SRA Update
Issue 154 - September 2026
Welcome to the latest issue of SRA Update. We have published the findings of an independent review we commissioned into the handling of events leading up to the intervention into the PM Law Group. Also published is an independent assurance review on compliance with the Legal Services Board’s Section 32 Directions introduced following the closure of Axiom Ince. Both reviews reinforce the need to reset the way the SRA regulates.
In this issue, we respond to questions about changes to compliance roles, clarifying how this will work in practice. Also find out how to prepare for the upcoming renewals exercise and take some time to read our latest warning notice on the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
The SRA has published the findings of an independent review conducted by law firm Jenner & Block LLP into the handling of the events leading up to the PM Law Group intervention in February 2026. Chief Executive Sarah Rapson said: ‘the findings… reinforce the priorities the organisation has set and accelerate the need to shift away from a reactive, enforcement-led model to become a modern, proportionate and effective regulator.’
Read more about: Independent review into pre-intervention handling of PM Law
Compliance officers play an important role within the regulatory framework and are responsible for overseeing a firm's compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations. In this latest blog, Executive Director Aileen Armstrong explains how changes to rule 8.4 and the separation of compliance roles will work in practice.
Read more about: What the separation of compliance roles means in practice
Many solicitors and law firms use AI responsibly. However, we have identified a number of cases involving the misuse of AI, particularly relating to the provision of inaccurate information and client confidentiality. It is crucial that you, and those at your firm, are using AI in ways that are compliant with SRA rules.
Read more about: Artificial intelligence – warning notice outlines the risks
All practising and registration certificates must be renewed before the end of October each year. Applications will open on 1 October and close on 31 October. To help you prepare, we have published information on what questions we ask individuals and firms in the application. We also recommend checking all your information is up to date in mySRA before you renew.
Read more about: Prepare now to renew your practising certificate in October
Ahead of the 2026 renewal period, we are advising solicitors and firms to check their authentication app, so they access their mySRA account when needed. Make sure your app is installed and working correctly as you will need it to log in. Our latest blog outlines how to avoid delays and ensure a smoother renewals process.
Read more about: Check your authentication app now to avoid delays with your renewal
Our latest annual assessment of continuing competence shows most solicitors are taking steps to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. However, it also highlights some areas for improvement, including evidence of learning needs and placing greater emphasis on ethics and professional obligations. With annual competence declarations approaching, policy manager Richard Williams outlines the key findings, what they mean for solicitors and firms, and the actions you should take now.
The latest SQE2 results show the highest pass rate yet for first-time candidates. The overall pass rate was 83% and for first-time candidates, the pass rate was 85%. The full statistical report has now been published, including score distribution and candidate performance.
Applications for the government's first advisory AI Growth Lab (AIGL) opened last month and are still welcome until 27 September. The AIGL will provide selected organisations with the opportunity to develop and adopt AI products responsibly within existing regulatory requirements, supporting innovation while maintaining appropriate safeguards for the public.
In this dedicated webinar for small firms and sole practitioners, we will hear from Mike Shields, Head of Forensic Investigation at the SRA. The session will cover key Accounts Rules requirements, common compliance issues, practical case studies and ways to strengthen client account controls. Book now for the free live event, being streamed on YouTube on Thursday 1 October.
Read more about: Webinar - Advice for small firms on accounts rules compliance
We know litigation funding can increase access to justice by lending potential clients the resources needed to engage your services. However, some arrangements can create risks. We are consulting on proposals to strengthen requirements when using or arranging third-party litigation funding in consumer claims. You have until 17 September to have your say.
To learn more about proposed new requirements for solicitors using or arranging third-party litigation funding in consumer claims, watch our on-demand webinar. Listen to Aileen Armstrong and Harriet Gamper as they discuss the risks, benefits and our proposals designed to strengthen consumer protection, improve transparency and support firm stability.
Read more about: Watch again: third-party litigation funding, our position
Do you employ aspiring solicitors qualifying through the SQE or have you recently qualified via the SQE route? We are looking for law firms, in-house teams and newly qualified solicitors to share their experiences and insights. Your feedback will help us showcase different qualification journeys available through the SQE and build understanding of the route across the profession.
Welcome to the latest issue of Compliance News. We have published the findings of an independent review we commissioned into the handling of events leading up to the intervention into the PM Law Group. Also published is an independent assurance review on compliance with the Legal Services Board’s Section 32 Directions introduced following the closure of Axiom Ince. Both reviews reinforce the need to reset the way the SRA regulates.
Elsewhere in this edition, find out more about upcoming changes to compliance roles and what this might mean in practice. Take time to read the warning notice on the misuse of artificial intelligence, with a reminder of your professional obligations.
The SRA has published the findings of an independent review conducted by law firm Jenner & Block LLP into the handling of the events leading up to the PM Law Group intervention in February 2026. Chief Executive Sarah Rapson said: ‘the findings… reinforce the priorities the organisation has set and accelerate the need to shift away from a reactive, enforcement-led model to become a modern, proportionate and effective regulator.’
Read more about: Independent review into pre-intervention handling of PM Law
Compliance officers play an important role within the regulatory framework and are responsible for overseeing a firm's compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations. In this latest blog, we explain how changes to rule 8.4 and the separation of compliance roles will work in practice.
Read more about: What the separation of compliance roles means in practice
Compliance officers at multi-disciplinary practices (MDPs) should be aware that you must notify us if your firm, or any part of its business, becomes the subject of regulatory proceedings or sanctions by another regulator. You must also inform us if you cease to be regulated by a non‑SRA regulator. Further information is available in our guidance.
Read more about: Multi-disciplinary practices and other regulators
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has launched its Model Complaints Resolution Procedure (MCRP), a voluntary complaints-handling framework. Developed using LeO's complaint-handling expertise, the MCRP promotes clear communication, supports early resolution and encourages a more consistent approach to resolving complaints.
Read more about: Legal Ombudsman launches complaints procedure
We have published our solicitor-specific sectoral risk assessment. This details how the work you do relates to the Government’s biggest areas of concern for money laundering. You should read our assessment as the first step to reviewing our own firm-wide risk assessment. Among the new risks highlighted includes the use of cash-intensive High Street shops as being vulnerable to money launderers.
Read more about: High Street shops listed in latest sectoral risk assessment
In this dedicated webinar for small firms and sole practitioners, we will hear from Mike Shields, Head of Forensic Investigation at the SRA. The session will cover key Accounts Rules requirements, common compliance issues, practical case studies and ways to strengthen client account controls. Book now for the free live event, being streamed on YouTube on Thursday 1 October.
Read more about: Webinar - Advice for smaller firms on Accounts Rules compliance
Join the first of two free webinars on 19 October to hear the findings from our latest review of anti-money laundering (AML) policies, controls and procedures. Our AML team will share examples of good and poor practice and provide practical tips to strengthen your firm's approach. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions live.
Read more about: Webinar - AML policies, controls and procedures
Join our second free webinar on 19 October for the latest insights into anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. The panel will share key findings from the latest AML annual report, discuss trends and issues we are seeing in our enforcement work, and highlight examples of good practice. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions live.
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