Not every business is directly regulated for AML purposes. However, the legislation has the widest impact on sectors considered vulnerable to money laundering. 

These vulnerable sectors include: banks and financial institutions, accountants and tax advisers, solicitors and certain legal service providers, trust and company service providers, casinos and gambling operators, art market participants, and some high-value dealers. 

Estate agency and letting agency businesses are also vulnerable sectors in certain circumstances. See Miscellaneous Property Issues: Anti Money Laundering Legislation for information about the specific impact of the legislation on these sectors.

Even where a business is not directly regulated, it may still experience the effects of AML legislation. For example, banks frequently require businesses to provide information about ownership, management, source of funds and business activities before opening or maintaining accounts. Professional advisers may also request extensive identification documents and background information before acting for clients.