SRA restricts solicitors role, banning management duties and access to client funds
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed conditions on the practising certificate of a solicitor, restricting how and where he may work after determining that regulatory controls are required in the public interest.
Mohammad Saeed Zafar, a solicitor admitted under number 441340, is now subject to conditions on his practising certificate for the 2025/2026 practising year. The decision was made on 7 November 2025 and published on 3 February 2026.
At the time of the matters giving rise to the decision, Mr Zafar was associated with S Z Solicitors Ltd, based on Great West Road in Hounslow. The outcome was reached following an SRA decision, rather than by agreement.
Under the conditions imposed, Mr Zafar is prohibited from being a manager or owner of any authorised body. He may practise only as an employee solicitor, and any such employment must first receive approval from the SRA. The conditions also prevent him from acting as a compliance officer for legal practice or as a compliance officer for finance and administration.
In addition, Mr Zafar is barred from holding or receiving client money. He may not act as a signatory on any client or office account, nor have the authority to approve or authorise transfers from those accounts. The conditions apply as defined in the SRA Glossary and form part of his practising certificate.
The SRA said the restrictions were necessary and proportionate, having regard to the regulatory framework governing the authorisation and oversight of solicitors. In its published reasons, the regulator stated that the conditions were imposed in the public interest and aligned with the purposes set out in regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations.
The authority also confirmed that the decision was made with reference to the regulatory objectives and principles governing regulatory activity under section 28 of the Legal Services Act 2007. These objectives include protecting and promoting the public interest, supporting the rule of law, and maintaining public confidence in the provision of legal services.
The SRA did not publish further details of the underlying conduct or concerns that led to the imposition of the conditions. However, such measures are typically applied where the regulator considers that restrictions are required to mitigate risk while allowing a solicitor to continue practising in a limited capacity.
The conditions will remain in force for the duration of the practising certificate unless varied or removed by the SRA. Any failure to comply with them may result in further regulatory action.