Coadjute, the compliance technology specialist, has warned that many UK estate agents may now be at risk of breaking anti-money-laundering (AML) laws following significant changes introduced by HMRC last month.
On 9 September, HMRC issued revised AML guidance that substantially redefines what checks are mandatory. The guidance uses the word “must” 212 times, turning dozens of previously advisory measures into legal obligations for estate agents.
Coadjute advises firms to review their compliance procedures immediately to avoid potential breaches and penalties under the new AML framework.
The update introduces a new checklist of 34 named risk indicators that must be addressed within every agency’s Business Risk Assessment (BRA) and Policies, Controls and Procedures (PCPs). Any business that has not updated its documentation and onboarding processes since 9 September is likely to be non-compliant and could face fines of up to £158,000, based on recent HMRC enforcement cases.
Coadjute’s chief operating officer, John Reynolds, author of Digital Bricks and Mortar and a long-time advocate for higher digital standards in property, said he is speaking out now because the implications of the new rules are only just being understood.
“In recent weeks we’ve seen growing confusion across the industry,” said Reynolds.
“Agents are receiving audit requests and warning notices, and many are realising their existing AML files and policies simply don’t meet the new benchmark.
“If you’re still doing what you’ve always done, you may now be breaking the law.”
HMRC’s framework explicitly names red-flag patterns including super-prime price anomalies, SPVs, offshore entities, intermediaries, remote onboarding and third-party payers. The regulator has also clarified that most commonly used digital ID tools and sanctions look-ups alone are not sufficient to meet AML obligations.
“Tick-box apps and partial checks don’t cut it anymore,” Reynolds added. “Agents must be able to evidence how each transaction was reviewed against the 34 risks, what was found and what Enhanced Due Diligence was done.”
With HMRC already “naming and shaming” non-compliant firms – and the FCA expected to assume AML supervision in future – Coadjute is urging agents to professionalise or outsource their AML processes to avoid reputational and financial damage.
“Just as agents outsource payroll or EPCs, AML now needs specialist handling,” Reynolds said.
“The new rules make ad-hoc compliance impossible to defend. Getting it right protects not just your licence but your brand.”
Coadjute streamlines and digitises key workflows for estate agents, buyers, sellers, and all parties involved in a property transaction. Their outsourced AML compliance service, Assured Compliance, eliminates the admin and risk for agents, guarantees full compliance and audit readiness, and turns regulation into a new revenue opportunity.
