PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(14 July 2026)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the dual regulatory system resulting from the proposed transfer of anti-money laundering supervision from the Law Society of Scotland to the Financial Conduct Authority on the level of the regulatory burden on Scottish law firms.

Asked by:
Andrew Bowie (Conservative)

Reform of the UK’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) supervision regime will improve the effectiveness and consistency of supervision that regulated firms receive. It will not change the underlying obligations firms must meet under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information of the Payer) Regulations 2017.

While AML/CTF regulation is reserved in the UK, the Government and FCA recognise Scotland's distinct legal framework and will continue engaging with Scottish stakeholders to ensure implementation is proportionate, compatible and minimises unnecessary regulatory burdens such as dual regulation.

The Financial Services and Markets Bill currently before Parliament will pave the way for AML/CTF supervision reform, with full implementation due to be brought in though subsequent changes to secondary legislation.

Answered by:
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