SRA Update
Issue 149 - April 2026
Welcome to the latest issue of SRA Update. In this issue read about recent changes to the leadership and hear from Chief Executive Sarah Rapson about how we are rebuilding trust. We share the SQE annual report and more information on our proposed changes to continuing competence requirements, including a dedicated webinar.
In a candid assessment, Chief Executive Sarah Rapson states that the SRA needs to change to regain the trust of solicitors, law firms and the wider public. Sarah outlines how we are acting on feedback, embracing change and evolving our approach to become a modern, proportionate regulator that is trusted and effective.
Read more about: Chief Executive sets out how we intend to rebuild trust
New Executive Director Jonathan Peddie will lead an end-to-end review of the SRA’s casework process, including reviewing the application of the assessment threshold test and improving quality assurance of triage and investigations. Peddie is a legal leader with over 30 years’ experience working both in private practice (Baker McKenzie and Clifford Chance) and in-house (Barclays).
Read more about: New SRA investigations, enforcement and litigation leader appointed
We have confirmed that our investigation involves a sophisticated suspected fraud, involving the improper removal and misuse of around £39.5 million of client funds. We continue to contact and support thousands of former clients of PM Law impacted by the firm’s sudden closure. The current estimated total of applications to the compensation fund is estimated at more than £21 million.
The SQE plays a central role in setting the standard for entry to the profession and maintaining public confidence in legal services. We have published a suite of annual reports on the fourth full year of the SQE. We continue to focus on the effectiveness, delivery and understanding of the SQE across the sector in 2026.
Read more about: Reports find SQE to be robust with improvements made
We are consulting on potential new rules which will require all solicitors to keep a record of how you are reviewing and addressing your learning and development needs. Maintaining your competency is an important part of your professional responsibilities. We’re here to support you with resources, templates and guidance to help you identify and address any learning and development needs with confidence.
Read more about: Have your say on proposed changes to continuing competence requirements
As part of this consultation, we will be holding a free webinar to explain our thinking. Join us on Wednesday 13 May to learn more about why we are acting, how we have developed our proposals and what the proposed changes would mean in practice.
Read more about: Webinar: Proposed changes to continuing competence requirements
Maintaining your competency is an important part of your professional responsibilities. Even though your continuing competence declaration in October may feel a long way off, you must keep your knowledge and skills up to date throughout the year. We’re here to support you with resources, templates and guidance to help you identify and address any learning and development needs with confidence.
Read more about: Helping you stay confident and competent in your role
Discover how innovation and technology are reshaping the legal sector at our free event in Bristol on 2 June. Get practical advice on navigating lawtech, including AI, and hear first hand how firms are adopting new tools. You’ll gain insights on maximising existing technology and choosing the right solutions to benefit your business.
Read more about: Book now for free innovation and AI event in Bristol
We have joined forces with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to tackle poor handling of motor finance claims by some law firms. The taskforce will take swift action to tackle issues with unsolicited and misleading advertising, meritless claims, multiple representation, and unfair exit fees.
Read more about: Taskforce already taking action on motor finance claims
Solicitors without a practising certificate need to tell us each year if they wish to remain on the roll. If that's you, then you will need to apply by Thursday 28 May and pay a £10 fee. Don't forget, you'll need to have an authentication app so you can access mySRA before you can apply.
The Legal Ombudsman continues to publish blogs to provide insights for firms on common problems, with the aim of reducing complaints being made by clients. The latest article looks at residential conveyancing.
Read more about: Avoid conveyancing complaints highlighted by LeO
All solicitors must understand their ethical obligations, but we know that issues often come up that you may need to talk through confidentially, or even anonymously. Whether you are from a big firm or work alone – if you want to discuss any issues from accounts rules to uncertainty as to whether there is a potential conflict of interest, we can help. You can speak to one of our solicitors on email, phone or our new web chat.
Read more about: Professional ethics queries? We are here to help
Watch the recent two-part SQE webinar to get insights into the latest SQE data and trends, how assessment questions are created and resources for candidates and training providers. Plus, updates on qualifying work experience and solicitor apprenticeships.
Are you looking for a new challenge? In April, we will be recruiting for roles in compensation fund claims handling, business improvement, our anti-money laundering team and IT project management.
Welcome to the latest issue of Compliance News. This issue provides updated guidance on digital ID as well as a warning from the National Economic Crime Centre on the use of AI. You can catch up on our recent webinar on AML controls and find out about the latest amendments to money laundering regulations.
The Costs Lawyers Standards Board has introduced a register of its members. You can now check that the lawyers you are using to assess costs has received the right training and is subject to proper oversight.
Take a look at our guide to the key points for solicitors and compliance officers, as HM Treasury puts amendments of the money laundering regulations before Parliament.
Read more about: Government to amend money laundering regulations
The Home Office has updated its guidance on immigration work following a number of changes, not least the name of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner to the Immigration Advice Authority. The third version of working with immigration advisers guidance was published in January.
The National Economic Crime Centre recently issued an alert to its partner financial institutions on the scale of AI use in bypassing customer due diligence. But what does this mean for the legal sector?
Read more about: Be aware of clients using AI to bypass identity checks
Take a look at our guide to the key points for solicitors and compliance officers, as HM Treasury puts amendments of the money laundering regulations before Parliament.
Subscription
If you are regulated by the SRA
As a regulated individual, please simply ensure that the SRA has your current contact email address on record.
To ensure we have your current email address, log in to mySRA and check your profile.
No subscription request is required.
We recommend that you ask your network administrator to ensure that bulk email with "SRA Update" in the subject line is not filtered as spam.
If you do not wish to receive SRA Update, please unsubscribe.
If you are not regulated by the SRA
If you are not regulated by the SRA, please email a subscription request to SRAupdate@sra.org.uk.
Unsubscribe
To unsubscribe, please complete our unsubscribe form . We cannot process unsubscribe requests submitted by email.
Editorial comment
Please send editorial comment to SRAupdate@sra.org.uk.