ID checks fine

Seatons Law has been fined by the SRA after admitting identity (ID) check failures and money laundering breaches. In 2018, it was instructed in various property transactions under a power of attorney. For example, in one transaction the firm did not meet the attorney or donor, or obtain photographic identification of the donor. However, it told the other side it had the required ID. The SRA said the firm, an alternative business structure, had ignored red flag indicators. It was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,500.
7 December 2020