technology adoption

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published research examining technology adoption among sole practitioners and small law firms with four or fewer partners. The study surveyed 138 small firms and found that while awareness of common legal technologies is high, only 12% have adopted GenerativeAI. The research identified cost, uncertainty and compliance concerns as key barriers to technology adoption. The SRA announced plans to enhance its resources on Artificial Intelligence and expand case studies showing successful technology implementation in small firms.

European Commission Guidelines on Prohibited AI Practices under the EU AI Act

EU Law analysis: Madelaine Harrington, associate; Sam Jungyun Choi, associate; and Lisa Peets, Technology and Communications Regulation Practice Group co-chair, of Covington & Burling LLP, summarise the key takeaways from the European Commission’s guidelines on prohibited AI practices.

FATF announces new mutual evaluation framework to strengthen global illicit finance defences

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has convened its annual high-level meeting with the nine FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) in Strasbourg, announcing the implementation of new mutual evaluations. The Global Network, comprising the FATF and nine FSRBs, representing over 200 jurisdictions, remains committed to combating illicit finance through a unified set of standards and mutual evaluations. The meeting focused on implementing Global Network priorities, particularly preparing members for the upcoming mutual evaluations, which will prioritise effectiveness in tackling money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation risks. All FSRBs aim to complete their first evaluations by late 2026 or early 2027. Additionally, significant emphasis was placed on fostering peer learning, experience sharing and strengthened cohesion within the Global Network, a key priority under the Mexican Presidency.

DSIT welcomes DUA Bill becoming Act of Parliament as DUAA

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has welcomed the Data (Use and Access) Bill (DUA Bill) receiving Royal Assent on 19 June 2025 and becoming law as the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA). DSIT notes that key measures include enabling real-time sharing of healthcare data across NHS services, saving 140,000 hours of admin annually and improving patient care, and the simplification of digital identity verification through certified tools, aiding tasks like renting or job application. The DUAA also introduces legislation to support investigations into child deaths linked to social media by preserving relevant data. Additionally, DSIT underlines that as mandated by the DUAA, a new Information Commission will replace the ICO, with a recruitment drive underway for its board to ensure diverse expertise.

View Practice Compliance by content type :

News