BKL

CASS 15 comes into force on 7 May 2026 Electronic Money Institutions are entering a period of heightened FCA scrutiny, following years of safeguarding and AML failings across the sector. This isn’t just compliance. It’s a board-level transformation in governance, operations, and customer protection. Based on our experience supporting EMIs, we’ve set out 5 critical questions every CEO should be asking now! 👉 Read the full article: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tnZKC0 🚨 Webinar: CASS 15 - Are you ready for the upcoming changes? Join Jon Wedge, Alisha O’Donovan, Andrew Welsh (IQ-EQ) and Sam Robinson (CMS) for our webinar with practical guidance and actionable CASS15 insights. 🗓 Tuesday 14 April 2026 | ⏰ 1–2pm (UK) Register: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tnZmc0

🚨 Attention Property Owners: Are You Ready for the Making Tax Digital (MTD) Changes?⏰ Quarterly reporting becomes the norm, and it has to be done through compatible software. What’s interesting is how many people remember the old £10k threshold and assume that’s still the plan. It isn’t. The rollout is more gradual - £50k in 2026, £30k in 2027, £20k in 2028 - but the direction of travel is clear. Jason Appel has pulled together a useful breakdown of what this means in reality - not just the technical requirements, but what property owners should be doing now to avoid a messy transition later. 💻 With penalties looming for non-compliance, it's crucial to get on top of MTD now, rather than scrambling later. Get the expert insights you need to navigate these changes smoothly and keep your tax filings on track. 👉eu1.hubs.ly/H0tnP560

Is Public Funding Within the Scope of VAT? 💡 Colchester Institute’s recent public funding agreement brings up a critical question: Is public funding within the scope of VAT? 🤔 In our newest article, we explore how the funding agreement itself is often key to answering this question. While the wording of the agreement is important, it’s equally vital to consider the economic reality behind the funding. 🔍 Key Insights Include: • How public funding agreements influence VAT decisions • The importance of understanding both the legal and economic context • What not-for-profit bodies and educational institutions need to know. Get the full breakdown and stay informed about this crucial topic as we prepare for upcoming VAT changes. 👉 eu1.hubs.ly/H0tkDnN0

Divorce has changed. It’s faster. More accessible. Even possible to do online. But that doesn’t mean it’s simpler. 👉 Just because you can do it yourself - doesn’t mean you should. It’s the hidden details that catch people out: • Tax implications (especially CGT) • Assets that aren’t valued correctly • Agreements made without full visibility • Long-term financial impacts Once decisions are made, they’re not easily undone. ✔ Know what you might be missing ✔ Understand the risks before you commit ✔ Get advice where it counts Sehjal Gupta and Eleanor Mills (Noon) explain why expert advice still matters - even in a more accessible, DIY world. 📺 Watch the video in full: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tk04m0

🚪 You never know who you’ll meet in the BKLevator… Episode 8 This week, stepping into the elevator is CxO Director, Lucy Tarlton. Ground floor. Doors closing. Going up. ⬆️ 📈 Lucy works with businesses going through rapid growth or big moments of change - often when there’s a lot at stake. 🤝 Whether it’s getting ready for a deal, supporting through the transaction itself, or helping teams stay on track, she’s there to keep things moving in the right direction. 🧠 And once the deal is done, Lucy supports with integration and whatever comes next - helping businesses land change well, not just complete it. Because when you’re going through a deal, it’s not just about getting it done - it’s about getting it right. Step inside and get to know Lucy - all before the doors open again. 🔗 eu1.hubs.ly/H0tjy1s0

🚨Ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT)?🚨 Regulatory change is here. From April 2026, HMRC’s MTD IT rules will impact landlords, sole traders and property owners - bringing new requirements for digital record-keeping and submissions. Join our webinar for insights, practical guidance, and clear next steps to help you prepare with confidence and stay compliant. 🗓 Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026 ⏰ Time: 1pm - 2pm (UK time) 💻 Where: Online (Microsoft Teams) 👉 eu1.hubs.ly/H0tjjvm0

🔍 Understanding Related Party Transactions in Academy Trusts As an academy trust, navigating the complexities of related party transactions can be challenging. Our latest insight breaks down what these transactions are, why they matter, and how to ensure compliance with regulations. 📚 Whether you're an academy trust trustee, finance director, or governance professional, this article is a must-read to better understand the financial and legal implications of related party transactions. 👉Stay ahead of the curve: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tf_0n0

🚨Ready for the upcoming changes to CASS 15?🚨 Regulatory change waits for no one. Changes to CASS 15 are approaching fast, and understanding its implications is critical for every business. Join our webinar to hear expert insights, practical guidance, and actionable tips to ensure your business stays compliant and ahead of the competition. 🗓 Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026 ⏰ Time: 1pm - 2pm (UK time) 💻 Where: Online 👉eu1.hubs.ly/H0td_y60

🏎️Client Showcase: HERO-ERA Last week, Tom Tesfay and James Dillard spent the day with one of our long-standing clients - HERO-ERA - and what a setting it was… based at Bicester Motion, a former RAF WW2 Bomber Training Station turned global hub for automotive excellence. HERO-ERA are true pioneers in historic motoring, delivering world-class rally experiences across the globe - from short scenic trials to epic endurance adventures like Peking to Paris. Built from the legacy of three iconic rally organisations, they’ve created a platform that brings together a passionate global community of drivers, navigators and enthusiasts. Whether you're: 🏁 A seasoned rally competitor 🛠️ A classic car enthusiast 🌍 Or simply chasing your next big adventure HERO-ERA offers: ✔️ Historic rally events for all experience levels ✔️ “Arrive & Drive” classic car hire experiences ✔️ Training, tours & bespoke corporate events ✔️ A thriving global membership community ✔️ A forward-thinking approach with carbon offset initiatives All driven by one mission: “Authentic Motoring Adventures - Forged by Pioneers.” If you're a petrol head, a racing enthusiast, or just curious to learn more - feel free to reach out directly, or speak with Tom or James to get connected. 📧Contact Tom: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tbdK00 📧Contact James: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tbdBD0 🌐Learn more about HERO-ERA: eu1.hubs.ly/H0tbdwP0

Divorce is emotional. It’s also financial. And one piece of advice matters more than anything else: 👉 “Get your ducks in a row.” 🦆🦆🦆🦆 Eleanor Mills (Noon) and Private Client Partner Sehjal Gupta explore: • Why early tax advice is critical • The right professional support • Navigating complex financial situations Divorce can feel overwhelming - but with the right guidance, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. 📺 Watch full video: eu1.hubs.ly/H0t9Cwp0

🚪 You never know who you’ll meet in the BKLevator… Episode 7 This week, stepping into the elevator is Talent Acquisition Senior Manager, Caoimhe Sheehan. Ground floor. Doors closing. Going up. ⬆️ 👥 Caoimhe leads recruitment at BKL, tailoring the search for each role - because every team, and every hire, is different. 💬 From client-facing roles requiring energy and communication, to technical specialists at the top of their game, she focuses on finding the right fit for both candidate and team. 🤝 With a people-first, two-way recruitment process, Caoimhe ensures every candidate experience is friendly, transparent and genuinely human - from first conversation to final interview. Because finding the right role isn’t just about skills - it’s about fit, ambition and where you want to go next. Step inside and get to know Caoimhe - all before the doors open again. Find out more about BKL Careers: eu1.hubs.ly/H0t6G-k0 #BKL | #BKLevator | #MeetTheTeam | #TalentAcquisition | #Recruitment | #Careers | #PeopleFirst | #Hiring

Trust Registration Service reforms: a wider net, but some welcome relief New draft anti-money legislation, laid before UK Parliament in March, signals another clear expansion of the Trust Registration Service (TRS). The draft rules are expected to bring many more non-UK trust structures into TRS, including longstanding offshore arrangements with UK property There is also a proposed de minimis exemption for small, low-risk trusts – broadly those with assets of under £10,000, alongside certain other targeted exclusions Ryan Bevan, Head of IHT, Trusts and Estates, commented: “The wider scope will be relevant not just for ‘classic’ family trusts, but also property-holding structures such as Jersey property unit trusts and Guernsey property unit trusts, even where there has never been a UK tax charge. The direction of travel is firmly towards land ownership and transparency, rather than tax as the trigger. The relief at the smaller end, exempting small non-taxpaying trusts, is a welcome nod to proportionality, even if most property-holding trusts won’t qualify.” To discuss how the changes might affect your existing trusts or structures, and for complete guidance on TRS registration and other trust compliance, our IHT, Trusts and Estates team are here to help you. Contact Ryan or visit our website to find out more: eu1.hubs.ly/H0t73sx0

Celebrating our B Corp clients: December 19 Ltd B Corp Month is a time for us to celebrate the relationships we’ve built with like-minded businesses through the B Corp community. One of them is our client December 19, media planning & buying specialists. D19 certified as a B Corp in September 2022, the same month as BKL! From donating 1% of revenue to running their operations on 100% renewable energy, D19 understand that doing business differently means doing better for everyone. D19’s own client success stories include delivering a 17% surge in awareness for NHS Charities Together and a 63% carbon reduction for Biffa. D19 Co-Founder Dave Barnett said: ‘Following a bad experience with a previous accountant, I set my FD the task of providing a short list of potential new partners. We had a few stipulations and being a B Corp was high on the priority list but also had to be a good fit in terms of size, experience and location. We found the perfect accounting partner. BKL are not only great at what we pay them to do, they are great to do business with. We’re delighted to be working with a fellow B Corp and they are living up to the promise of doing business for the greater good.’ Learn more about the B Corp movement and what it means to us: eu1.hubs.ly/H0t5YK60

Are you ready for the next phase of CASS 15 safeguarding audits? With the new CASS 15 safeguarding rules coming into force on 7 May 2026, many payments firms and e-money institutions will face their first annual safeguarding audit. For firms that haven’t previously been subject to a CASS audit, the shift will be significant - with new expectations around governance, record-keeping, breach reporting, and resolution planning. Our audit and assurance specialists set out the key requirements under CASS 15 and share a practical audit readiness checklist across five critical areas. Whether you’re approaching your first CASS 15 audit or reviewing your existing arrangements, this checklist will help you assess whether your processes, documentation and controls are ready for scrutiny: eu1.hubs.ly/H0t5X7g0 🚨Webinar: April 14 - CASS 15: Are you ready for the upcoming changes?🚨 Join our webinar to hear expert insights, practical guidance, and actionable tips to ensure your business stays compliant and ahead of the competition: 🗓 Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026 ⏰ Time: 1pm - 2pm (UK time) 💻 Where: Online 👉eu1.hubs.ly/H0t5WxR0

Touring is a big moment for any artist 🎤 But it’s not just about the shows… It’s the behind-the-scenes details that can impact your income 👇 🎶 Setlists = royalties No setlist? No payment. It’s that simple. 🌍 Touring abroad? Expect tax upfront Withholding tax can hit cashflow - unless you plan ahead. 🛂 Visas matter more than you think Delays or mistakes can cost you gigs and create tax issues. Touring successfully isn’t just about performance - it’s about planning. In Part 2 of Getting ready for touring: key accounting factors for emerging musicians, Danny Moss explores how early, informed decisions can protect income, support compliance and set the foundation for sustainable growth. 👉 eu1.hubs.ly/H0t5B2T0

🚨CASS 15 Update🚨 CASS 15 is fast approaching, and the FRC has issued its interim guidance on safeguarding audits. Here are the key takeaways: • Zero materiality - all breaches must be reported to the FCA • Extended deadline - 6-month filing window for first-year audits • Flexible reporting - dual or hybrid reports where rules change mid-period • Greater scrutiny - detailed focus on flow of funds & reconciliations • Documentation matters - processes must be clear and audit-ready • IT controls - a key area of audit focus While this is new guidance, it isn’t new legislation, but expectations are clear. Now’s the time for EMIs/APIs to engage with auditors and get CASS 15 ready. Read more: bkl.co.uk/insights/frc-i… Get in touch if you’d like support with your first safeguarding audit.