Wired-In: Client & Matter Risk Assessments

The Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) enforcement actions in 2024 sent a clear message - weak risk assessments cost firms dearly. At least 97 firms faced fines, with penalties reaching into the millions.

Over 50% of the cases concerned AML controls and risk assessments; this lack of transparency and flawed controls continue to land law firms in regulatory hot water, making compliance missteps riskier than ever.

Yet, these issues persist. In 2025, firms continue to make the same costly mistakes, with the SRA already issuing its maximum £25,000 fine in January to a Birmingham-based law firm.

In this second legal expert-led roundtable, Eloise Butterworth, Gavin Ball, and Arsalan Abbasi return to help firms strengthen their risk assessments and meet SRA expectations.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

What should – and shouldn't be included in a risk assessment
Real examples of SRA fines and the fining protocol
The essential role of risk assessments beyond AML compliance
The biggest mistakes firms make – and how to avoid them
KYB Challenges - uncovering UBOs, complex ownership and hidden risks

After the session, receive a free best practice guide with key insights and practical tips to strengthen your risk assessments.

About Eloise Butterworth

As Compliance Manager and Deputy MLRO, Eloise provides day-to-day support to fee earners on a wide range of regulatory and compliance topics, particularly on anti-money laundering and risk mitigation.

About Gavin Ball

As the Technical Director/Co-Owner for HiveRisk, I oversee, manage and deliver our client contracts, audits and reviews, providing technical compliance support and working closely with our clients to ensure a first-class service delivered in a timely and professional manner.

Providing Financial Crime and Compliance Consultancy and Advisory services to Law Firms, Estate Agents, & Professional Services Firms, focusing on Regulatory Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering, Fraud Prevention and Business Authorisation.

My role also provides strategic input to HiveRisk, delivering business development, leadership, team supervision and training.

About Arsalan Abbasi

Arsalan is an expert in the Legal and RegTech market, aiding professional firms with tech adoption, supporting Founders with Go-To-Market strategy and facilitating key introductions for investors in the space.

With Aventine Lab, we leverage our network, expertise and insights to accelerate growth and increase sources of revenue in the LegalTech & RegTech markets.

We craft and execute high-impact market entry strategies for Founders. For Investors, we make key introductions and provide a wealth of insight into LegalTech & RegTech markets. For professional and financial services, we consult on tech adoption and workflow management.

Host

Share on social media

Client & Matter Risk Assessments: Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

Sign Up to the Webinar

Host