AML Updates

The President’s Message: Mandatory Submission of the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Terrorist-Financing 

Compliance Self-Assessment Form (“AML/CTF Form”) and Training Session

• Mandatory Requirement: All Hong Kong and foreign law firms must complete the AML/CTF Form as part of their professional and regulatory obligations.
• Oversight Responsibility: Submission of the Form is integral to the Law Society’s AML/CTF supervisory framework.
• Submission Deadline: Firms must submit the AML/CTF Form by 2 March 2026.
• Submission Method: Online only — no email or postal submissions will be accepted.
• Access to the AML/CTF Form: The online submission link is available on the Law Society’s AML webpage under the “AML/CTF Compliance Self Assessment Form” tab, which also provides FAQs and a sample form for reference.
• Professional Conduct Reminder: Timely submission is essential; failure to comply may amount to professional misconduct.
• AML/CTF Seminars: Following the session on 14 January 2026, another seminar will be held on 6 February 2026 covering AML supervision, the AML/CTF Form submission process, and introducing the new compliance tool for members, Client Name Screening Tool. You can register for the seminar through the Law Society Mobile App or the Hong Kong Academy of Law’s website. 

For details, please read The President’s Letter – P290126, dated 29 January 2026

Circular 26-1 (SD): Launch of the Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorist Financing Compliance Self-Assessment Form

Key Actions for Members:

• Completion of the AML/CTF Compliance Self Assessment Form (“AML/CTF Form”): All law firms are required to complete the mandatory AML/CTF Form. 
  
  • Submission deadline: 02 March 2026
  • Relevant assessment period: 01 January 2025 – 31 December 2025
  • Submissions must be made online only; email or postal submissions will not be accepted.
  • Online link to the AML/CTF Form is available on the Law Society AML website under the “AML/CTF Compliance Self Assessment Form” tab. 
  • FAQs and a sample AML/CTF Form are available under the AML/CTF Compliance Self Assessment Form” tab on the Law Society’s website to assist in completion. 
  • After clicking the “Submit” button,  you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging successful submission.
• Register for Training and Information Session: The Law Society will hold two online training sessions in early 2026 to guide members on completing the AML/CTF Form.  
  
  • Two information sessions are scheduled for 14 January 2026 and 6 February 2026.
  • Members can register via: Law Society App or Hong Kong Academy of Law website.
• Contact for Queries: Please call at (852) 2846 8804 or email: aml@hklawsoc.org.hk.

For details, please read:

• The President’s Letter – P020126 (dated 2 January 2026) and P080126 (dated 8 January 2026) 
• Circular 26-1 (SD)