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The AML regime is causing havoc - solictors are hacked off because they are doing the jobs of detectives/ forensic accoutants and trying dutifully to stick to a fuzzy and opaque set of rules. Clients are annoyed that the whole process causes delay and in some cases they're being asked to provide the same sort of information for a fourth time.

If HMG is really interested in growth and proportionality, it is capable of providing a solution to our AML woes; rather than having many thousands of conveyancers/agents/brokers trying dutifully to be detectives and forensic accountants, why not have a service provided by HMG which allows solicitors/agents to provide details of the proposed transaction, clients to provide the relevant evidence, some specialist branch of the civil service to vet source of funds/wealth, raise enquiries etc and then issue the solicitor a certificate they can rely on to proceed.

With advances in technology that should be achievable without causing enormous delays in conveyancing transactions, and is much more likely to actually reduce money laundering.