Key reminders and updates
Joining the IRB: working together towards common goals
In the first in a series of articles introducing three new members of the ICAEW Regulatory Board (IRB), we talk to Jane Fowler. She tells us about her background, her ongoing commitment to ethical conduct and good governance, and how she’s looking forward to working with likeminded people.
Leading a decade of change in regulation and conduct
As Duncan Wiggetts, ICAEW’s Chief Officer for Professional Standards, marks 10 years at the helm of our regulation and conduct activities, we asked him to reflect on the key changes he’s overseen. He also shares some personal memories and looks ahead to the next decade.
Disciplinary Update 2026, Issue 5
Read the findings identified in recent disciplinary cases and ensure you or your firm are not making similar mistakes.
Protecting client confidentiality: internal controls and the ICAEW Code of Ethics
Members are reminded that the duty to protect client confidentiality under the ICAEW Code of Ethics applies both externally and within the firm. Sophie Wales, Regulatory Policy Director, ICAEW, explains why firms need strict controls over how confidential information is shared, managed and used across their organisation.
Dispensations: what are they and when can they help?
Regulated firms can seek a dispensation when they can no longer meet requirements under the regulations that apply to their area of work. ICAEW’s Elaine Griffiths, Director of Regulatory Practice, and Helena Murray, Head of Regulatory Practice, explain the process, when it should be used, and how to apply.
Look out for 2027 fee renewal notices
2027 notices will be emailed throughout November. For convenient payment, set up a Direct Debit now by completing this mandate and emailing it to credit.control-psd@icaew.com
Is your firm record up to date?
Use our standing data forms to inform us about changes. As well as being a requirement, this will also help us to ensure your fee notice is correct.
Audit
Audit monitoring insights 2026 – ISQM 1 webinar
Register for our free upcoming webinar on 8 September to gain practical insights from our monitoring, remediation and annual evaluation relating to ISQM 1. Our experts will share examples of our monitoring approaches and evaluation techniques and are available for questions. It could earn you up to one hour towards verifiable CPD learning.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
2026 CCAB AML Guidance for the Accountancy Sector
The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026 came into force on 30 June 2026, making 15 targeted changes to the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. The accountancy sector's anti-money laundering guidance has been updated to reflect the new regulations and to incorporate a small number of additional changes.
ICAEW AML supervisory role and activity Q2 2026
Read about the work we have carried out in Q2 as the UK’s largest accountancy professional body supervisor for anti-money laundering.
Share effective anti-money laundering and economic crime measures
The UK is preparing for its upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) mutual evaluation and HM Treasury is seeking real-world case studies that demonstrate how the UK’s economic crime framework delivers results in practice. Respond by 7 September.
Update to the Companies House timeline for mandatory ACSP registration
The requirement to register as an authorised company service provider (ACSP) in order to submit statutory filings to Companies House will now be introduced no sooner than November 2027. Companies House will provide at least six months' notice before implementation. You can voluntarily register as an ACSP at any time.
Insolvency
New Insolvencybites video: SIP 16
We provide an overview of Statement of Insolvency Practice 16, covering key requirements for pre-packaged sales in administration and sharing practical tips to help insolvency practitioners stay compliant.
The Insolvency Service - call for case study papers
The Insolvency Service is inviting insolvency practitioners to submit case study papers highlighting how professional and ethical standards operate in practice, with selected contributors given the opportunity to present their insights at a Joint Insolvency Committee (JIC) strategy day. Deadline is 28 August 2026.
Apply now for a role on the Insolvency Rules Committee
The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Practising Accountant Member for the Insolvency Rules Committee, which advises on insolvency rules for companies and individuals. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute expertise and help ensure proposed legislative changes work effectively in practice. Apply by 7 September 2026.
Have your say on the future of Insolvency Rules
Insolvency practitioners are encouraged to share their practical experience as the UK Government reviews whether the Insolvency Rules remain effective, proportionate and ready for technological change. The consultation applies to England, Scotland and Wales and ends 6 October 2026.
Insolvency Service Annual Plan
The plan is organised around the Service's three core purposes: maximising returns to creditors, tackling financial wrongdoing, and supporting those in financial distress.
Turnaround, Restructuring and Insolvency (TRI) Awards 2026
We are delighted that our Director of Quality Assurance, Bob Pinder, has been selected as a judge at the TRI Awards to recognise excellence in the turnaround, restructuring and insolvency sector. Applications are open.
ICAEW Restructuring & Insolvency Community Belfast Roadshow - in person
Register for our free in-person event in Belfast on 24 September. Our in-person Restructuring & Insolvency Roadshow provides updates on current legal, regulatory and practical developments impacting IPs. By attending, earn up to 3.5 hours of CPD, and network with the insolvency monitoring team and fellow professionals.
Legal Services
Supporting vulnerable consumers during probate and estate administration
ICAEW guidance for accredited legal services firms on recognising and responding to consumer vulnerability during probate and estate administration. The guidance aims to support firms to identify and address avoidable barriers, provide proportionate support to vulnerable consumers and ensure firms meet their ethical and regulatory obligations when providing legal services.
Have your say on proposed changes to LeO Scheme Rules for complaints handling
There is still time for ICAEW-accredited probate firms to respond to the Office for Legal Complaints’ consultation on proposed changes to the Legal Ombudsman’s Scheme Rules, case fees and publication of decisions. Share your views by midday on 2 September 2026.
2027 Probate and oaths fees consultation
Recognising inflationary and other pressures on registered firms and to continue delivering our programme of activity to fulfil our objectives under the Legal Services Act, we propose a 1% increase to 2027 probate and oaths accreditation fees and a 95% reduction in the levy. Please review the information provided and respond to our proposed budget, fee and levy levels for 2027 by 14 August 2026.
Adopt LeO’s new Model Complaints Resolution Procedure
The new procedure is a framework designed to help legal service providers resolve complaints in a way that is clear, fair and focused on achieving an outcome as early as possible. The procedure encourages a resolution-focused approach, recognising that many complaints can be settled through early engagement and constructive dialogue, while still providing a clear route for more detailed investigation where needed.
