The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre said Australia will expand its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime from 1 July to cover tens of thousands of additional businesses, including real estate agents, lawyers, conveyancers, accountants, and dealers in precious metals and stones. The expansion targets sectors AUSTRAC says are regularly exploited by organised crime to move and conceal illicit funds, particularly through property transactions and trust and company structures. Businesses providing designated services must have an AML/CTF program, appoint an AML compliance officer, train staff and be ready to report when the obligations start. They will have until 29 July to enrol with AUSTRAC, while formal registration remains limited to certain higher-risk services such as remittance and virtual asset services. AUSTRAC said firms that continue to provide designated services without enrolling risk regulatory action. The government said more than AUD 60 billion in illicit profits is laundered through the Australian economy each year. AUSTRAC said it will continue supporting implementation through guidance, digital enrolment services, updated reporting systems, webinars, program starter kits and extended contact centre hours.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)2026-05-29
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre extends AML CTF obligations to real estate lawyers and accountants from 1 July
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre said Australia will extend AML/CTF laws from 1 July to tens of thousands of additional businesses, including real estate agents, lawyers, conveyancers, accountants and precious metals and stones dealers. Covered firms providing designated services must have compliance arrangements in place when the obligations start and must enrol with AUSTRAC by 29 July. Registration remains limited to certain higher-risk services such as remittance and virtual asset services.