NorthRow

Author Archives: Natalie Davies

SPSS AML

Re-shaping AML supervision in the UK: FCA appointed as Single Professional Services Supervisor (SPSS)

The FCA has been appointed Single Professional Services Supervisor, centralising AML/CTF oversight for law, accountancy, and TCSP firms. Transition milestones, consultations, legislation, and phased implementation guide firms’ compliance readiness. … Read More

The compliance culture blueprint: A practical guide for AML compliance leaders

A practical guide for compliance leaders: learn how to build a strong, proactive compliance culture that staff believe in and regulators respect. Includes handy insights, practical steps, and proven tactics for shaping behaviours that last. … Read More

AML compliance culture

How compliance teams can build a proactive AML compliance through culture

Top teams can build a proactive AML compliance by encouraging early escalation, practical training, cross-department collaboration, and ethical leadership, creating cultures that protect firms from regulatory risk and financial crime. … Read More

FCA AML Fines

FCA AML fines 2015-2025: A decade of data and what it means for you

This blog explores a decade of FCA AML fines (2015-2025), highlighting key enforcement trends, sectors most affected, and common failings. While total fine values fell 68%, enforcement broadened, moving from large retail banks to fintech challengers like Starling and Monzo. … Read More

FCA AML Fines

The top 10 FCA AML fines from the last decade and what they tell us about AML priorities

This report analyses the FCA’s top 10 AML fines between 2015–2025, revealing key compliance failures. It offers actionable insights for firms aiming to strengthen controls and avoid similar regulatory penalties. … Read More

Hidden UBOs: the AML risk hiding in plain sight

Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) data gaps, often caused by outdated or fragmented KYB processes, create significant AML risks. Automation and continuous monitoring are essential to maintain visibility and prevent compliance failures. … Read More

KYB compliance

3 common Know Your Business (KYB) compliance pitfalls and how to avoid them

KYB remains one of the most error-prone compliance processes. This article explores three major pitfalls – data silos, one-off checks, and manual reviews – and offers practical steps to improve oversight and automation. … Read More

Barclays FCA fine

Barclays fined £42 million after failing to act on clear financial crime risks

Barclays fined £42 million for failing basic KYB and AML controls, highlighting urgent need for stronger client due diligence and monitoring. … Read More

streamline compliance operations

How a manual KYB compliance process can hold your business back and what to do about it

Manual KYB processes create hidden compliance risks, fragmented data, and audit challenges that put firms at regulatory and reputational risk. Automation streamlines checks, improves visibility, and strengthens your defence against financial crime. … Read More

Firm Wide Risk Assessment best practice

Building a smarter FWRA: A practical guide with expert insight

This guide shares practical, expert-backed advice on building a smarter FWRA – helping legal firms strengthen AML compliance with clearer data, better templates, and more realistic assessments. … Read More