The OPBAS, functioning under the FCA, has identified ongoing inconsistencies in the supervisory efforts of the UK’s PBSs in combating money laundering.
Despite most PBSs adhering to regulations, the effectiveness of their supervision remains varied.
The assessment highlights that none of the 25 PBSs, responsible for oversight within the legal and accountancy sectors, have achieved full effectiveness across all evaluated areas. Notably, there has been a decrease in the use and impact of enforcement actions, such as fines, compared to previous years. This decline raises concerns about the stringent application of regulatory measures.
Moreover, while some PBSs have shown improvement in sharing information and intelligence with regulators and law enforcement, this practice is not uniformly adopted, impacting the broader fight against the illicit flow of funds in the UK.
OPBAS has responded by enhancing its toolkit for accountability, directing two PBSs to implement specific remedial actions against identified money laundering gaps. Additionally, in January 2023, OPBAS introduced more detailed guidance on expected outcomes to strengthen the supervisors’ roles, with a strategic emphasis on the areas showing the greatest weaknesses.
Andrea Bowe, director, specialists at FCA, expressed a resolute stance on tackling financial crime, stating, “The FCA is committed to playing a leading role in reducing and preventing financial crime. Through OPBAS, we have intervened to tackle failings where we have found them. However, we are still not seeing the consistent, effective improvement we need.”
As OPBAS continues to refine its supervisory focus, the overarching goal remains to bolster the consistency and effectiveness of PBSs in their critical role against financial crime.
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