In recent times, the barriers between experts and members of the public have broken down. A rise in self-represented litigants and ‘direct access’ work at the Bar means that a lay person or company instructing an expert directly is becoming more common. Experts may also be sought out directly by parties wishing to mediate. The increase in direct contact means that experts from a range of backgrounds may come across a situation where there is a source of funds or proceeds of crime concern. This in turn can raise a knotty money laundering problem which no professional wants to find themselves drawn into.
This discussion will focus on:
- An overview of the money laundering offences which apply to everyone, including all experts
- The experts that fall into the anti-money laundering regulated sector
- Examples of experts meeting proceeds of crime concerns
- When and how to report a suspicion of money laundering
- Privileged information and AML reporting
- Good anti-money laundering practice when instructed directly by a member of the public
- Is there a difference if instructed by a lawyer
The talk will be presented by Anita Clifford, barrister at Bright Line Law, specialising in money laundering.
Anita Clifford
Anita is a barrister with full rights of audience and joined Bright Line Law when it started in 2016. Anita has a busy advocacy and advisory practice. She is regularly instructed in her own right and also works closely with Lead Counsel. She is recognised for Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 & Asset Forfeiture work in the 2021 independent legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers UK where she is described as a “rising star” and “impressive performer”. She is noted for her money laundering expertise.
Anita draws on her experience as a solicitor in her practice at the Bar. She qualified as a solicitor in Australia in 2011 and previously worked in London as a foreign qualified lawyer at a boutique firm focused on private prosecutions for fraud. In Australia she was a criminal defence solicitor and later an in-house lawyer at the police where she specialised in intelligence-driven major investigations. Immediately after university, Anita was a Judge’s Associate to a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Anita accepts instructions from law and other professional firms, as well as companies of all sizes and members of the public. She is well placed to advise and represent clients in relation to any matter involving money laundering, proceeds of crime, asset forfeiture and economic sanctions. Anita can attend a full range of interviews, and is authorised to attend at police stations where required.
Anita is an Advocate panel member, the pro bono unit for the Bar. Alongside her previous solicitor experience in Australia, Anita is registered to practise in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) court.