Understanding AML/CTF Compliance

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What is AML/CTF?

What does AML mean?

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to the process of detecting and deterring the laundering of money. It's part of the AML/CTF Act 2006, which establishes obligations that businesses and individuals must follow to prevent their services being used for financial crime.

What does CTF mean?

Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) outlines the policies, procedures and controls businesses need to prevent their products and services being used to finance terrorism. Terrorists need funds to operate and often use legitimate businesses to disguise or move money.

Why does it matter?

Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws are designed to help prevent financial crime and protect the property market. With reforms led by AUSTRAC, real estate is being included under these laws from 1 July 2026.

The Critical Role of AML/CTF Compliance for Real Estate Agencies

Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance is more than a regulatory requirement, it’s essential to protecting the integrity of Australia’s real estate market. As regulation increases, agencies are expected to take a more active role in identifying and managing risk.

For real estate businesses, compliance means more than meeting obligations. It helps protect your agency from financial crime, reputational damage, and penalties, while supporting a more transparent and secure property market.

Understanding your AUSTRAC obligations is key, including having the right systems, processes, and training in place. While requirements can feel complex, the right support makes compliance simple, efficient, and seamless — so you can stay focused on running your business.

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Your AML/CTF Obligations

As a real estate business that undertakes ‘designated services,’ you are obliged to have the following in place for 1 July 2026:

  • Enrol with AUSTRAC
  • Develop a Risk Assessment tailored to your business
  • Implement an AML/CTF Program that mitigates the AML/CTF risks within your business
  • Ensure all relevant personnel are trained and capable of fulfilling their responsibilities under the AML/CTF Act
  • Undertake Know Your Customer checks
  • Maintain and store records related to your AML/CTF compliance
  • Be ready to undertake all required reporting to AUSTRAC

AUSTRAC Compliance Obligations for Real Estate Agencies

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Risk Assessments

Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities related to money laundering and terrorism financing.

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Customer Due Diligence

Implement stringent customer due diligence procedures to verify identity and assess risk profiles.

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Transaction Monitoring

Establish effective transaction monitoring systems to detect unusual or suspicious activity promptly.

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Reporting Obligations

Ensure timely reporting of suspicious matters and transactions to AUSTRAC as mandated.

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Staff Training Programs

Deploy comprehensive training programs to equip staff with knowledge of AML obligations and compliance requirements.

Ongoing Compliance Support

Benefit from continual support and updates to stay compliant with evolving AML regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most commonly asked questions below.

What services do you offer? What does your AML/CTF compliance process involve?
Our AML/CTF compliance process begins with a thorough assessment of your agency’s current practices against AUSTRAC regulations. We then develop tailored strategies for compliance, including risk assessments, documentation, and ongoing support to keep you updated with any regulatory changes.
How much do your AML/CTF reporting services cost?
Pricing for our AML/CTF reporting services varies based on the complexity of your agency’s needs. We offer flexible packages that can be customised to fit your specific compliance requirements. For a quote, please contact us directly.
What guarantees do you provide regarding compliance?
We take your compliance obligations seriously. While we cannot guarantee 100% immunity from regulatory issues, we leverage our expertise to develop robust compliance frameworks and provide continuous support, significantly reducing your risk of non-compliance.
How do you support real estate agencies in meeting their obligations?
Our team offers comprehensive support including detailed training, ongoing consultancy, and access to the latest regulatory updates to ensure your agency remains compliant with AML/CTF obligations. We also provide assistance with documentation and reporting processes to streamline your compliance efforts.
Can you assist with audits or compliance reviews?
Yes, we offer services that include internal audits and compliance reviews. Our experienced team can evaluate your existing practices, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to improve your compliance with AML/CTF regulations.
What should I do if I receive an AML/CTF compliance inquiry from AUSTRAC?
If you receive an inquiry from AUSTRAC, contact us immediately. Our team will guide you through the response process, ensuring you gather necessary documentation and information to address their inquiries appropriately.
Do you provide ongoing support after initial compliance setup?
Yes, all our clients receive ongoing support as part of our service. We act as your compliance officer, so we are creating an ongoing partnership to meet your obligations on all transactions. Compliance is not a one-time task and our partnership includes full transactional monitoring and assistance, submission of SMRs, audits, initial and ongoing mandatory training and updates on regulatory changes 
Are your team members qualified and experienced in AML compliance?
Absolutely. Our team is composed of certified professionals with extensive experience in AML/CTF compliance within the real estate sector. Each member has a proven track record of delivering reliable compliance solutions tailored to the unique needs of real estate agencies.
Do I need to appoint my own compliance officer? 
We will act as your appointed compliance officer with joint responsibility for your compliance.

Contact Us for AML/CTF Compliance Support

Reach out to our team for expert guidance on your real estate agency's compliance needs.
Email: compliance@reliancerg.com.au
Phone: +61 423 360 850
Address: Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia