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Checklist · Internal
AML Monitoring Visit Preparation Checklist for Accountants
A systematic approach to organising your practice’s AML records for regulator review.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 23 September 2026
Quick answer
A successful AML monitoring visit depends on having your firm-wide risk assessment, individual client risk assessments, and training records clearly organised. Review your policies, ensure evidence of ongoing monitoring is up-to-date, and confirm that all staff training is documented to demonstrate compliance with your supervisory body’s standards.
How do you prepare for an AML monitoring visit?
Preparation involves gathering all required documentation into a central, accessible location and performing a mock audit of your current client files.
Start by reviewing your firm-wide risk assessment to ensure it reflects current business risks. Then, audit a random selection of client files to confirm that risk assessments are performed, updated, and that CDD (Customer Due Diligence) documents are valid.
What documents must be ready for the inspector?
You must provide evidence of your firm-wide risk assessment, individual client risk assessments, staff training logs, and your internal AML policies and procedures.
Ensure your money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) contact details are up-to-date and that there is a clear record of any reports made to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Checklist preview
0/4 done · showing 4 of 8 itemsThe full 8-item checklist is in the download below. Enter your name and email to get it as a Word or PDF file.
This is a standard checklist. Each firm's requirements may vary, so please cross-check everything against current GOV.UK, Companies House and professional body guidance before relying on it.
See it working with your own clients
A 30-minute walkthrough using your services, deadlines and templates.
Turn this into a task and subtask template in Remindoo
Save each group as a task with subtasks, attach it to the right service and let recurring tasks create it for every client, every period. Each item gets an owner and a deadline, and nothing depends on someone remembering to print the list. See task and subtask templates.
What are the common mistakes?
- Failing to update firm-wide risk assessment
- Inconsistent CDD across the client base
- Missing staff training logs
- Not recording 'no-suspicion' decisions
- Inadequate evidence of periodic reviews
“Companies House integration onboards clients in minutes; AML scoring keeps us compliant.”
Frequently asked questions
How often should I review my AML policies?
At least annually, or immediately following any significant change in your service offering, client base, or regulatory guidance.
What if I haven't kept good records?
Start now. Document everything moving forward and carry out a retrospective review of your highest-risk clients first.
Do I need to show training for all staff?
Yes, all staff—including support and part-time—must have documented AML training relevant to their role.
Is my software sufficient?
Software is a tool, not a substitute for professional judgement. Ensure you understand what it records and that you have manual oversight.
What is the role of the MLRO?
The MLRO is responsible for receiving reports of suspicious activity and deciding whether to report them to the NCA.
Does this include bookkeeping clients?
Yes, all clients covered by the Money Laundering Regulations must have proper CDD and risk assessments in place.
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Sources
Last updated 23 September 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Why recording AML checks properly matters
UK accountants must follow the Money Laundering Regulations and their supervisor's guidance. If a check is not recorded, supervisors will generally treat it as not done.
Evidence for your supervisor
Dated ID checks and risk assessments on each client file are what a supervisor asks to see during a review.
Consistent risk scoring
A standard risk assessment means every client is judged the same way, whoever onboarded them.
Ongoing monitoring
Reminders for periodic reviews help keep checks current rather than done once and forgotten.
Faster onboarding
Built-in digital ID and AML checks in Remindoo reduce back-and-forth with new clients.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Complete identity checks and a risk assessment before starting chargeable work.
- Set review dates by risk level, with higher-risk clients reviewed more often.
- Record the reason for each risk rating, not just the rating.
- Check your supervisor's current guidance, as requirements can change.
Related Remindoo features
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT, Chartered Accountant with 18+ years in practice. Founder and MD of Accotax, an ICAEW, ACCA and AAT regulated London practice that has served over 5,000 clients, and founder of Remindoo. Guidance is general; check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance for your firm.
What UK practices say about Remindoo
Read all reviews on Trustpilot“With Remindoo, everything from the first enquiry to onboarding and ongoing client management is tracked in one place… It saves us hours and gives me, as a practice owner, complete visibility of where the firm stands.”
“The biggest benefit is having clients, tasks, deadlines, workflows, proposals and communication all organised in one place.”
“During my trial, the team were absolutely amazing. They helped onboard my clients, set up my settings and made sure everything was ready for me to use… they made the whole process completely stress-free.”
“It brings client information, tasks, recurring deadlines, workflows and reminders together in one place, giving us much better visibility across the team.”
