SRA Update issue 152 July 2026

We have referred two individuals to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) in relation to conduct that took place in the period after the Post Office Horizon scandal. Our wider investigations into issues relating to the scandal are still ongoing, where we are working closely with the Inquiry team and the Metropolitan Police.

YouGov research, commissioned by the SRA, has found that while high-volume consumer claims can offer an important route to redress, many people experience problems during the claims process. The research, which examined the experience of over 15,000 consumers, highlighted issues such as poor communication, delays, and a lack of clarity about costs. These findings are informing our ongoing work to improve transparency, strengthen consumer protection, and build confidence in legal services in this area.

We have launched a consultation on new requirements intended to strengthen client money protections and risks related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The changes are designed to reduce the likelihood of consumer harm. Under the planned reforms, firms will have to notify us if they are planning to merge with, or purchase, another firm, as well as when they start holding client money.

Attend our webinar on 15 July on our proposed changes to strengthen client money protections and new notification requirements ahead of M&A activity.

We have launched a consultation on further new rules about handling client complaints. The proposed rules are designed to make sure that when clients make a complaint to a law firm they are kept up-to-date about its progress.

Discussions at our recent SRA Innovate event in Bristol explored considerations around how to embed agentic AI into legal services effectively and safely, to improve client experiences.

We want to hear your views on this newsletter. What content would you like to see in it and what changes would make it more engaging? Complete our short survey and let us know.

This year’s renewal period will run from 1 to 31 October. During this time, all practising certificates and registrations must be renewed, and the annual declaration of continuing competence made. Firms must also renew their authorisation and submit the required information and data. You can review what will be asked in each application.

We have proposed new rules about how all solicitors record and manage their learning and development needs, and that they should take part in mandatory discussions on ethics every year. The consultation closes on 15 July.

In this free webinar on 14 July, hear from our Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Sara Gwilliam. Sara will share how she became an MLRO, the challenges and expectations of the role, and how to make sure MLRO's have a voice in your organisation.

Responsibility for supervising anti-money laundering requirements will pass to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Treasury has consulted on this move, and its response to that consultation outlines how the transfer might look in the coming months.

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