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 arising from using the firm's client account as a banking facility for family members over roughly 19 years, causing repeated cash shortages funded from other clients' money, and holding substantial residual balances without properly informing clients. The Tribunal, dealing with the matter on the papers via an agreed outcome, found no dishonesty or lack of integrity was alleged and that no clients lost money. It assessed the conduct at the top end of Indicative Fine Band Level 3 and imposed a fine of £15,000 plus costs of £20,000.

Duties found breached:

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

Aggravating factors:

• Respondent was an experienced practitioner
• Misconduct continued over a very long period (approximately 19 years)
• Conduct was repeated on multiple occasions
• Conduct benefitted her own family members
• Client funds placed at risk by being effectively borrowed by family members

Mitigating factors:

• No actual loss to any clients; all shortages remedied within a short time (2-41 days)
• Misconduct was not deliberate or planned
• No allegation of dishonesty or lack of integrity
• Genuine belief she was entitled to act as she did regarding the family trust
• Never alerted by reporting accountants to any impropriety
• Genuine insight, open and frank admissions
• Full co-operation with the SRA investigation and proceedings
• Otherwise impeccable, unblemished character over 50+ years of practice