BENDALL & SONS

Decision - Agreement

Outcome: Regulatory settlement agreement

Outcome date: 14 April 2026

Published date: 16 April 2026

Firm details

No detail provided:

Outcome details

This outcome was reached by agreement.

Decision details

1. Agreed outcome

1.1 Bendall & Sons (the firm), a recognised body, agrees to the following outcome to the investigation of its conduct by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA):

1. it is fined £13,677
2. to the publication of this agreement, and
3. it will pay the costs of the investigation of £600.

2. Summary of Facts

2.1 We carried out an investigation into the firm following a desk-based review by the SRA Proactive Supervision team.

2.2 Our investigation identified areas of concern in relation to the firm's compliance with The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs 2017), the SRA Principles 2011, and the SRA Code of Conduct 2011, the SRA Principles [2019], and the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms [2019].

2.3 Between 26 June 2017 and 24 April 2025, the firm failed to have in place a documented assessment of the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing to which its business was subject (a FWRA), pursuant to Regulations 18(1) and 18(4) of the MLRs 2017.

2.4 Between 2020 and 10 October 2025, the firm failed to regularly review and update its policies, controls, and procedures (PCPs) to mitigate and effectively manage the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing, identified in its FWRA, pursuant to Regulation 19(1)(b) of the MLRs 2017.

3. Admissions

3.1 The firm admits, and the SRA accepts that, by failing to comply with the MLRs 2017, it has failed to achieve or breached:

To the extent that the conduct took place on or before 24 November 2019:

1. Outcome 7.5 of the SRA Code of Conduct 2011 – which states you must comply with legislation applicable to your business, including anti-money laundering and data protection legislation.
2. Principle 6 of the SRA Principles 2011 – which states you must behave in a way that maintains the trust the public places in you and in the provision of legal services.
3. Principle 8 of the SRA Principles 2011 – which states you must run your business or carry out your role in the business effectively and in accordance with proper governance and sound financial and risk management principles.

To the extent that the conduct took place 25 November 2019 onwards (when the SRA Standards and Regulations came into force):

4. Paragraph 2.1(a) of the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms [2019] – which states you have effective governance structures, arrangements, systems, and controls in place that ensure you comply with all the SRA's regulatory arrangements, as well as with other regulatory and legislative requirements, which apply to you.
5. Paragraph 3.1 of the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms [2019] – which states that you keep up to date with and follow the law and regulation governing the way you work.
6. Principle 2 of the SRA Principles [2019] – which states you act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors' profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons.

4. Why a fine is an appropriate outcome

4.1 The SRA's Enforcement Strategy sets out its approach to the use of its enforcement powers where there has been a failure to meet its standards or requirements.

4.2 When considering the appropriate sanctions and controls in this matter, the SRA has considered the admissions made by the firm and the following mitigation which it has put forward:

1. the firm has taken steps to rectify its failings and reviewed and amended its AML control environment and, in doing so, is now compliant with the MLRs 2017,
2. the firm has cooperated with the AML Proactive Supervision and AML Investigation teams,
3. the firm has admitted the breaches listed above at the earliest opportunity, and
4. there is no evidence of risk to clients.

4.3 The SRA considers that a fine is the appropriate outcome because:

1. the conduct had the potential to cause harm by failing to have a compliant AML control environment in place, which left the firm susceptible to money laundering (and/or terrorist financing),
2. it was incumbent on the firm to meet the requirements set out in the MLRs 2017. The firm failed to do so. The public would expect a firm of solicitors to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations, and
3. the agreed outcome is a proportionate outcome to the public interest because it creates a credible deterrent to others. The issuing of a sanction signifies the risk to the public, and the legal sector, which arises when solicitors do not comply with AML legislation and their professional regulatory rules.

4.4 Rule 4.1 of the Regulatory and Disciplinary Procedure Rules states that a financial penalty may be appropriate to maintain professional standards and uphold public confidence in the solicitors' profession and in the legal services provided by authorised persons. There is nothing within this Agreement that conflicts with Rule 4.1 of the Regulatory and Disciplinary Rules and on that basis, a financial penalty is appropriate.

5. Amount of the fine

5.1 The amount of the fine has been calculated in line with the SRA's published guidance on its approach to setting an appropriate financial penalty (the Guidance).

5.2 We have assessed the nature of conduct in this matter as more serious (score of three). This is because the firm's failure to ensure it had proper documentation in place shows a persistent disregard of the firm's regulatory obligations. The firm only became compliant with the MLRs 2017 because of our inspection and guidance we have provided. The breach has arisen because of a failure to pay sufficient regard to the MLRs 2017, and the Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) guidance.

5.3 The impact of the harm or risk of harm is assessed as being low (score of two). While failing to ensure it had compliant PCPs/FWRA in place left the firm vulnerable to the risks of money laundering, there was no evidence of actual harm having taken place.

5.4 The 'nature' of the conduct and the 'impact of harm or risk of harm' added together gives a score of five. This places the penalty in Band 'B,' as directed by the Guidance.

5.5 We and the firm agree a penalty in the higher part of the band. We acknowledge that the firm has taken measures to bring itself into compliance. However, the breaches of the MLRs 2017 have persisted for a significant period.

5.6 Based on the evidence the firm has provided of its annual domestic turnover; this results in a basic penalty of £15,197.

5.7 The SRA considers that the basic penalty should be reduced to £13,677. This reduction reflects the mitigation set out in paragraph 4.2 above.

5.8 The firm does not appear to have made any financial gain or received any other benefit because of its conduct. Therefore, no adjustment is necessary, and the financial penalty is £13,677.

6. Publication

6.1 Rule 9.2 of the SRA Regulatory and Disciplinary Procedure Rules states that any decision under Rule 3.1 or 3.2, including a Financial Penalty, shall be published unless the circumstances outweigh the public interest in publication.

6.2 The SRA considers it appropriate that this agreement is published as there are no circumstances that outweigh the public interest in publication, and it is in the interest of transparency in the regulatory and disciplinary process.

7. Acting in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement

7.1 The firm agrees that it will not deny the admissions made in this agreement or act in any way which is inconsistent with it.

7.2 If the firm denies the admissions, or acts in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement, the conduct which is subject to this agreement may be considered further by the SRA. That may result in a disciplinary outcome or a referral to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal on the original facts and allegations.

7.3 Acting in a way which is inconsistent with this agreement may also constitute a separate breach of Principles 1, 2 and 5 of the SRA Principles and paragraph 3.2 of the Code of Conduct for Firms.

8. Costs

8.1 The firm agrees to pay the costs of the SRA's investigation in the sum of £600. Such costs are immediately pursuant to a statement of costs being issues by the SRA.