DisciplinaryNews
Allegations of misconduct against AAT members are investigated by the Professional Standards team, using AAT’s disciplinary process. Please note: the following is only a summary; full details are at bit.ly/disciplinary-outcomes
All sanctions are determined in line with AAT’s Indicative Sanctions Guidance and reflect the particular circumstances and available evidence present in each case. All allegations of misconduct were valid at time of publication.
Aaron McLeish (10124220) committed multiple breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations (MLR), failed to hold client monies in full compliance with AAT’s Clients’ Money Policy and made misleading statements on his licence renewal application. He was fined £2,500.00, reprimanded for two years, removed from AAT fellow membership for two years and warned.
Emma Phetkul (219427) committed multiple breaches of the MLR. She was fined £2,500.00 and severely reprimanded for three years.
Howard Haworth (10340033) committed multiple breaches of the MLR; failed to comply with AAT’s CPD Policy; failed to have a written continuity of practice agreement in place; provided Independent Examination and Limited Assurance Engagement services whilst not licensed to do so; and made misleading statements on his licence renewal application. He was fined £4,000.00, reprimanded for two years, deemed unfit to hold AAT fellow membership for two years and warned.
Iain Blanskby (20169264) was upon his own admission convicted of assault by beating at Derby St Mary Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £500.00 and reprimanded for three years.
Jean Lunt (20096185) provided self-employed accountancy services without a licence and without appropriate Anti Money Laundering (AML) supervision. She was expelled from membership of AAT for five years.
Lyndsey Beckett (282647) was convicted at Shrewsbury Crown Court of fraud by abuse of position under the Fraud Act 2006. She was fined £10,000.00 and expelled from membership of AAT for an indefinite period.
Mohamed Damji (6192115) committed multiple breaches of the MLR. He was fined £2,500.00 and severely reprimanded for two years.
Sean Clarke (10236780) failed to demonstrate to AAT’s satisfaction that he had responded to professional enquires in relation to a former client and failed to demonstrate to AAT’s satisfaction that he had provided professional clearance information in relation to a former client. He was fined £1,500.00, severely reprimanded for two years, deemed unfit to hold AAT fellow membership for two years and warned.
Stefan Barrett (10204201) made direct referrals for financial products regulated under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 without authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or without holding a Designated Professional Body (Investment Business) licence; misrepresented his firm to the public as being authorised to provide services regulated under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 while not being authorised by the FCA or without holding a Designated Professional Body (Investment Business) licence and retained commissions for the referral of one or more clients to an Independent Financial Advisor without obtaining consent. He was fined £1,500.00 and reprimanded for two years.
For more information on AAT’s licence requirements, visit aat.org.uk/about-aat/professional-standards/aat-licensing
