Australia’s Biggest AML/CTF Shake-Up in Decades: What You Need to Know

The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules 2025 were released 29^th August 2025, effective 31 March 2026, and together with their Explanatory Statement, represent the most significant reform of Australia’s AML/CTF regime in decades. The reforms expand the scope of obligations, tighten due diligence requirements, and align Australia with global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

Key Changes

• New Entities in Scope: Lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, trust and company service providers, and dealers in precious metals and stones are now regulated.
• Reporting Groups: A modern compliance model replaces outdated Designated Business Groups, allowing obligations to be managed collectively and efficiently.
• Strengthened AML Programs: Entity risk assessments are now mandatory, to create a more risk driven regime. Enhancements to risk management of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and other high risks areas are also included. 
• High-Risk Focus: Specific rules address virtual assets, correspondent banking, and remittance networks, with upgraded reporting requirements for suspicious matters and cross-border transactions.
• FATF Alignment: These reforms close long-standing gaps, ensuring Australia meets international standards on Designated Non-Financial Businesses & Professions (DNFBPs), beneficial ownership, and virtual asset oversight.

Why It Matters
Criminals continue to launder billions of dollars via the Australian economy and misuse our businesses to do so. The regime has been put in place to detect and deter crime, while aiming to create a flexible yet effective regime.

Why It Matters for Real Estate
AUSTRAC and FATF have long identified property as a channel for money laundering. These reforms close that gap. Compliance costs will be material, but benefits include safeguarding the property market from criminal abuse and strengthening trust in the sector.

AMLHUB Australia — Your Compliance Partner
At AMLHUB, we simplify AML/CTF compliance by combining expert consulting with innovative technology. Our services include:

• All-in-one platform with web and mobile access for onboarding, KYC/CDD, risk assessments, alerts, and audit trails.
• Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS): AUSTRAC registration, documentation, training, outsourcing, and ongoing support.
• Tailored training for principals, agents, and staff, ensuring practical understanding and confidence.
• Outsourced CDD and client checks to reduce compliance burden while maintaining high standards.

Our expert consultants have worked through the reform updates and ensured our products meet the expectations of the Act and Rules.

With the reforms commencing in March 2026, now is the time to prepare. AML compliance is no longer just a regulatory requirement—it is a cornerstone of trust and resilience in business.

Contact AMLHUB today to book a demo or discuss how we can help your organisation transition seamlessly into the new regime.