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Recognising and Acting on AML Red Flags

Anti-money laundering compliance in law firms depends on the everyday vigilance of everyone who deals with clients or files—not just specialists. This course helps staff at all levels recognise common AML red flags and understand exactly what to do when they appear.

Online, self-paced learning

Dynamic pace adjusted to knowledge level

Customised learning path for each user

Identifies and addresses knowledge gaps

Measures actual competence, not just activity

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Course Overview

Anti-money laundering compliance in law firms depends on the everyday vigilance of everyone who deals with clients or files—not just specialists. This course helps staff at all levels recognise common AML red flags and understand exactly what to do when they appear. Through the Mr. Bennett scenario, learners see how small warning signs build into a clear risk picture, and how prompt escalation protects both the firm and the individual.

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Who Should Take This Course

Legal secretaries, reception and support staff who often spot early warning signs

Fee earners across all practice areas who manage client relationships and transactions

Supervisors, team leaders and partners responsible for files and sign-off

Compliance, risk and MLRO teams seeking to embed a firm-wide red flag culture

What You'll Learn

  • What AML red flags are and why they matter in everyday legal practice
  • The many stages where red flags can arise: initial enquiry, file opening, communications, receipt of money, document review and completion
  • Typical red flags for law firms, including unexplained sources or movements of funds, transactions that do not fit the client’s background, unnecessary complexity, urgency, thirdparty payments and unusual secrecy
  • A detailed scenario involving Mr. Bennett, a “straightforward” but urgent asset transfer which starts to reveal multiple red flags
  • How red flags can accumulate over time—impatient behaviour, cash fee payments, friends funding the matter, new email addresses, thirdparty accounts and vague explanations
  • The required actions when any red flag arises: pausing work, documenting concerns, and escalating to a supervisor or compliance
  • Why staff must never ignore red flags for client convenience or to meet deadlines, and the importance of avoiding “tipping off”
  • What happens after escalation, including further enquiries, enhanced due diligence, possible suspicious activity reports and decisions to continue or cease acting
  • How acting on red flags protects the firm, the wider public and each staff member’s professional position

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Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Describe what constitutes an AML red flag and identify common examples in law firm work.
  1. Spot developing red flags in client behaviour, instructions and payment arrangements using the Mr. Bennett scenario.
  1. Take the correct immediate actions when a red flag appears, including pausing work, recording concerns and escalating promptly.
  1. Explain why “tipping off” is prohibited and how to communicate with clients without revealing suspicions.
  1. Understand the possible outcomes after escalation, including further checks, submission of a SAR and decisions to refuse or end an instruction.
  1. Appreciate their role as part of the firm’s first line of defence and build confidence to challenge, question and escalate concerns in real time.

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Why This Course Matters

Regulators expect everyone in a law firm—not only lawyers and compliance staff—to recognise and act on red flags. This course builds practical confidence so that staff can notice when something “doesn’t quite fit”, know what to do next, and feel supported when they raise concerns.

By embedding a shared red flag mindset, your firm reduces the risk of facilitating financial crime and strengthens its overall compliance culture.

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Global Clients:

Please email for buying assistance: hello@denkenknowledge.com

What people say

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£ 75 

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Frequently asked questions

Have a look at most frequently asked questions.

Is there a minimum or maximum team or class size?

Denken is designed to support teams or classes of any size, whether you’re a small firm or a large organisation. There’s no minimum or maximum: we adapt to your needs.

Can I pay by invoice or Purchase Order?

Yes, you can pay for our courses and series of modules via Invoice. Please use the Contact form to make an enquiry, and we will email over an invoice when you're ready. Please note, we do not accept purchase orders as a payment method.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, we use Stripe for online credit card payments. Details will be visible on your invoice.

Is there Client and Learner support available?

Yes, we are here to help every step of the way, both as a client and a learner using our platform.

How do I access course materials?

Course materials can be accessed through our platform dashboard once you or your learners have been enrolled. Each learner will receive a Welcome Email with full instructions.

Can I get a refund for a course?

You may cancel your course booking at any time before payment has been made by emailing us at hello@denkenknowledge.com. Once you have accessed your course on our platform no refunds will be made.

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