Robyn Moira Lynch

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

Robyn Moira Lynch, COLP/COFA/MLRO at Kenwright Lynch LLP, admitted three allegations: using the firm's client account as a banking facility for family members (under the guise of an informal family trust) over approximately 19 years; causing cash shortages on client account whereby other clients' funds effectively funded family overdrafts; and inappropriately holding substantial residual balances (£537,977.80 across 1,143 clients) without promptly informing clients. The matter was resolved by agreed outcome on the papers. The Tribunal found no dishonesty or lack of integrity was alleged, no client lost money, and all shortages were remedied. It imposed a Level 3 fine of £15,000 and ordered costs of £20,000, finding suspension or strike-off unnecessary.

Duties found breached:

• No improper use of client money
• Uphold public trust in the profession

Aggravating factors:

• Experienced practitioner (admitted 1982)
• Misconduct continued over a very long period (approximately 19 years)
• Repeated conduct
• Benefitted her own family members (even if unintentionally)
• Client funds placed at risk by effectively being borrowed by family

Mitigating factors:

• No actual loss to any clients; all shortages remedied within a short time of discovery
• Misconduct not deliberate or planned
• Genuine belief she was entitled to act as she did (family discretionary trust)
• Never alerted by reporting accountants to any breach
• No allegation of dishonesty or lack of integrity
• Genuine insight, open and frank admissions
• Full co-operation with the SRA
• Otherwise impeccable character over 50-year career