Five key regulatory changes for your 2026 risk agenda

14/01/2026

With a raft of changes on the horizon, specialist professional indemnity insurance broker Miller highlights five key regulatory changes to keep on your risk agenda for 2026.

ACSP Registration: By spring 2026, only Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will be permitted to file LLP or company documents. Firms offering these services must register promptly. As part of Companies House reforms, existing LLP members and company directors must verify their identities by November 2026.
Tax Adviser Status: HMRC’s tax-adviser registration requirement, effective May 2026, applies to all firms, including conveyancers handling Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) returns. Firms excluding tax advice from their retainers must carefully evaluate the implications.
UK AI Regulation and EU AI Act: Anticipating an AI Regulation Bill in 2026, based on principles from the 2023 White Paper, firms should expect a more formalised UK AI regulatory framework over the next 12-24 months. Firms with any EU touchpoints should prepare for the EU AI Act, effective August 2026.
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: With the aim of easing regulatory burdens on firms, the DUAA introduces significant amendments to the UK’s data protection framework, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Firms must update policies and documentation to reflect new timelines and fee structures. Complaint procedures under the DUAA require clients to raise issues directly with organisations before approaching the ICO. Firms using AI tools must comply with updated automated processing rules and undertake robust due diligence and audits of third-party data processors.
AML Regulation: Larger firms face substantial charges under the Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy. With AML regulation likely to transition to the FCA by late 2027, firms should prepare for potential dual scrutiny from the FCA and SRA.

Proactive planning and compliance efforts will be essential to navigating these changes effectively. Look out for Miller’s Horizon Scanning whitepaper coming soon.

Miller is a trusted adviser to over 1,300 law firms across England and Wales. For guidance on risk or insurance, contact [email protected] or email [email protected].