MLRO Services Companies in the UK: Guide to Providers and Compliance Support
AC
Acumon Chartered Accountants·15 min read
Appointing a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is a key part of meeting the UK's anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. While some organisations maintain the function in-house, others rely on specialist firms that provide outsourced MLRO services, ongoing compliance support or advisory expertise to help meet their regulatory obligations.
Across the UK, there is a broad range of providers offering MLRO-related services. These include established accountancy and advisory firms, AML consultancies and compliance specialists, each with different areas of expertise, sector experience and service models. The right choice often depends on factors such as the size of the organisation, the complexity of its regulatory responsibilities and the level of ongoing support required.
This guide highlights a selection of companies providing MLRO services in the UK. Rather than ranking providers, its purpose is to offer practical context, helping readers understand the types of organisations operating in this space, the services they typically provide and the circumstances in which they may be best suited.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and advisors providing MLRO services to companies and regulated organisations across the UK.
The firm works with organisations ranging from owner-managed businesses through to regulated firms and larger corporate groups. MLRO services are designed to support anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, governance and regulatory risk management.
Acumon provides MLRO services alongside risk management, governance, internal audit and compliance support. Services are delivered through a structured approach designed to strengthen internal controls, support regulatory compliance and enhance governance frameworks.
Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, enabling the firm to support organisations subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. In addition to its UK statutory audit registration, the firm also maintains audit licences in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey and Isle of Man, supporting clients with international structures and cross-border reporting requirements.
Organisations subject to anti-money laundering regulations are expected to maintain appropriate governance arrangements, internal controls and compliance procedures. MLRO services can help businesses strengthen AML oversight, support regulatory compliance and improve risk management processes.
Acumon works with business owners, management teams, finance teams and compliance professionals to support MLRO responsibilities while helping organisations strengthen governance arrangements, risk management and internal controls.
MLRO Capabilities
Acumon provides MLRO services across a wide range of regulated organisations.
These include:
regulated businesses and financial services firms
owner-managed businesses and corporate groups
UK companies operating within regulated sectors
finance teams and compliance functions
organisations strengthening AML governance frameworks
businesses requiring ongoing compliance support
MLRO engagements are typically led by experienced professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
UK statutory audit registration
Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
Jersey audit licence
Isle of Man audit licence
Cayman Islands audit licence
British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to support organisations operating across both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services
In addition to MLRO services, Acumon provides a range of services that support governance, compliance and business assurance.
These include:
risk management and governance
internal audit and compliance support
statutory external audit
group and subsidiary audits
Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
charity and not-for-profit audit
business advisory and risk assurance
company secretarial and corporate governance support
MLRO work is often delivered alongside discussions with management regarding anti-money laundering controls, governance arrangements, compliance procedures and regulatory risk.
Many organisations seek MLRO support as regulatory obligations evolve, compliance frameworks develop or internal control environments require strengthening.
Acumon works with businesses that are:
strengthening AML compliance
enhancing governance arrangements
improving internal controls
supporting regulatory compliance
strengthening risk management
Early engagement can help ensure that MLRO responsibilities remain aligned with regulatory requirements, governance objectives and effective compliance processes.
Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
Phone: 020 8567 3451
MLRO Support
MLRO Support centres its work on helping UK accountancy firms understand and meet their anti-money laundering responsibilities, with a particular focus on the role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer. Their content and guidance explore the practical issues that arise when firms apply the Money Laundering Regulations in day-to-day work, including areas where official guidance may leave room for interpretation. A recurring theme is the importance of building AML procedures that reflect how a firm actually operates, especially when parts of the accounting process are outsourced.
Practical compliance forms the basis of their approach. Their guidance discusses topics such as reviewing outsourced work through an AML lens, documenting internal controls and keeping firm-wide risk assessments aligned with changing circumstances. Alongside ongoing support, they make specialist advice available for firms that want an independent view of their existing AML arrangements or need help strengthening policies and reporting procedures.
Key Highlights
Focus on MLRO and AML compliance for UK accountancy firms
Guidance based on UK Money Laundering Regulations
Independent AML second opinion service
Practical advice on firm-wide AML policies and procedures
Support for outsourced accounting and AML oversight
Resources covering common compliance challenges
Services
MLRO support
AML compliance advice
Independent AML second opinions
AML policies and procedures review
Firm-wide AML risk assessment support
Compliance reviews for outsourced accounting arrangements
Address: Woodend, The Crescent, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2PW
Phone: +44 (0)1723 363133
Vistra
Vistra delivers MLRO and AML reporting officer services as part of its wider regulatory compliance offering for organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions. Their approach reflects the needs of businesses that must meet local anti-money laundering requirements while managing governance across international operations. The MLRO role sits within a broader compliance framework that includes oversight, due diligence and regulatory reporting.
Alongside appointed MLRO services, they maintain AML and counter-terrorist financing processes, monitor regulatory developments and support boards with ongoing compliance oversight. Their wider compliance capability includes technology used for sanctions, politically exposed person (PEP) and adverse media screening, allowing organisations to integrate due diligence with day-to-day compliance activities.
Key Highlights
MLRO and AMLRO appointment services
Support for organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions
JTC brings together MLRO, Compliance Officer and anti-money laundering services for regulated businesses and investment structures operating in different jurisdictions. Their compliance work covers both the appointment of key AML roles and the development of governance frameworks that reflect local regulatory requirements. The scope extends beyond reporting obligations to include financial crime risk management and ongoing regulatory oversight.
Compliance programmes are supported through regular monitoring, reporting and advisory work designed to keep organisations aligned with changing AML expectations. Their services also cover transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, staff training and jurisdiction-specific compliance requirements, making the MLRO function part of a broader governance and risk framework.
Mercia Group approaches MLRO support through a structured compliance resource designed primarily for accountancy practices that need practical tools to meet their obligations under the UK Money Laundering Regulations. Their subscription service combines guidance, templates and training materials that help MLROs establish and maintain AML procedures across a firm. The emphasis is on giving firms access to documents and updates that can be used as regulations evolve.
The service is built around ongoing compliance rather than one-off advice. Subscribers receive updated technical content together with training resources and practical documentation that can be incorporated into internal AML processes. This makes the platform suitable for firms looking to keep policies, procedures and staff knowledge aligned with current regulatory expectations throughout the year.
Address: Suite 215/216 Fort Dunlop, 2nd Floor, Fort Parkway, Birmingham, B24 9FD.
Phone: 0330 058 7141
Richardson Lissack
Richardson Lissack addresses the legal aspects of the MLRO role by advising firms that operate under the UK's financial crime regulations. Their work focuses on helping MLROs understand regulatory requirements, manage compliance risks and respond to issues that arise during the course of AML supervision. Legal guidance forms a central part of their approach, particularly where firms need to interpret FCA expectations or strengthen internal compliance arrangements.
Their support extends across the lifecycle of an AML framework, from reviewing existing procedures to assisting during regulatory investigations. The firm also advises on suspicious activity reporting, customer due diligence, staff training and policy development, recognising that MLROs often need legal input alongside operational compliance measures.
Waystone includes MLRO services within its broader regulatory compliance offering for investment funds and regulated financial entities. Their approach is built around appointing individuals to key AML functions, including MLRO, AML Compliance Officer (AMLCO) and Deputy MLRO roles, allowing organisations to maintain independent oversight of anti-money laundering requirements. The service is closely connected with governance, regulatory reporting and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Beyond appointed officer roles, the firm carries out AML reviews, develops compliance documentation and supports organisations preparing for regulatory inspections. Their wider AML capability covers training, consultancy and independent control reviews, while digital onboarding and KYC solutions complement the compliance process by helping firms manage customer due diligence and ongoing monitoring more efficiently.
Credas approaches the MLRO role from a technology and compliance perspective, explaining how businesses can strengthen anti-money laundering processes through a combination of regulatory knowledge and digital tools. Their guidance focuses on the responsibilities of MLROs, covering areas such as suspicious activity reporting, customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring and record keeping. Particular attention is given to the practical challenges MLROs face across regulated sectors.
Technology plays an important part in the wider compliance process. Their platform supports tasks that are often managed by MLROs and compliance teams, including identity verification, sanctions screening, politically exposed person (PEP) checks and source of funds reviews. The aim is to reduce manual administration while helping businesses maintain consistent AML procedures and clear audit trails.
Address: The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF24 5EA
Phone: 029 2010 2555
Small Firms Services
Small Firms Services include anti-money laundering compliance as part of their company formation and corporate support activities. Businesses that establish an ongoing relationship with them are required to complete identity verification in line with the UK Money Laundering Regulations. Their guidance explains how these checks fit into the onboarding process and answers common questions about AML requirements for company service providers.
The information available on their website is aimed at helping clients understand why identification documents are requested and how compliance affects the services they use. Alongside practical explanations, they cover topics such as corporate ownership checks, registration requirements and identity audits, giving businesses a clearer picture of the steps needed before regulated services can begin.
Address: Union House, 111 New Union Street, Coventry, CV1 2NT
Phone: 0800 328 7494
BDO
BDO approaches MLRO support through its wider financial crime consulting practice, where anti-money laundering sits alongside fraud prevention, forensic investigations and regulatory risk. Organisations looking for additional compliance capacity can appoint interim MLROs or bring in specialist AML professionals for specific projects. The focus is not limited to day-to-day compliance but extends to reviewing how financial crime controls operate across the business.
Another part of their offering looks at strengthening existing compliance frameworks. This includes independent reviews, remediation work, governance design and support following regulatory findings. Businesses can also access expertise in customer due diligence, sanctions controls, transaction monitoring and financial crime investigations where additional oversight is required.
Deloitte covers MLRO-related responsibilities through its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing advisory services. Their approach centres on helping organisations develop AML programmes that reflect current regulatory expectations while supporting the people responsible for overseeing compliance. Guidance extends across governance, risk assessments and the practical implementation of AML controls.
Technology features prominently within their compliance offering, particularly in areas such as transaction monitoring, customer risk assessment and case management. Alongside system implementation, they assist with MLRO training, business-wide risk assessments and the review of internal policies, bringing together regulatory knowledge and operational processes within a single compliance framework.
Key Highlights
AML and CFT advisory services
Business-wide AML risk assessments
MLRO training programmes
AML policy development
Compliance technology implementation
Financial crime analytics
Services
AML programme design
MLRO training
AML policy and procedure development
Business-wide risk assessments
Customer risk assessment
Transaction monitoring systems
KYC implementation
Case management solutions
Contact Information
Website: www.deloitte.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deloitteuk
Twitter: x.com/deloitteuk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte
Address: 1 New Street Square, London, EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7936 3000
EY
EY discusses MLRO responsibilities as part of a wider approach to anti-money laundering compliance, highlighting the importance of governance, risk assessments and internal controls. Their guidance explains that an effective AML framework depends on more than written procedures. It also requires clear leadership, regular reviews and a good understanding of how money laundering risks affect different parts of a business. Within that framework, the MLRO plays a central role in coordinating compliance activities and supporting ongoing risk management.
Technology is presented as an important part of modern AML compliance, particularly for businesses handling large volumes of customer information and transactions. Alongside advisory work, they examine areas such as customer due diligence, independent AML reviews, compliance health checks and the use of automated monitoring tools to improve the efficiency of AML processes while keeping pace with regulatory changes.
KPMG explores the MLRO role from a governance and risk management perspective, focusing on the responsibilities that come with overseeing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls. Their guidance covers the practical aspects of the role, including independence, decision-making, record keeping and ongoing engagement with senior management. Attention is also given to the knowledge and resources an MLRO needs to carry out regulatory responsibilities effectively.
Beyond guidance on the role itself, their AML specialists support organisations with reviews of compliance programmes, monitoring activities and advisory projects. The scope includes helping businesses identify weaknesses in existing controls, strengthen AML frameworks and respond to changing regulatory expectations through audits, training and ongoing compliance support.
PwC includes MLRO-related support within its financial crime practice, where anti-money laundering is combined with governance, technology and operational compliance. Their approach looks at the wider financial crime framework, helping organisations assess existing controls, improve detection processes and strengthen AML programmes. The focus extends beyond regulatory compliance to maintaining practical systems that support day-to-day risk management.
Digital tools form a significant part of their AML offering, with solutions designed for customer due diligence, KYC processes and financial crime monitoring. Alongside technology, they assist businesses with compliance reviews, remediation projects and framework development, allowing organisations to adapt their AML controls as regulations and operational risks continue to evolve.
Key Highlights
Financial crime and AML advisory
AML framework reviews
KYC and customer due diligence solutions
Financial crime health checks
Compliance remediation support
AML technology and digital tools
Services
AML compliance reviews
Financial crime assessments
KYC managed services
Customer due diligence
AML remediation
AML operating model development
Transaction monitoring support
Financial crime technology solutions
Contact Information
Website: www.pwc.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PwCUK
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pwc-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pwc_uk
Address: 1 Embankment Place, London, WC2N 6RH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7583 5000
Conclusion
Choosing MLRO services in the UK is not simply about finding a provider with the widest range of services. Organisations usually look for experience that matches their industry, a clear understanding of UK anti-money laundering requirements, and support that fits their size, regulatory obligations and internal resources. Some may need an external MLRO, while others are looking for specialist advice, compliance reviews or additional support for an existing team.
The providers featured in this guide take different approaches to AML compliance, from outsourced MLRO appointments and regulatory consulting to legal advice and technology-driven solutions. Reviewing their areas of expertise can help organisations identify which type of support best aligns with their compliance framework, risk profile and long-term governance requirements.
AC
Written by the Acumon team
Acumon is an ICAEW-registered firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors
based in London, with offices in Pitstone, Aylesbury and Bournemouth. Need advice on
anything covered here? Talk to us.
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