Solicitor restricted from management, compliance and client money functions
Shafqat Ali has been made subject to strict practising conditions by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) following a regulatory decision published on 19 June 2026.
According to the SRA, Mr Ali’s practising certificate for the 2025/2026 practice year is now subject to several restrictions. The regulator reached the outcome through an SRA decision dated 14 May 2026.
Under the conditions, Mr Ali cannot act as a manager or owner of an authorised body or authorised non-SRA firm. He may only practise as a solicitor in an employed role that has received prior approval from the regulator. The SRA has also prohibited him from acting as a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) or Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) for any authorised body.
In addition, the regulator has barred Mr Ali from holding or receiving client money, acting as a signatory on client or office accounts, or authorising transfers from those accounts.
The SRA stated that the conditions are necessary in the public interest and are reasonable and proportionate. The regulator said the measures were imposed having regard to the purposes set out in Regulation 7 of the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, as well as the regulatory objectives and principles contained within the Legal Services Act 2007.
The latest decision follows earlier regulatory action involving Mr Ali and SK Lloyds Solicitors Limited, a firm based at Office 1, Newsham House, 103 Manchester Road, Bury. The SRA previously intervened into Mr Ali’s practice on 4 September 2025. That outcome was published on 10 September 2025.
At the time, the regulator decided to intervene into Mr Ali’s practice, including but not limited to his practice at SK Lloyds Solicitors Limited.
In its published reasons, the SRA stated that there was reason to suspect dishonesty on Mr Ali’s part in connection with his practice as a solicitor. The regulator also stated that Mr Ali had failed to comply with rules under the relevant provisions of the Solicitors Act 1974. The SRA further noted that Mr Ali’s practising certificate is currently suspended.
As part of the intervention process, Sean Joyce of Stephensons Solicitors LLP was appointed as the intervening agent. Stephensons Solicitors LLP is handling enquiries relating to the intervention. The regulatory decisions and associated conditions remain published on the SRA’s records.