Amir Nazir Butt

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent, a sole practitioner trading as ANB Law, was found to have failed to maintain a Firm-Wide Risk Assessment, client/matter risk assessments, adequate AML policies and staff AML training under the MLRs 2017 (June 2017–Dec 2022); to have made a false and misleading declaration to the SRA in January 2020 confirming a compliant FWRA was in place when it was not; and to have failed to return client money (residual balances) promptly between November 2014 and December 2022. The Respondent admitted all allegations. The Tribunal expressly found a lack of integrity but made NO finding of dishonesty. Culpability was assessed as high with harm in the medium range. A fine of £35,000 (Level 4, very serious) was imposed together with three years of conditions; costs of £28,000 were ordered.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues