Client Money, the SRA, and the Future of Conveyancing: Preparing for 2026

What a year 2025 has been in relation to the SRA and all things Accounts Rules! At the start of the year we had the consultation on the client money and whether law firms should be holding it. At the moment we have the MoJ wanting to take our interest on client money to fund access to legal assistance for those who can’t afford it. In September, the SRA decided to put ‘on hold’ all things client money but only until the second half of 2026.

What does all of this mean in real terms, in particular to the conveyancing sector where access to client money to complete transactions is vital? What do other countries do to ensure completions take place on time and smoothly, in particular where law firms do not hold client money?

This one hour webinar, specifically for the conveyancing sector, will look at what has happened over the year and what we can do to be ready for 2026.

Who This Is For

This webinar is essential viewing for anyone working in Conveyancing.

Level of Expertise:

This webinar is suitable for all levels.

CPD Hours:

This webinar provides you with 1 hour of learning.

Attendees will receive a CPD certificate upon completion of this course.

Learning Objectives

• How it all started – should law firms be holding client money?
• What have law firms said about the proposals to stop them holding client money?
• What happens in other countries?
• Key accounts rules to consider:
  • Rule 2.5 – returning client money ‘promptly’
  • Rule 3.3 – using the client account as a banking facility
  • Rule 5.1 – prescribed circumstances – residual balances
  • Rule 7.1 – client interest
  • Rule 11 – third party managed accounts (TPMA)
• What would all of this mean to the legal profession
• Why the MoJ want to take the client interest to fund access to justice
• How would it work in practice if a third party handled your client money transactions
• The future – how to prepare for autumn 2026