The management of client money is under scrutiny. With the SRA considering major regulatory changes to prevent firms from holding client funds directly, law firms must ask themselves: Just because we can hold client money, should we?
The legal sector has long relied on traditional client accounts, but recent high-profile failures like Axiom Ince highlight the risks of mismanagement. At the same time, Third-Party Managed Accounts (TPMAs) and alternative payment solutions are offering a safer, transparent, and compliant way to manage funds.
This paper explores:
- Why the SRA is pushing for change – and what it means for law firms.
- How TPMAs enhance security, efficiency, and trust in legal transactions.
- The risks of holding client money – from financial mismanagement to regulatory scrutiny.
- How law firms can prepare now for regulatory shifts.