AML / CTF for Property Professionals
Are you ready for AML/CTF reforms? Your obligations explained.
The updated AML/CTF regulations have expanded the scope of reporting entities to ensure that more sectors are involved in detecting and reporting financial crime.
As of 1 July 2026, lawyers, conveyancer and real estate agents who facilitate the sale and purchase of property in Australia will be required to have an AML/CTF program in place to verify the identity of their clients and ensure the money used in each transaction is from legitimate sources.
Click through to understand your obligations.
PEXA, your trusted partner in compliance.
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AML/CTF obligations commence for Tranche 2 entities comes into effect on 1 July 2026. With under 12 months to AML/CTF compliance, make sure you are up to date with key milestones and have clarity on compliance requirements so can prepare for the 2026 deadline. |
Everything you need to know
Have you been newly captured by the AML/CTF regime?
Identify whether the services you offer are designated under the AML/CTF Act and enrol with AUSTRAC. Enrolment for tranche 2 entities will open on 31 March 2026, and you must be enrolled by 1 July 2026.
If you’re now a reporting entity, it’s important to start preparing early.
Assess
Assess your internal systems, staffing, and governance for compliance readiness. This ensures your processes and people are aligned with AML/CTF obligations and able to adapt as regulatory requirements evolve.
Engage
Plan
AML/CTF Reform Explained
On 29 November 2024, Australia’s Federal Parliament passed Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 to expand the scope of existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing to include property transactions, in response to the challenges the acts of money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing placed on the Australian economy.
The Bill affects both current and future reporting entities and focuses on three key objectives:
Expanding the regime
To cover additional higher-risk services (designated services) provided by tranche two entities. This includes real estate professionals, lawyers, accountants, trust and company service providers and dealers in precious stones, metals and products.
Modernising the regime
To keep pace with evolving business models, technological advancements, and emerging risks associated with illicit financing.
Enhancing the effectiveness
To simplify and clarify compliance requirements for businesses. This approach reduces complexity, supports greater understanding, and enables organisations to meet their AML/CTF obligations.
Helping you stay compliant
PEXA recognises that the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime is important in safeguarding the integrity of our financial system.
The PEXA Exchange connects an extensive network to efficiently, securely and reliably facilitate property settlements, and now processes around 90% of all property transactions across Australia.
Built by the industry, for the industry.
With guidance from industry bodies and AUSTRAC, we’re developing a solution that connects Real Estate Agents, Lawyers, Conveyancers, and Financial Institutions in delivering a streamlined, cost-effective compliance module that reduces risk and protects the client settlement experience.
How to stay up to date with PEXA & AML/CTF
PEXA is your trusted partner in AML compliance. Where here to help lawyers, conveyancers and real estate agents understand their obligations ahead of July 2026.
AML FAQs
Have questions? Explore our AML FAQ page for more information.
PEXA AML Solution
We’re collaborating with you once again to build a PEXA AML/CTF solution to enable simple due diligence and standard customer due diligence for the compliance date of 1 July 2026.
Stay Informed
We recommend checking out AUSTRAC’s website regularly so you can stay updated on key deadline and regulatory changes to ensure you don’t miss any critical compliance requirements.
The latest from PEXA Unlocked Blog
Read through our industry insights as we explore how the Australian property sector views the upcoming Anti Money Laundering (AML) & Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) reforms.
