Question 1

Are accountants and auditors AML-regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most FATF-aligned jurisdictions. The UK regulates accountants under the MLRs 2017, supervised by HMRC or a professional body supervisor (ICAEW, ACCA, AAT, CIOT, etc.). The EU AMLR includes auditors, external accountants and tax advisors. Australia brings accountants in scope on 1 July 202...

Question 2

Which accounting services trigger AML obligations?

Accepted Answer

Typically: tax advice; statutory audit; bookkeeping; company formation and management services; trust services; insolvency practice; mergers and acquisitions advisory; participation in or arranging the buying and selling of business entities or real estate. Routine compliance returns for establis...

Question 3

What is "tax advisor" risk in AML terms?

Accepted Answer

Tax advisors handle structures (trusts, holding chains, residency planning) that can be misused for laundering or tax evasion. The EU AMLR explicitly lists "any person who undertakes to provide, directly or by means of other persons to which that other person is related, material aid, assistance...

Accountants, tax & audit