"All Too Familiar" AML training film released to members

Scottish solicitors now have free access to the anti-money laundering (AML) film “All Too Familiar”, a dramatised look at how firms can become unwittingly involved in money laundering.

The two-part film aims to raise awareness about the risks of economic crime, particularly money laundering, and the need for greater professional scepticism, even with long-standing clients. With solicitors’ duty to report suspicious activity under the Proceeds of Crime Act, it is relevant to all members.

Members can register to watch the film here or view via the AML Portal in the members’ area, for those with access. Members who watch the films as part of their AML training can log half-an-hour of verifiable CPD.

Created as part of a collaboration between the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the story is based on an accountancy firm, however the themes equally apply in a legal context.

The first 16-minute part of “All Too Familiar” depicts the downfall of an accountant, trusted business advisers and a failing restaurateur as they become inadvertently involved in money laundering through a series of failings of checks and balances. The eight-minute follow-up reveals what happened next.

The film is creative and insightful, designed to provoke discussions and challenge mindsets about how to deal with difficult decisions and topical issues in business situations. It is intended to support the running of workshops and training, helping relevant staff identify potential money laundering red flags, mitigate risks and prepare good quality suspicious activity reports.

Graham Mackenzie, Head of AML at the Law Society of Scotland, said: "Money laundering continues to be a significant threat to the Scottish legal profession, and the film is a great way to engage staff on anti-money laundering and its consequences. It depicts how easily professionals can get involved in illegal activity - even inadvertently - and the potential outcome.

"It also demonstrates how the application of appropriate risk assessment and holistic due diligence  - reviewing the wider background, circumstances and profile of the client and matter – can really help professionals avoid such situations. Finally, the video highlights the importance of considering and submitting a Suspicious Activity Report to law enforcement where appropriate.

"I hope the film really help MLROs and senior managers communicate these key messages in a way that is easily digestible and understood in the context of the day-to-day world of legal practice.”

Please note that the film is strictly for internal training purposes. It can only be screened or viewed by employees and partners of legal practices under the Law Society of Scotland’s AML supervision. It cannot be shown, used, transferred or copied for any other reason, including for commercial use.