As AML scrutiny rises, Coadjute leads focus on compliance, backed by Phil Spencer

Leading property technology firm, Coadjute, has announced a strategic focus on governance-led anti-money laundering (AML) compliance across the UK property market.

The move positions the business as a dedicated Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) platform for estate agents and conveyancers.

The announcement comes amid rising financial crime risk and intensifying regulatory scrutiny.

The UK Government’s National Risk Assessment has rated property as high risk for money laundering, with an estimated £10bn being laundered through UK property every year, while HMRC enforcement activity and regulatory expectations continue to increase. Firms are now required to demonstrate a clear, risk-based approach to compliance – not simply conduct basic checks.

As part of this renewed focus, Coadjute has recruited property expert and broadcaster, Phil Spencer, as its official Ambassador. One of the industry’s most recognised and trusted voices, Spencer will work with Coadjute to champion higher professional standards and promote governance as a commercial strength rather than an administrative burden.

Spencer said: “Trust is fundamental in property. As financial crime risks evolve and regulatory expectations increase, compliance has become a significant challenge for the industry.

“Coadjute recognises that pressure and takes the burden off property professionals, enabling them to manage compliance to the highest standards so firms can focus on serving their clients with confidence.”

Coadjute’s strategic repositioning centres on a clear message to the market: screening is not the same as AML. While many providers offer digital ID checks and sanctions screening, global and UK Money Laundering Regulations require firms to assess, understand and mitigate the specific risks they face. That means governance, oversight and demonstrable audit readiness, not just software outputs.

Through its fully managed Assured Compliance service, Coadjute combines advanced technology with regulatory expertise to manage identity verification, source-of-funds checks, enhanced due diligence and ongoing monitoring within a structured governance framework. The result is reduced administrative burden, consistent application of risk controls and genuine compliance aligned with regulatory standards.

Dan Salmons, CEO of Coadjute, said: “Property remains a high-risk sector for money laundering, and expectations of professional oversight are rising. Regulators are clear: firms must take a risk-based approach.

“Yet much of the market still equates compliance with screening. Screening is a starting point, it is not governance. It does not replace policy, oversight, escalation frameworks or audit readiness.

“By sharpening our focus on governance-led AML, we are helping professionals operate with greater certainty and confidence. Compliance can no longer be treated as a checklist or a software purchase.”

Backed by four major players in the UK property market, including three Tier 1 mortgage lenders, Coadjute is one of the fastest-growing AML providers in the sector and has supported firms through successful HMRC audits.

Over the coming months, Coadjute will launch a series of further innovations designed to strengthen governance, improve risk management and support a more resilient property transaction process.

Salmons added: “Our mission is to deliver confidence in every property transaction, built on strong governance from the start.”