The new Insolvency Code of Ethics has now been approved by IAASA and will be effective from 8 June 2020. The code has been updated following a consultation on possible revisions and to adopt the drafting format used by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). The accountancy Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs) use the IESBA approach in their main ethical codes. What is different? The new format differentiates between requirements (identified by an R) and application material (identified by an A). There is an entirely new section on the insolvency practitioner as an employee which emphasises that an insolvency practitioner is required to comply with the Insolvency Code of Ethics irrespective of their status within a firm. The sections on obtaining specialist advice and services, agencies and referrals, referral fees and commission and inducements have all been expanded. There is a new section on Responding to non-compliance with laws and regulations based on IESBA material. There are new examples specific to the Republic of Ireland. Although the new Insolvency Code of Ethics does look a little different, the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour remain as the key concepts in the code.

This document aims to provide MLROs with observations from the UKFIU on what is being seen in reporting around COVID-19 and SARs. Several SARs have been seen relating to suspicions that individuals are exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak to account for money movements that suggest possible money laundering. Although it is UK based, the information will also be of interest to MLROs in Ireland.

The UKFIU has implemented three new SAR Glossary Codes for MLROs as a result of the increased threat posed by organised crime groups (OCGs) seeking to exploit the COVID-19 situation by means of fraud. The Glossary Codes Note document can be found on the NCA website, also included at the below link; https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/who-we-are/publications/443-sar-glossary-codes-note-april-2020/file The Glossary Codes and Reporting Routes document can be found on the NCA website also included at the below link; https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/who-we-are/publications/442-sar-glossary-codes-and-reporting-routes-april-2020/file