Drop in Session: Digital ID guidance for Money Laundering Regulations
2pm – 3pm29 September 2025
Online
Join our drop-in session to shape techUK’s understanding of key requirements from HMT and DSIT, where members will set out the priorities that guidance on embedding Digital ID into the MLRs must address.
Objectives:
Members to help shape techUK recommendations on how Digital ID can be embedded within MLR
Establish key questions that DSIT and HMT must address
Context
Last year, HM Treasury committed to reviewing and updating the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) as part of a broader initiative to combat money laundering, outlined in the Economic Crime Plan 2023–26.
Building on the Financial Services Growth & Competitiveness Strategy published July 15, HMT has set out several updates aimed at tightening loopholes, clarifying obligations, and strengthening customer due diligence in relation to higher-risk activities.
Importantly, as part of this package, the Treasury also confirmed its intention to work with DSIT to publish joint guidance on the use of digital ID for identity verification under the MLRs- a timely and positive step.
Digital ID: A Smarter, Safer Approach to AML
As techUK highlighted in its June 2024 consultation response, digital identity remains a missing link in the UK’s fight against financial crime. Although regulations already allow Digital ID solutions to be used for customer due diligence, adoption has been slow, held back by ingrained practices, outdated systems, and lingering doubts about the legitimacy of digital identity checks. The direction of travel is positive, but success will depend on how it is delivered.
What comes next?
Digital ID is already permitted under the MLRs, but seamless integration with ID providers is essential to unlock the full potential of the Trust Framework. Aligning HMT’s MLR standards with DSIT’s Trust Framework will be complex, which is why techUK is hosting a one-hour drop-in session to hear directly from members on what guidance must cover to be practical and impactful.
Insights from this meeting will shape techUK’s position towards HMT and DSIT, setting out industry priorities, calling for timely delivery with open engagement, and highlighting outstanding questions that need addressing.
techUK is thrilled to announce our flagship 2025 Digital ID Summit, where we'll be launching our latest Digital Identity policy report! Join policymakers, industry innovators, and thought leaders across the digital identity and verification ecosystem as they shape the future of the sector- while connecting with the key stakeholders driving its growth and evolution at our annual Digital ID Summit. Register now!
Digital Identity programme activities
Digital identities will provide a gateway for citizens and SMEs into the digital economy. techUK members demonstrate the benefits of digital identity to emerging markets, raise their profile as thought leaders, influence policy outcomes, and strengthen their relationships with potential clients and decision-makers. Visit the programme page here.
techUK Digital ID Report
Following the UK Government’s announcement on the introduction of mandatory digital ID on 26 September, techUK has published a new report outlining a clear roadmap to support the successful and trusted rollout of digital ID across the country.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work. This includes work programmes on AI, Cloud, Data, Quantum, Semiconductors, Digital ID and Digital ethics as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy. In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List. She has also been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the tech agenda in the UK, in December 2025 Sue was appointed to the UK Government’s Women in Tech Taskforce by the Technology Secretary of State. She also sits on the UK Government’s Smart Data Council, Satellite Applications Catapult Advisory Group, Bank of England’s AI Consortium and BSI’s Digital Strategic Advisory Group. Previously, Sue was a member of the Independent Future of Compute Review and co-chaired the National Data Strategy Forum. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries in 2020, Sue has been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and has been a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI, the UK Tech 50 and annual UK Cloud Awards. She is a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015, Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. Before that, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.
He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.
Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.