AML Compliance

Understanding AML/CTF Requirements and Identity Verification

From 1 July 2026, Australian real estate agencies will be required to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act 2006.

These laws are designed to help prevent criminal activity, including money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud, tax evasion and the concealment of illegally obtained funds through property transactions.

As part of these legal obligations, we are required to verify the identity of all relevant clients and complete customer due diligence checks before providing certain real estate services. These requirements apply to all clients and transactions and are not discretionary.

Why we are requesting your information

Under Australian AML/CTF legislation, we are legally required to:

- Verify the identity of our clients
- Identify individuals who own or control companies, trusts or other entities
- Assess and manage money laundering and terrorism financing risks
- Maintain records required by law
- Monitor and report certain activities to regulatory authorities where required

To comply with these obligations, we are required to collect and verify certain information and documentation.

Why additional checks may sometimes be required

Certain transactions, ownership structures or circumstances may require enhanced due diligence under AML/CTF laws.

This can include situations involving:

- Complex ownership structures
- Foreign individuals or entities
- High-value transactions
- Higher-risk industries or jurisdictions
- Unusual transaction activity

Where additional verification is required, we will explain the process and guide you through the requirements.

Information and documents we are required to collect

Depending on the ownership structure and transaction type, we may be required to collect and verify:

- Individual Clients will need driver's licence or passport, proof of residential address, date of birth and contact details
- Companies require company extract or registration details, director and shareholder information, identification for directors and beneficial owners
- Trusts and SMSFs require trust deed or SMSF documentation, trustee details, identification for trustees, appointors, beneficiaries and beneficial owners
- Other Information Details regarding the source of funds or source of wealth, where required Information regarding the nature and purpose of the transaction. Additional supporting documentation where legally required

Where a company, trust or other entity is involved, we are legally required to identify and verify the individuals who ultimately own, control or benefit from that entity.

How your information will be handled

We only collect information required to comply with our legal obligations under AML/CTF and privacy legislation.

Your information will be:

- Handled securely and confidentially
- Stored using secure systems and technology providers
- Used only for compliance, verification and regulatory purposes
- Accessed only by authorised personnel and approved service providers

Information may be disclosed to government agencies, regulators, identity verification providers or other parties where required or permitted by law.

Important

If the required information or documentation is not provided, we may be unable to act for you or continue providing services in relation to the transaction.

Providing the requested information promptly will help avoid delays in listing, selling, purchasing or settling property transactions.

We are committed to making this process as straightforward and efficient as possible. If you have any questions regarding the AML/CTF process or the information required, please contact our team.

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