Is an MLRO automatically a BOOM?

Where can I find the definition of a BOOM for anti-money laundering purposes? Is a money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) automatically a BOOM?

A BOOM is a beneficial owner, officer and manager of a law firm.

BOOMs must be approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in accordance with regulation 26 of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

MLROs will automatically be managers and must therefore be approved as a BOOM before their appointment.

If a person ceases to be a BOOM then the SRA must be notified within 14 days.

The SRA issued guidance to assist firms to identify and obtain authorisation for BOOMs.

For further information, see chapter 4.2 of the anti-money laundering guidance for the legal sector.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, it does not constitute legal advice and cannot be relied upon as such. The Law Society does not accept any responsibility for liabilities arising as a result of reliance upon the information given.

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