AIO Legal Services provides tailored Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance support to UK companies and international businesses operating within the scope of UK and European law. We assist companies in meeting their statutory obligations under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, as amended, alongside other applicable provisions of POCA 2002, the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, and FCA/sector-specific guidance.
We act for comapnies in sectors such as fintech, cryptoassets, maritime trade, and corporate transactions, particularly where AML obligations intersect with commercial risk and legal liability.
Scope of Services
We provide legal assistance with:
– Drafting and reviewing firm-wide AML policies, procedures and risk assessments
– Advising on client due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD) and ongoing monitoring
– Legal review of onboarding and KYC frameworks
– SAR reporting obligations and internal governance policies
– AML compliance in FCA, HMRC, and OPBAS-regulated environments
– Responding to regulatory inquiries, audits or enforcement action
– Advising solicitors and regulated professionals on AML risks in complex matters
AML and Fintech
Fintech firms authorised under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 or the Payment Services Regulations 2017 are subject to specific anti-money laundering obligations under UK law. Firms operating within this sector must ensure that their AML frameworks are not only operationally effective but also legally defensible in the event of regulatory scrutiny.
AIO Legal Services advises on the following:
– Legally compliant onboarding mechanisms and risk-based KYC design
– FCA expectations for EMI/PI firms operating internationally
– Internal audit requirements and Section 166 (FSMA) exposure
– Outsourced or third-party AML responsibility frameworks
AML and Cryptoasset Businesses
Cryptoasset firms operating in or from the UK are subject to AML supervision under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended). This includes crypto exchanges, token platforms, and custodial wallet providers. We provide legal support to ensure that these businesses meet the registration and compliance standards required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are in line with international best practices. Our services include:
– Registration with the FCA as a cryptoasset business under Regulation 14A
– Drafting of AML and financial crime policies in line with FATF guidance
– Implementation of travel rule protocols and unhosted wallet controls
– Legal review of cross-border arrangements and offshore structuring
AML in Maritime and Shipping
International shipping transactions frequently involve multi-jurisdictional counterparties, layered ownership structures, and offshore registration practices that may expose businesses to trade-based money laundering (TBML) and sanctions risks. AIO Legal Services advises shipowners, charterers, freight forwarders, and maritime finance stakeholders on ensuring compliance with applicable AML and sanctions legislation. We assist with:
– AML clause drafting in charterparties, MoAs, and freight agreements
– Legal due diligence on counterparties, flags of convenience, and nominee ownership
– Advice on alignment with UK financial sanctions and POCA compliance
– Support with internal risk frameworks for logistics and shipping groups
AML in Mergers and Acquisitions
The acquisition of a company with undisclosed anti-money laundering (AML) deficiencies or unresolved regulatory exposure may result in successor liability, reputational damage, and enforcement risk. We advise acquirers, investors, and corporate groups on addressing AML considerations at the pre-transaction and documentation stages.
Our services include:
– AML due diligence in share and asset purchase transactions
– Identification of historic failures in record keeping or reporting
– Drafting of indemnities, disclosures, and representations in SPAs
– Transaction structuring to isolate or mitigate inherited AML risk
Why Instruct AIO Legal Services
We are a UK law firm with experience advising firms and companies working in different sectors. Our approach combines regulatory accuracy with commercially sound advice, ensuring your AML framework is not only legally compliant but operationally practical. We act for UK businesses and international clients seeking advice under English law.
Please contact us to book your free consultation