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Template · Internal
AML Firm-Wide Risk Assessment Template (UK, Free Download)
A mandatory tool to assess and document your firm's AML risks.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 23 September 2026
Quick answer
A firm-wide risk assessment is a requirement under AML regulations to identify and mitigate risks of money laundering and terrorist financing within your entire practice.
Who is this sent to, and when?
- Sent to
- Partners/MLRO
- When to send it
- Annually or when significant changes occur
What risks should you assess?
You must look at your clients, services, and geographic locations.
- Client risk profiles
- Service risk (e.g., high-value transactions)
- Geographic risk
- Delivery channel risk
- Mitigation strategies
Preview the template
Template only. Review with a solicitor or your professional body before use.
AML Firm-Wide Risk Assessment Template
AML Firm-Wide Risk Assessment
Firm Name: [Firm Name]
Date: [Date]
1. Client Risk
Assess the typical risk profile of your client base. (e.g., PEPs, overseas clients).
2. Service Risk
Identify services that may carry higher risk. (e.g., formation of companies, complex tax structures).
3. Geographic Risk
Evaluate risks associated with the locations where you operate or where clients
Preview shows the opening and key sections. The full editable file is free to download below.
See it working with your own clients
A 30-minute walkthrough using your services, deadlines and templates.
Send this from Remindoo
Save it once in Remindoo and send it from there. Store the wording as an email template, then use tokens so client names, company numbers and dates fill in automatically. Send it to one client or to a filtered group with bulk client emails. For requests that repeat, pair it with automated reminders and a recurring task so it goes out every period without anyone remembering.
What are the common mistakes?
- Failing to document the assessment
- Using generic templates without firm-specific details
- Not reviewing regularly
- Ignoring high-risk indicators
“Automated reminders and task templates save countless hours each week.”
Frequently asked questions
Is this a legal requirement?
Yes, under the Money Laundering Regulations.
Who should complete it?
The MLRO or a senior partner.
How often should it be reviewed?
At least annually or when there are major changes to the practice.
What is 'geographic risk'?
Operating in or with countries known for high corruption or crime.
Does a small firm need one?
Yes, all firms in the regulated sector must have one.
Where do I find risk factors?
Refer to the CCAB guidance for the accountancy sector.
Ready to run a calmer practice?
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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.”
