What is an AML/CTF Program and Who Needs One? An Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Program is a comprehensive, risk-based plan that helps businesses identify, mitigate, and manage the risks of money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. Any business that provides designated services under the Anti-Money…
Having specialised in legal risk and compliance since the Australian AML/CTF Act was first enacted in 2006, I’ve helped countless businesses navigate regulatory shifts. The expansion of these laws to real estate in July 2026 is the most significant change in years.…
Australia’s Tranche 2 AML/CTF Reforms: What you need to know before 1 July 2026 Australia is implementing long-awaited reforms to bring certain professional services into the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act). These are known as the “Tranche 2…
The Australian Government is introducing major reforms that will, for the first time, bring parts of the legal profession into the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth). These reforms—known as Tranche 2—mean that many lawyers and legal practices will soon…
Key Changes to the new AML/CTF Rules for existing entities Big changes are coming to Australia’s financial crime landscape. The AML/CTF Rules 2025 represent the most significant shift in our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime in nearly two decades. If your…
The Imperative of a Robust AML Compliance Framework In Australia’s dynamic regulatory landscape, businesses face an increasingly complex and sophisticated threat from financial crime, including money laundering (ML) and terrorism financing (TF). For those designated as reporting entities under the Anti-Money Laundering…
AUSTRAC AML Audit Warning for Non-Bank Lenders: Affordable Compliance Packages If you are a Non-Bank Lender or Financier (NBLF) in Australia, your board has received a serious letter from AUSTRAC. On May 15, 2025, AUSTRAC issued a stern warning to the Non-Bank Lender…
Tipping off under the AML/CTF Act: What changed in March 2025? From 31 March 2025, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) brought into force updated ‘tipping off’ provisions under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) (AML/CTF Act), as amended…
1. Choose your advisors wisely Identify the skill gaps in your business. If you’re strong in product development but weak in fundraising, marketing, or governance, look for experts in those areas. 2. Set expectations clearly From the start, outline what…
What is an AFSL in 2025? An Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) remains a legal requirement for any business or individual providing financial services in Australia. With ASIC’s updated Regulatory Portal in 2025, the application process has been streamlined but remains rigorous.…
1. What is AML/CTF? AML/CTF stands for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing It refers to a set of laws and regulations designed to stop the illegal practice of making money from criminal activity, such as drug trafficking, fraud, or corruption, from appearing…
In Australia, the requirement to hold an AFSL under section 911A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) is triggered by the act of carrying on a financial services business. This obligation applies even if financial services are incidental to your main business.…
