The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre has launched an investigation into Western Union Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd and The Western Union Company over concerns about their management of money laundering and terrorism financing risks associated with high-risk payment channels, customers and affiliates. The investigation does not extend to the affiliates themselves. The investigation will examine Western Union’s anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing program, its ability to monitor transactions for known typologies linked particularly to child sexual exploitation and terrorism financing, and its governance arrangements, including the global head office’s role in Australian compliance decisions. AUSTRAC initiated the action after considering its data and intelligence, previous regulatory engagement and an external audit ordered in 2025. It will determine whether to take further action after completing the investigation.
2026-09-01Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre launches Western Union AML and CTF investigation
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre is investigating Western Union’s management of money laundering and terrorism financing risks across high-risk payment channels, customers and affiliates. The review covers its compliance program, transaction monitoring and governance, but does not investigate the affiliates themselves.