New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has published insights from the latest annual anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) reporting period, explaining how accurate returns inform supervision. Approximately 89% of entities recorded as required to submit filed reports. The underlying records may include businesses that have ceased trading or stopped covered activities, so the figure does not directly measure noncompliance. However, some entities failed to report, and work with the Real Estate Authority identified real estate agents with outstanding reporting obligations. Annual reporting data helps DIA identify changes in risk and determine where further enquiries, reviews or inspections are warranted. Relevant changes include increases in customers presenting higher risks, expansion into higher-risk jurisdictions and material shifts in business activity or transaction volumes. Significant departures from sector trends or an entity's previous returns may prompt enquiries, but do not necessarily indicate a problem. Reporting entities should complete all relevant fields, check responses for accuracy and consistency, and ensure information reflects their current activities and risk profile. Businesses should also notify DIA when they cease trading or stop covered activities. Enquiries about system access and reporting roles increased following the transition to a single AML/CFT supervisor on July 1, 2026, and mandatory reporting through AML Online. Entities facing access or configuration problems should seek assistance early to avoid missing reporting deadlines.
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs reviews AML/CFT annual reporting, with submissions from approximately 89% of recorded entities required to report
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs reported that approximately 89% of entities recorded as required to submit annual anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism reports had filed, although outdated records complicate interpretation of the submission rate. Reporting data informs supervisory priorities, with unusual changes potentially prompting enquiries rather than necessarily indicating problems. Entities should provide complete, consistent information, update their business status and address online access issues before reporting deadlines.