Accounting technology / Glossary / AML software for bookkeepers

What is AML software for bookkeepers?

Definition

AML software for bookkeepers runs the anti-money laundering checks UK bookkeepers must carry out under the Money Laundering Regulations: verifying each client's identity, recording a risk assessment, screening for sanctions and politically exposed persons, and monitoring clients over time. It keeps the records a supervisor such as HM Revenue and Customs, AAT or ICB inspects.

Also calledanti-money laundering softwareAML checks for bookkeepers

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Supervisors: HM Revenue and Customs, AAT, ICB, IAB
HMRC fees: £300, then £400 a premises a year
Records kept: 5 years

How AML works for bookkeepers

Professional bookkeeping is an accountancy service under the Money Laundering Regulations, so every practice needs a supervisor: HM Revenue and Customs by default, or a professional body such as AAT, ICB or the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers. Registering with HM Revenue and Customs costs a one-off £300 plus £400 a year for each premises, and £40 for each person checked; trading without registering is a criminal offence. The duties are customer due diligence, a firm-wide risk assessment, ongoing monitoring, keeping records for five years and reporting suspicious activity to the National Crime Agency. HM Revenue and Customs guidance says a digital ID provider not on the government's certified register cannot reliably be deemed suitable. ICB includes its AML Online tool in the Practice Licence, and the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers includes AML Complete with supervision. AMLCC lists AAT as a partner of more than ten years. In December 2025 the FCA publicly censured ICB for failings in its AML supervision between January 2022 and July 2023. The government has decided the FCA will become the single AML supervisor for these firms; no date is set.

Common questions

Do bookkeepers need AML supervision?+

Yes. Professional bookkeeping is an accountancy service under the Money Laundering Regulations. A practice registers with HM Revenue and Customs unless a professional body such as AAT, ICB or the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers supervises it.

How much does HMRC AML supervision cost?+

A one-off £300 registration fee, then £400 a year for each premises, plus £40 for each owner, officer or manager checked. These fees apply from 1 December 2025.

Do ICB or the IAB provide AML software?+

Yes. ICB includes AML Online, which records client checks and gives each client a risk rating, in its Practice Licence. The Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers includes AML Complete with supervision at no extra cost.

How much do AML checks cost?+

Credas charges £0.80 to £1.69 a check depending on annual volume. Amiqus starts at £15 per client with a £500 monthly minimum. SmartSearch and Thirdfort do not publish prices.

Is AML supervision moving to the FCA?+

The government has decided the FCA will become the single supervisor for accountancy and bookkeeping firms, replacing HM Revenue and Customs and the professional bodies. No start date has been set.