Interim managers are being warned to make sure they understand new money laundering regulations to avoid falling foul of the law.
The Institute of Interim Management (IIM) kicked off a series of seminars with the stark warning because of the severity of fines or even the threat of prison could await those who do not get to grips with the new regulations.
Speaking after the first seminar, IIM deputy chairman, Tom Brass, said there were different types of interim managers who fall within the scope of the new rules including those whose roles provide accounting services and those who operate as directors for their clients.
Brass explained that for those interims affected by the regulations, turning a blind eye was not an option as the new regulations impose a legal requirement to register formally with HMRC as a member of the Regulated Sector.
What is more, registration is not automatic and includes a test.
More generally, the regulations oblige all members of the Regulated Sector to identify clients formally and monitor their transactions.
And all members of the Regulated Sector are obliged to report suspicious transactions to the Serious Organised Crimes Agency (SOCA) under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and/or the Terrorism Act 2000.
More details about the seminars are available by visiting the IIM website at
www.ioim.org.uk.