New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has accepted an enforceable undertaking from Lexington Trust Services Limited after finding serious failures to meet obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, including not maintaining a compliant AML/CFT programme and failing to report suspicious activity. The issues were identified during a July 2023 review of the Auckland-based company. Under the undertaking, Lexington has agreed not to engage in any AML/CFT captured activities without the Department’s consent, including setting up companies, managing money or assets for clients, or assisting with buying or selling businesses or property. The Department framed enforceable undertakings as a tool to secure compliance without court proceedings, and noted Lexington is not alleged to have been involved in money laundering or the financing of terrorism.
Department of Internal Affairs 2025-10-31
New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs accepts enforceable undertaking restricting Lexington Trust Services from AML/CFT captured activities
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs accepted an enforceable undertaking from Lexington Trust Services Limited for serious breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009. The Auckland company failed to maintain a compliant AML/CFT programme and did not report suspicious activities. Lexington must cease AML/CFT activities without departmental consent. The Department emphasized that enforceable undertakings ensure compliance without court action and clarified that Lexington is not accused of money laundering or terrorism financing.