AML/CTF Hub

Anti-money laundering (AML) risks and obligations are increasingly important for all Australian legal practitioners — including those here in the ACT.

As the Australian Government moves toward expanding AML/CTF laws to cover the legal profession under proposed ‘Tranche 2’ reforms, it’s essential that ACT lawyers understand what this may mean for their practices. Even now, lawyers have ethical and legal obligations to avoid facilitating money laundering, and to remain vigilant to suspicious activities.

This dedicated AML hub is designed to help you:

• Stay informed about the latest legislative developments and what new compliance requirements could look like.

• Understand your current professional obligations, and how to manage risks when acting for clients.

• Access practical tools, templates and CPD resources to prepare your firm for change.

Whether you’re in a small practice, a government agency, or advising corporate clients, these resources aim to make it easier for you to protect your practice, meet your obligations, and uphold community trust in the legal profession.

Latest updates September 2025 - Navigating AML Obligations: A Practical Guide for Legal Professionals is an upcoming CPD session being hosted by the ACT Law Society, as part of our Essentials: Spring series. The session will be presented by Tim Bourke, of ACT AML, and is free for members to attend ($70 non-members). Register here. August 2025 – Tabling of new legislation and release of new guidance The new AML/CTF Rules were tabled on 29 August 2025, and will come into effect progressively from 31 March 2026. The new Rules affect legal practitioners (one of the Tranche 2 entities). AUSTRAC is releasing core guidance on the legislation changes in October 2025, as well as specific guidance for legal practitioners in December 2025. AUSTRAC also hosts a suite of education resources on its site. The new Rules come into effect in different stages: 31 March 2026: Changes to AML/CTF obligations start for current reporting entities, except for threshold transaction reporting and suspicious matter reporting which will remain the same until 2029. 31 March 2026:  Enrolment opens for newly-regulated sectors (tranche 2). 1 July 2026: AML/CTF obligations start for tranche 2 entities. July 2025 – Treasury consultation on Tranche 2 The Australian Government is progressing plans to extend AML/CTF laws to lawyers and other ‘gatekeeper’ professions. Treasury’s consultation paper on Tranche 2 reforms outlines proposed obligations, including client due diligence and reporting requirements. Submissions have closed, with feedback now under review. Legislation expected late 2025 Based on government statements, a Bill to introduce AML/CTF obligations for legal practitioners is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year. You can monitor updates at the Attorney-General’s Department AML page. Recent case examples underline risks AUSTRAC continues to pursue breaches across sectors. While lawyers are not yet directly regulated under the AML Act, cases involving misuse of legal services highlight the need for vigilance. For examples, see AUSTRAC’s enforcement actions. ACT Law Society resources coming As reforms progress, we will provide tailored guidance, practical checklists, and CPD sessions to help ACT practitioners prepare.

There are many resources available to support practitioners as they navigate the new compliance requirements. Bodies such as the Law Council of Australia have made many submissions to guide and inform the amendments to the AML Act.

It is imperative that legal practitioners are aware of the training opportunities available to help them prepare for their new obligations. 

Toolkit of resources

At the bottom of this page you'll find a list of resources to support you as you move to work in compliance with Tranche 2 of the AML/CTF legislation, including templates and guides on how to conduct customer due diligence, report suspicious matters, and implement new AML/CTF procedures at your workplace.

 

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For more information on the AML/CTF legislation and upcoming changes which may impact you, please contact memberconnect@actlawsociety.asn.au. Please feel free to provide feedback or any suggestions you may have for the AML/CTF Hub.

Related Links

• AUSTRAC - Education and guidance
• AUSTRAC webinar - National Risk Assessment on AML/CTF
• AUSTRAC - Record-keeping guidance
• AUSTRAC - Risk-assessment guidance
• AUSTRAC - Guidance on preparing an AML/CTF program for your workplace
• AUSTRAC - Guidance on customer due diligence, and how it forms part of your workplace's AML/CTF program
• AUSTRAC - Guidance on submitting a suspicious matter report (SMR)