AML/CTF Guides
Practical implementation guides for Australian law firms, conveyancers, and real estate agents — from program generation to AUSTRAC audit readiness.
Beneficial Ownership Checks Under Tranche 2: What Law Firms and Conveyancers Must Verify
When a client is a company, trust, or SMSF, AUSTRAC expects you to identify the individuals who actually own or control it — not just the entity on the contract. This guide explains what beneficial ownership means under the AML/CTF Rules, why Australian data makes it harder to verify than it sounds, and what to do when a registry search comes back empty.
AML/CTF Compliance for Law Firms: What You Actually Need to Do
Law firms are among the 90,000 professional services businesses captured by the Tranche 2 reforms. This guide covers which services are regulated, how to implement CDD and Source of Wealth checks in legal practice, and what the tipping-off prohibition means for solicitors.
The AML/CTF Annual Review: What You Must Do and When
Every Tranche 2 entity must conduct an annual review of their AML/CTF program under s.162 of the AML/CTF Act. This guide explains what the review must cover, how to document it, and what AUSTRAC expects.
Suspicious Matter Reports: When to File and What to Include
Filing a Suspicious Matter Report (SMR) is a legal obligation under the AML/CTF Act. This guide explains what triggers an SMR, how to prepare one, and the tipping-off prohibition that applies once you file.
MLRO Responsibilities: What the Role Actually Requires
Every Australian firm regulated under Tranche 2 must appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer. This guide covers the legal obligations, day-to-day duties, and what happens when the MLRO gets it wrong.
AML/CTF Staff Training: What AUSTRAC Requires and How to Evidence It
Annual AML/CTF training is mandatory for all staff in roles with compliance exposure. This guide explains what the training must cover, how to document attendance, and what AUSTRAC looks for in an audit.
What to Expect When AUSTRAC Audits Your Firm
AUSTRAC has broad audit powers and actively exercises them. This guide explains what an AUSTRAC examination involves, what documentation you need ready, and how firms with strong compliance posture handle the process.
AML/CTF Compliance for Real Estate Agents: A Practical Guide
Real estate agents are now reporting entities under the AML/CTF Act. This guide covers what obligations apply specifically to residential and commercial property sales, and how agents can meet them without a full compliance team.
Can You Pass AML Compliance Costs to Your Client at Settlement?
As AML compliance becomes mandatory for conveyancers and law firms, many are asking whether the cost can be passed to clients as a settlement disbursement. This guide examines what is legally and ethically permissible, and how firms are implementing disbursement billing in practice.
What Happens If You Miss the Tranche 2 AML/CTF Deadline?
The Tranche 2 AML/CTF deadline is July 1, 2026. Australian law firms, conveyancers, and real estate agents who fail to comply face civil penalties up to $23 million per contravention. This guide explains the penalty regime, AUSTRAC enforcement history, and what to do now.
Source of Wealth Checks for Property Transactions: What Conveyancers Actually Need to Do
From July 1, 2026, conveyancers must conduct and document Source of Wealth checks on clients involved in property transactions. This guide explains what the obligation requires, what evidence is acceptable, and how to document your findings.
Part A vs Part B AML/CTF Program: What Every Law Firm Needs to Know
Australian law firms must produce both a Part A and Part B AML/CTF compliance program under Tranche 2 reforms. This guide explains what each part requires, how they interact, and the consequences of incomplete documentation.
What Is an AML/CTF Program — and How Do You Write One?
Every Australian law firm, conveyancer, and real estate agent must now maintain a documented AML/CTF program. This guide explains exactly what that means, what it must contain, and how to produce one before the July 1, 2026 deadline.
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