Disciplinary outcome: undefined undefined
Order by consent
In the matter of
Mr Paul Morris MAAT
Membership number
166598
Date
9 May 2024
Misconduct
Paul Morris’s professional or personal conduct, was found to be in breach of the Code of Professional Ethics and to have posed a risk to the public or was likely to undermine public confidence in the Association or its members; namely:
1. He failed to comply with his obligations under the relevant Money Laundering Regulations while providing accountancy services to the public, specifically:
1.1 For an unknown period up until on or around 17 March 2023, he failed to carry out an adequate risk assessment and ongoing monitoring in respect of one or more clients and/or
1.2 For an unknown period up until on or around 17 March 2023, he failed to carry out any or any adequate ID procedures in respect of one or more clients and/or
1.3 For an unknown period up until on or around 17 March 2023, he failed to carry out any or any adequate firm-wide money laundering risk assessment and/or
1.4 For an unknown period up until on or around 17 March 2023, he failed to have in place any or any adequate documented AML policies, controls, and procedures and/or
1.5 For an unknown period up until on or around 17 March 2023, he failed to have in place any or any adequate Anti-Money Laundering training for himself and the other beneficial owner of the firm and/or
2. For an unknown period up until on or around 12 August 2022, he provided Limited Assurance to one or more clients without being appropriately licensed by AAT to do so and/or
3. For an unknown period up until on or around 12 August 2022, he failed to hold clients’ money in full compliance with AAT’s Clients Money Policy and/or
4. For an unknown period up until on or around 12 August 2022, he failed to have in place any or any adequate Continuity of Practice and/or
5. From an unknown period up until on or around 12 August 2022, he failed to have in place any or any adequate Letters of Engagement and/or
6. From an unknown period up until on or around 12 August 2022, he failed to have in place any or any adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance coverage, in accordance with AAT’s Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy.
Finding
Grounds for disciplinary action existed and the matter was suitable for exercise of the Investigations Team's powers under the Disciplinary Regulations.
Order
Paul Morris is hereby:
i. Severely Reprimanded for a period of 24 months (2 years)
ii. Fined £3500
iii. Removal of FMAAT status for 24 months (2 years)
Consent
Paul Morris has agreed to submit to the decision of the Investigations Team in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Disciplinary Regulations.
