AML Supervision: Do You Need to Register? A Guide for Will Writers, Estate Planners and Probate Practitioners

Anti–money laundering (AML) rules can feel like a maze - especially for will writers, estate planners and probate practitioners. Not every estate planning practice needs to register for AML supervision, but misunderstanding the requirements is risky business. Failure to register when you should can lead to penalties, reputational damage, and investigation by HMRC - who can force your business to stop trading.

To help you work out where your business stands, WillComply has created a free AML Supervision Checklist - a quick way to confirm whether your services require registration and what steps to take next.

Why AML Supervision Matters

Estate planning often involves handling client funds, transferring assets, or advising on tax efficiency - all areas that can bring a business within the scope of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

AML supervision ensures that firms carrying out these activities are properly monitored for compliance. It’s designed to protect both consumers and legitimate practitioners by keeping financial crime out of the sector.

But here’s the catch: many will writers operate partly in, and partly out of, scope - without realising it.

Common Areas of Confusion

Will writers and estate planners often ask things like:

• “I only draft wills - do I still need AML supervision?”

• “I calculate inheritance tax that could be due on a person’s estate - does that make me a tax adviser under the regulations?”

• “I don’t handle client money, so am I exempt?”

  
  

The truth depends on the exact nature of the services you provide to the client and how those activities fit within the definitions set out by HMRC. Giving certain types of tax advice or taking instructions to draft particular documents can trigger a requirement to register.

How the WillComply AML Supervision Checklist Helps

Our free checklist walks you through key decision points to help you determine:

✅ Whether your current services fall within the money laundering regulations.

✅ The steps to take if you do need to register to stay compliant.

It’s designed for clarity - no jargon, just a clear route to understand your position and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Download your free AML Supervision Checklist today: Checklist

Final Thoughts

With rising regulatory scrutiny and insurers tightening their risk appetite, it’s never been more important for will writers and estate planners to understand their AML obligations.

Knowing whether you’re supervised - and by whom - is the first step in getting compliance right.

If you’re unsure whether your services bring you within the scope of AML supervision - or if you just want reassurance that your compliance framework meets current expectations - WillComply can help. We specialise in supporting will writers, estate planners, and probate practitioners to understand their regulatory obligations and put practical systems in place.

Get in touch with WillComply today for clear, confidential advice and take the uncertainty out of AML compliance.

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