The global fight against financial crime is evolving rapidly, driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. To ensure RICS members and regulated firms remain equipped to tackle these challenges, RICS has updated its Countering Financial Crime: Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Sanctions Violation Professional Standard.
This updated standard reflects the latest developments in technology, global trade, and sustainability concerns, such as combating illegal natural resource trading. It aims to enhance compliance, mitigate risks, and uphold transparency and accountability across the built and natural environment.
Now is your chance to take part. The public consultation, closing 22 April 2025, invites members, regulated firms, and stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the proposed 2nd edition of this important standard. Your input will help ensure the guidance is practical, proportionate, and effective for real-world applications.
Nicholas Maclean, FRICS
Acting President and Acting Chair of Governing Council, President Elect, RICS
“It is vital that RICS members and regulated firms participate in this consultation to strengthen the profession’s collective ability to address emerging financial crimes, ensuring transparency, accountability and ultimately – upholding public interest. Your input during this consultation ensures it is robust, practical, and responsive to the evolving financial risks facing both the built and natural environment.”
Jo Upton MRICS
Chief Executive Officer, Pegasi Management Company Limited
“Participating in this consultation is not only a professional obligation, but also a collective commitment to uphold the integrity of our industry. Your insights will ensure that the standard evolves to effectively safeguard against financial crime, fostering trust, transparency, and resilience within the profession.”
Nigel Astbury MRICS
Director, Christie & Co
“Financial crime remains a bigger threat to surveyors than some realise,particularly those brokering property transactions. Knowing the risks and therules will certainly help protect members and the profession.”
Alexander Aronsohn FRICS
Technical Director, International Valuation Standards Council
“Under International Valuation Standards the valuer must follow the ethical principles of integrity, objectivity, impartiality, confidentiality, competence, and professionalism to provide a non-biased valuation and to promote and preserve the public trust. The (2nd Edition) Standard is a key cornerstone to ensure public trust in valuations.”
Katarzyna Studzinska
Compliance Manager, Colliers
“This standard is designed to provide comprehensive information and support to RICS members and regulated firms, helping them maintain compliance and mitigate risks associated with financial crimes. By incorporating new sections such as AI that reflect the current business landscape, the updated professional standard ensures RICS members and regulated firms remain agile and effective in addressing evolving threats and global developments.”
Stephen Williams FRICS
Executive Director, JLL
“This is an important framework to safeguard our profession from the increasing threat of economic crime. I encourage all members to review and respond to the consultation.”
Alex Ktordies
Head of Risk and Compliance, Bristows Law Firm
“More than just a reporting role, RICS members are a key line of defence in fending off and preventing misuse of our financial system from bad actors. This is your chance to shape how it’s done so the rules and guidance work for business operations and are proportionate and effective.”
Giorgia Innamorato
Associate, COCUZZA
“Providing concrete insights and helping to identify and manage potential risks is crucial. This is why I strongly encourage all RICS members to take an active part in the consultation.”
Don’t miss your chance to make an impact. Visit iConsult to review the updated standard and submit your feedback before 22 April 2025.
Ensure this professional standard evolves to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow.