Rapid Regulator Readiness
Fortify your compliance framework while minimising disruptions to your business operations
Rapid Support When AML Scrutiny Lands
If you’ve had the letter from your regulator, it’s time to act. When regulatory pressure hits, you need clarity and remediation fast. Our Rapid Regulator Readiness service identifies gaps, repairs and strengthens your framework and prepares you for engagement so you can respond confidently and in control.
What needs to happen next - and how quickly?
Rapid Regulatory Readiness is HiveRisk’s rapid support service designed to help firms review their AML framework, understand their position and take proportionate steps to strengthen their controls at an accelerated rate.
The process is calm, structured and without judgement. It is designed to stabilise the position quickly and ensure your firm approaches regulatory scrutiny from a clear, informed evidence-based footing.
When Firms Typically Use This Service
Firms usually engage us in one of two situations.
Notification of an SRA AML Desk-Based Review or Firm Visit
The firm has received a letter from the SRA confirming it has been selected for a desk-based review or a regulatory visit.
At this stage, firms often want to sense-check their AML framework before submitting documents or engaging further with the regulator.
This may include reviewing:
- AML policies, controls and procedures (PCPs)
- Firm-wide risk assessments
- client and matter risk assessments
- governance and escalation frameworks
- training records
- file review processes
- ongoing monitoring arrangements
Early preparation allows firms to enter regulatory engagement from a structured, proportionate and evidence-led position.
Following an SRA AML Review or Visit
The firm has already undergone a desk-based review or regulatory visit, and the regulator has identified gaps, deficiencies or areas requiring improvement.
Often firms are asked to address these issues within relatively short timeframes.
At this stage, firms typically need support to:
- interpret regulator feedback
- prioritise remedial actions
- strengthen documentation and controls
- implement improvements quickly and proportionately
Regulatory Readiness SOS helps firms move quickly from regulatory findings to a clear and structured action plan.
What Happens in the First 72 Hours
When firms contact us following regulator engagement, speed and clarity matter.
Our first phase focuses on stabilising the position and establishing the facts.
Within the first few days we will typically:
Initial consultation
We speak with the firm’s MLRO, COLP or leadership team to understand the situation,
regulatory correspondence and key concerns.
Issue identification
We identify the areas that require immediate attention and those that can be addressed as part of a structured improvement plan.
Rapid document review
We review relevant AML documentation such as:
- policies, controls and procedures
- firm-wide risk assessment
- client and matter risk assessment templates
- training records
- governance documentation
Immediate reassurance and direction
Firms leave the initial stage with a clear understanding of:
- where they stand
- what needs attention first
- what a proportionate response should look like
Typical Engagement Timeline
Every situation is different, but most engagements follow a structured sequence.
Stage 1 — Rapid Diagnostic
- We review the firm’s AML framework, regulatory correspondence and any audit findings to understand the current position.
Stage 2 — Prioritised Action Plan
- We identify what requires immediate attention, what can be addressed in the medium term, and how the firm should structure its response.
Stage 3 — Framework Strengthening
- Where required, we support updates to:
- policies and procedures
- firm-wide risk assessments
- client and matter risk assessment frameworks
- governance and escalation processes
- training arrangements
Stage 4 — Regulatory Response Support
- Where firms need to respond to regulator enquiries or follow-up requests, we help ensure responses are clear, proportionate and properly evidenced.
Our support is always calm, decisive and judgement free.
The Outcome
By the end of the exercise, firms typically have:
- a clear understanding of their AML position
- a prioritised and achievable action plan
- updated policies, procedures or risk documentation where required
- stronger internal governance and oversight
- greater confidence in regulatory engagement
- a structured and defensible position should further scrutiny arise
Calm, Practical Support
Regulatory engagement does not need to feel overwhelming.
Where issues are identified, the most effective response is clear thinking, structured action and proportionate strengthening of controls.
Our Rapid Regulator Readiness offering provides firms with the experience and support needed to approach the situation calmly and confidently.
Let’s Talk
If your firm has received an SRA AML letter or is responding to findings following a desk-based review or regulatory visit, we would be happy to talk.
Often a short conversation is enough to bring immediate clarity.
