2026 SmartSearch compliance guide and checklist

Executive summary

As the UK regulatory landscape evolves in 2026, compliance professionals face growing challenges in AML (Anti-Money Laundering), CTF (Counter-Terrorist Financing), and corporate transparency. Criminal activity is becoming more sophisticated, digital identity fraud is increasing, and regulators expect firms to demonstrate effective, risk-based controls.

This guide equips compliance officers, MLROs (Money Laundering Report Officers), and senior decision-makers with practical insights, legislative updates, and a comprehensive compliance checklist to strengthen operational readiness. It highlights emerging threats, regulatory changes, and technology solutions, including SmartSearch, to streamline AML processes, reduce risk, and maintain compliance across finance, law, accountancy, property, and fintech sectors.

The whitepaper will look at the following key topics:

• The 2026 UK compliance landscape: Updates on the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), ECCTA, FCA and OPBAS developments.
• Emerging risks and typologies: New patterns in financial crime, sanctions evasion, and digital identity fraud.
• Regulatory technology and automation: How AI, open banking data, and digital verification tools are reshaping KYC and AML compliance.
• Operational readiness: Steps to strengthen your firm’s AML framework, from risk assessments to ongoing monitoring.
  
  

The whitepaper will conclude with a 2026 compliance checklist, which will look at all the key areas regulated firms need to cover in 2026, including customer due diligence, screening and monitoring, staff training and record keeping and audit and review procedures.