UK solicitors regulator updates sanctions guidance

4 February 2026

The UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has updated its guidance on complying with the UK sanctions regime and its firm-wide risk assessment guidance.

Complying with the UK sanctions regime

The updated guidance:

• Adds a case study to illustrate how SRA-regulated firms may inadvertently become involved in the sanctions regime, i.e. firms that are unwittingly providing services or funds to a UK-sanctioned person/entity, or in any other way breaching the legislation and fulfilling the associated reporting obligations.

• Updates red flag guidance to include self-reporting responsibilities and the need to screen staff during onboarding.

• Outlines when firms must report sanctions issues to the SRA in addition to the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Information. This includes not meeting reporting deadlines while using a general license or accepting and forwarding payments from designated persons beyond the terms permitted by a general license.

• Provides guidance on licensing.

Firm-wide risk assessments

This guidance is aimed to help firms assess exposure to risks associated with UK sanctions. The guidance provides tips for completing risk assessment and includes a matrix of good and bad practices for specific sanctions risks.

This and guidance from other UK regulatory bodies is on our UK Guidance page.