HMRC & Supervisory Issues

Memorandum of Understanding between HMRC and the FSA for joint supervision

A Memorandum of Understanding between HMRC and the FSA was published on the FSA website on 1 June 2012. It’s about sharing information and joint visits. This will be of particular relevance to many money services businesses whom are supervised not just under the Money Laundering Regulations by HMRC but are also the FSA by […]

Coutts fined for failings in money laundering controls

Private bank Coutts has been fined £8.75m by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for not taking adequate measures to prevent money laundering. The FSA said the failings “resulted in an unacceptable risk of Coutts handling the proceeds of crime”. The findings related to high-risk people, especially those whose political positions meant they were vulnerable to […]

Identifying counterfeit euros

Identifying counterfeit euros – consultation decision HM Treasury (HMT) have published the results of their consultation on the UK’s implementation of European Union (EU) Regulations 44/2009 and 45/2009, requiring Currency Exchange Offices and Money Transmitters to have procedures in place selectively to check euro notes and coins using an approved method. Following the consultation, the […]

01.09.11 Money Laundering Regulations cease to apply to stocktakers from 1 October 2011

As part of its review of the Money Laundering Regulations and in order to ensure its effective and proportionate implementation by businesses in the UK, the Treasury has reviewed the risk of money laundering and terrorist finance with HMRC and the Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors.

12.05.11 ICAEW Fine Accountant £5,000 for breach

At a Disciplininary Council meeting a Mr P R Honeywell FCA was found to have failed to comply with Money Laundering Regulations 2007 in that, following a practice assurance visit, he failed to:
(i) document a client due diligence review; and
(ii) identify clients for whom his firm, Honeywell (Monmouth) Limited, provides payroll services.

07.09.10 HMRC Guidance – Pakistan floods disaster – guidance on transmitting money

The Government recognises the crucial importance of individual giving and charitable donations at times of humanitarian crisis such as the Pakistan floods and therefore understands and values people’s desire to give money. This underlines the importance of knowing that money sent with best intentions is not inadvertently finding its way into the wrong hands.