CQS 2025 Update: Risk, Compliance and Client Care

This course consists of six modules.  

1. 1. Understanding the AML Risk (by Laurence Howland) 
2. 2. Risk Assessments and Understanding Risk Factors (by Laurence Howland) 
3. 3. File Reviews and Effective File Closure (by Laurence Howland) 
4. 4. Managing Undertakings (by Surekha Gangakhedkar) 
5. 5. Stamp Duty Land Tax and Land Transaction Tax (by David Keighley) 
6. 6. Supervision of Files (by Laurence Howland)

Understanding the AML Risk 

By the end of this module, you will:  

• understand the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing in property and conveyancing transactions 
• be aware of the main principles of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter terrorist financing (CTF) regulations 
• recognise the key actions needed to ensure that you are meeting your AML/CTF obligations 

Risk Assessments and Understanding Risk Factors  

By the end of this module, you will:   

• understand the mandatory nature of both firm-wide risk assessments and file risk assessments
• understand the nature of conveyancing risk and how to manage it  
• understand the risk of vendor fraud, payment diversion fraud and buyer development fraud and how to mitigate these risks  
• be vigilant of possible signs of fraud  

Managing Undertakings 

After completing this module, you will understand: 

• what undertakings are 
• how to give and accept undertakings 
• what undertakings are routinely given in conveyancing transactions 
• the risks associated with undertakings in conveyancing transactions 
• how to mitigate those risks 

Stamp Duty Land Tax and Land Transaction Tax 

After taking this module, you will be able to: 

• understand the importance of defining the extent of your retainer 
• appreciate the importance of effective file management 
• identify the reliefs available 
• explain the surcharges and higher rates 
• understand how to lodge tax returns and amendments 
• appreciate how to pay and/or reclaim tax 

Supervision of Files 

By the end of this module, you will be able to:  

• recognise the importance of effective supervision of property transactions 
• understand the relationship between effective supervision, risk management and regulatory compliance 
• be able to model the skills necessary to implement effective supervision practices 
• appreciate how to adapt supervision practices to remote and hybrid working scenarios 

Course format 

This online training consists of the following elements: 

• An interactive course presentation with a variety of quizzes and practice scenarios to test understanding of the material 
• Online assessment 

Our modules conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. However, some members may require an alternative version for accessibility purposes. This is available upon request via our Contact Us form. 

Assessment 

You must achieve a mark of 80% or above to pass the assessment. The assessment can only be taken a maximum of three times before the course must be taken again. 

The quizzes and scenarios included in the course presentation are intended to aid your understanding of the content and offer the opportunity to apply your knowledge. They do not form part of the assessment. 

Length 

The course will take approximately 2 hours to complete, excluding assessment.