Anti-Money Laundering

Compliance with the new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) reforms is critical to your organisation’s operational resilience.

These reforms are a ‘must do’ for existing reporting entities, including in the investment funds, financial services and digital currency industries while the Australian Government’s expansion of AML/CTF laws – including the inclusion of lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents – means the need for expert guidance has never been greater.

How we can help

We are at the forefront of AML/CTF compliance in Australia, having advised our investment funds and financial services clients on AML/CTF since the inception of the AML/CTF Act. We offer tailored, practical solutions to help you stay ahead of regulatory change. Our team combines deep legal expertise with a commercial understanding of your business, ensuring you receive advice that is both technically robust and commercially astute.

Unmatched experience: We have a proven track record advising clients across the investment funds, financial services, and digital currency sectors and more recently the newly regulated ‘gatekeeper’ professions – law, accounting, and real estate – on all aspects of AML/CTF compliance.
Proactive regulatory insight: Our experts are closely engaged with the latest legislative developments. We help you anticipate and prepare for change, not just react to it.
End-to-end support: From initial AUSTRAC enrolment or registration, to the design, implementation, and independent review of your AML/CTF program, we provide comprehensive support at every stage. We also offer strategic advice and representation in the event of regulatory investigations or enforcement action.
Customised solutions: We understand that every business and professional practice is unique. Our advice is tailored to your specific risk profile, operational needs, and commercial objectives, ensuring practical and effective compliance.

What we do

Strategic regulatory advice on the application of AML/CTF and sanctions laws, including the latest reforms and sector-specific requirements

Seamless assistance with AUSTRAC enrolment and registration processes

Drafting, reviewing, and updating AML/CTF programs and policies to ensure they are fit for purpose and fully compliant

Independent reviews of AML/CTF programs, providing assurance to boards, management, and regulators

Training and awareness programs to empower your staff with the knowledge and skills to understand the legal obligations and identify and manage financial crime risks

Representation and support during AUSTRAC enforcement or surveillance activity, including remediation and negotiation

Our anti-money laundering experience

Undertaking AML/CTF compliance review for a number of reporting entities, including Telstra Super, Qualitas, Korda Mentha, Drapac, Caterpillar Financial, AWB, Agrium, Cargill and Landmark Operations, Lease Plan, FleetPartners, BMW Financial Services, Australia Unity, Newmark, Qualitas, Wingate, APN Funds Management (now part of Dexus) LifePay, Assembly Payments Platform.
Preparing AML/CTF Programs policies and procedures for clients, including Korda Mentha, BMW Financial Service, Newmark, Qualitas and Wingate and many more.
Advising Cargill on making applications to AUSTRAC for exemptions for various asset finance products from AML/CTF customer identification requirements.
Assisting BMW Financial Services and clients with money laundering investigations conducted by the ATO, AUSTRAC and the Australian Federal Police and responding to regulator inquiries.
Advising foreign financial services providers, including Noah Asset Management, CITIC Securities, China Asset Management, Jupai Invesmtents, SSSPER, Geely, Sunshine Solar, Risen Solar, Gold Wind and three other China-based motor vehicle on establishing their Australian operations, including AML/CTF issues.
Assisting with AUSTRAC registration, including registration of AML designated business groups for various asset and commercial financiers.
Advising overseas headquartered financiers and motor vehicle manufacturers, including Santui, BMW Financial Services, Tragifura, ASA Asset Management, HSBC and Bank of Singapore with foreign funds transfer issues, including advising potential AML/CTF compliance risks.
Advising various digital currency exchanges and remitters on their entry into the Australian market, including their ongoing AML/CTF requirements.
Assisting local and international digital currency exchanges and remitters prepare an AML/CTF Program and with registration as a DCE with AUSTRAC.
Assisting remittance service providers and digital currency exchanges with AUSTRAC requisitions on as part of the AUSTRAC registration process
Assisting a digital currency exchange with an AUSTRAC investigation and undertaking remedial compliance work required as a result of the investigation
Advising a major Australian agricultural company to review its grain pool arrangement for AML compliance.
Acting for a group of five advisers that included Morgan Stanley and a team of 13 to establish their own financial advising business, Stellan Capital, including AML/CTF advice.