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AML inspections6 min read

How to prepare COLPs and MLROs for SRA AML interviews

In an AML inspection, the SRA may interview the MLRO, senior management, and fee earners to test how well AML processes are understood and applied across the firm. Preparation is key — but the goal is credible, consistent answers, not perfect or overly technical ones.

Here's how to prepare the people who may speak to the SRA.

Make sure the MLRO can explain the framework

A key focus is whether the MLRO can clearly explain how the firm identifies AML risks, assesses them, and mitigates them in practice. The MLRO should be able to walk through this from one current view of policies, the firm-wide risk assessment, and training.

Brief everyone from one source of truth

Partners and fee earners should understand the firm's AML framework and their own role within it. Brief them from the same current materials so different people don't describe different processes — inconsistency drives further scrutiny.

Aim for clear, accurate, consistent

Responses should be clear, accurate, and consistent with each other and with the documents already submitted. Avoid speculation and over-disclosure; provide what is asked, accurately.

Make sure practice matches the documents

Interviews test whether what people say matches what's on the files and in the policies. Where there are gaps between documented procedures and practice, address them before the interview — not during it.

Reglo helps firms keep this evidence organised and audit-ready — humans approve every change. AI drafts and organises; your compliance team decides.

This guide is general information for compliance teams, not legal or regulatory advice. Always refer to the SRA's current guidance and take your own professional advice where needed.

Common questions

What is the SRA testing in interviews?

How well AML processes are understood and applied across the firm, and whether different people and documents tell a consistent story.

See how Reglo keeps this evidence ready

Book a demo and we'll show you how Reglo keeps your policies, training, attestations, and audit-ready evidence aligned for SRA reviews — with humans approving every change.

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