New AML/CTF requirements for real estate: what clients need to know

From 1 July 2026, Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms will extend to additional high-risk services, including certain real estate services.

These reforms are designed to help prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crime by strengthening customer identification, risk assessment, reporting and record-keeping obligations.

For the real estate industry, this means agencies providing designated services, including acting as a buyer’s or seller’s agent in the sale, purchase or transfer of real estate, will need to complete appropriate AML/CTF checks before providing certain services.

What this may mean for you

When working with RWC SC, you may be asked to provide information that helps us verify who you are, who you represent and, where relevant, the ownership or authority behind a transaction.

When required, we may ask you to provide:

• Identity information for individuals
• Company, trust and beneficial ownership information
• Confirmation of authority to act
• Additional transaction-related information where required
• Supporting documents to complete customer due diligence

These requests are part of the updated regulatory framework and are designed to protect all parties involved in the transaction

Our approach

RWC SC is taking a practical and client-focused approach to these changes.

We have partnered with AML Hub to support a more streamlined verification process and help make the experience as clear and efficient as possible for our clients and customers.

You can expect:

• Clear communication about what information is required
• A structured process designed to reduce unnecessary delays
• Secure handling of information through appropriate systems and procedures
• Guidance from our team if you are unsure what to provide
• A consistent approach across relevant sales and transaction processes

What you need to do

If we request AML/CTF information from you, please provide it as promptly as possible.

Completing these checks early will help avoid delays and allow transactions to progress more smoothly.

For official guidance, visit AUSTRAC’s public information page.

These reforms are an important step in strengthening trust, transparency and integrity across Australia’s property sector. By working together and completing the required checks, we can support a safer real estate market and help protect Australia’s financial system from financial crime.