HMRC MLR Registration refers to the process of registering with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the UK under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLR). This registration is a legal requirement for certain types of businesses that are at higher risk of being used for money laundering or terrorist financing. It applies to businesses not already supervised by another authority such as the FCA or Gambling Commission.

🔍 Who Needs to Register?

Under the UK Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, the following types of businesses need to register with HMRC:

• Money Service Businesses (MSBs): Includes money remittance, currency exchange, and cheque cashing.
• Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs)
• Accountancy Service Providers
• High-Value Dealers
• Estate Agents and Letting Agents
• Art Market Participants
• Bill Payment Service Providers
• Telecommunication, Digital and IT Payment Providers (in specific cases)

📝 Registration Requirements

To register, a business must:

1. Create an HMRC Government Gateway account.
2. Complete the online MLR registration form via HMRC’s online service.
3. Pay the application fee (non-refundable).
4. Pay an annual supervision fee after approval.
5. Provide detailed information including:
• Business structure and ownership
• AML policies and procedures
• Details of key individuals and beneficial owners
• Evidence of staff training and internal controls

✅ Post-Registration Obligations

Once registered, the business must:

• Comply fully with the MLR 2017 requirements.
• Implement a written AML/CTF compliance program.
• Conduct and document Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) where applicable.
• Submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) when necessary.
• Keep records of all transactions and customer checks for at least 5 years.
• Ensure all relevant staff are trained in AML/CTF procedures.
• Notify HMRC of any changes to business details or structure.

🔎 Inspection and Enforcement

HMRC may carry out compliance visits to assess the effectiveness of your AML controls. Failure to register or to comply with AML obligations can result in fines, registration cancellation, or criminal prosecution.

📅 Timeline

• You must register before starting any activity that requires supervision.
• Approval time can vary but typically takes 45–90 days, depending on the complexity of your business and the quality of your application.