Regulated businesses look likely to face higher anti-money laundering (AML) fees following the end of a consultation by HMRC into what it charges for AML regulation. 

A discussion on the proposed fee increases ran from 31 July 2025 to 29 August 2025. HMRC will now review comments and publish intended next steps in the following weeks. 

Currently, the regulator charges the following fees to businesses: 

• A £300 premises fee. 

• A £40 approvals process fee for each beneficial owner, officer or manager (BOOM) of a supervised business. 

• A £150 fit-and-proper-persons (F&P) test fee for each BOOM of applicable businesses.  

• A £1,500 penalty administration charge for any issued compliance penalties. 

• A £350 penalty administration charge for any businesses it issues with a registration, failure to notify, and failure to provide information penalty. 

The regulator believes that fees must increase to “enable HMRC to maintain effective supervision” though it hopes to “keep the fees charged as low and reasonable as possible”. 

Whilst the current free structure has been retained, HMRC intends to adjust the balance of the fees, “placing a greater burden on non-compliant businesses and reflecting where costs are incurred”. 

HMRC’s proposed new fee structure includes: 

• Increasing the premises fee from £300 to £400.  

• Approvals fee for BOOMs remains unchanged at £40. 

• Increase in F&P fee from £150 to £700. 

• Reintroduction of application fee of £400. 

• Sanctions administration fee to remain at £350. 

The regulator says the increases are necessary for it to continue to provide effective AML supervision.  

“Economic crime threats continue to evolve, and in order to continue to evolve and improve its approach to AML supervision and manage money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks effectively in the sectors it supervises, HMRC now needs to increase the fees it charges,” the regulator said in a statement. 

HMRC is one of the UK’s 25 AML supervisors. It supervises more than 36,000 businesses across nine business sectors, including estate agents, letting agents, and high-value dealers.  

AML Compliance for Regulated Businesses 

At the Regulation & Compliance Office (RACO), we help estate agents and other regulated businesses undertake a review of their policies, controls, and procedures to ensure that they are compliant with AML regulations and, therefore, avoid any breaches. 

A review of this nature provides valuable insight into a business when performed correctly. Along with an overview of risk, these crucial assessments also highlight issues within the business, so it is essential to undertake a proper review. All of a company’s building blocks must be considered, including its staff, clients, operations, and finances. 

By working with RACO, a business can be assured that we will bring the required level of knowledge and expertise needed to perform the review, which adds value to the business and is not simply a box-ticking exercise. Our team can also provide a full range of services that include: 

• Consultancy. 

• Compliance Policies. 

• Training. 

• Handbooks. 

• Auditing. 

Our services focus on businesses’ anti-money laundering and regulatory requirements through the implementation of effective policies, procedures, training, and consultancy. We also provide continued monitoring of staff and ongoing training to ensure that everyone within a business is aware of the latest requirements and complies with their responsibilities. 

We offer a full range of services focused on ensuring businesses across all regulated sectors create, maintain and evidence their compliance with the requirements of their regulators and legislation. We work with businesses of all sizes, from the smaller high street or niche businesses to the large multi-office and multinationals. 

Get In Touch 

We adopt a sensible and pragmatic approach to fees, ensuring we are competitive and always add value. As necessary, we will agree on packaged services to control cost and enable clients to spread payments to alleviate cash flow, yet ensure services are provided when needed. 

If you want to discuss our services in more detail, contact us at 0203 985 8550, email us at info@regulationandcomplianceoffice.co.uk or complete an enquiry form.