The Guild to host webinars on New Anti-Money Laundering Legislation for Lettings Agents - Blog

The Guild to host webinars on New Anti-Money Laundering Legislation for Lettings Agents

The Guild to host webinars on New Anti-Money Laundering Legislation for Lettings Agents

Latest news on Guild services Paul Offley, The Guild's Compliance Officer 27th March 2025

The Guild of Property Professionals is set to host informative webinars throughout April 2025 to help its Members understand and comply with the new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation coming into effect from 14 May 2025. The new regulations will require all lettings agents to complete UK Financial Sanctions checks and report any suspected breaches to the HM Treasury’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

 

Paul Offley, Compliance Officer at The Guild of Property Professionals, will lead the webinars, providing valuable insights into the upcoming changes and how Members can ensure they remain compliant. The sessions will cover key areas including:

 

• An explanation of Financial Sanctions and the reason lettings agents are now required to complete checks.

• A demonstration of how these checks can be effectively carried out.

• The serious implications of failing to complete the required checks.

• A dedicated Q&A session to address any concerns or queries from Members.

 

“The introduction of these new regulations is a significant change for the lettings sector, and it is vital that our Members are fully prepared,” said Offley. “These webinars are part of The Guild’s ongoing commitment to supporting our Members in staying compliant and avoiding potential penalties.”

 

Lettings agents must make an official report to OFSI if they have evidence, or reasonable suspicion, that a client has breached financial sanctions regulations. Failure to comply could result in serious consequences, including fines or legal action. The Guild’s webinars aim to equip its Members with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate these changes with confidence.

 

Paul Offley, The Guild's Compliance Officer

Paul Offley joined The Guild in 2017 as our in-house Compliance Officer, to help Members stay on top of legislation. Paul’s career has maintained a focus in estate agency for over 40 years, building a specialist knowledge in the compliance function. Paul helps Members to reduce the probability of any risk materialising by working alongside agents to identify areas where the business is at a high risk of exposure. Guild Members have compliance tools at their disposal and are regularly presented with updated information on the latest legislation requirements. Paul is also on hand to speak to agents individually, delivering quality and high standards to all our Members. Paul has been providing continual support to The Guild Members throughout COVID-19, from legislation and Government updates, to providing indispensable and personalised advice through Facebook Live. He is passionate about raising standards, and is part of The Property Ombudsman Industry Forum.

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