Building a compliance culture: preparing for Australia’s 2026 AML/CTF reform

Insight

As Australia prepares for the landmark Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms – set to take effect in the coming months – businesses across sectors face a pivotal moment not just to comply with how to manage financial crime risk, but to transform themselves for the better. The real challenge lies in building a culture that embeds AML obligations into the DNA of an organisation.

Neil Jeans
Katherine Shamai
Martin Stone
Richard Storey
Annelies Homersham
| 6 min read | 29 Jan 2026

AUSTRAC AML/CTF Starter Programs: a clear and cost-effective pathway to compliance

Insight

The AUSTRAC AML/CTF Starter Programs provide a structured pathway to achieving AML/CTF compliance that will significantly reduce the effort and cost of AML/CTF compliance for entities required to meet AML/CTF obligations under Tranche 2.

Neil Jeans
Katherine Shamai
Martin Stone
Richard Storey
Annelies Homersham
| 8 min read | 02 Feb 2026

Approach to assessing ML/TF risk

INSIGHT | NEW ENTRANTS

Money Laundering / Terrorism Financing/Proliferation Financing (ML/TF/PF) risk assessment is a process of identifying, assessing, and understanding the risks of money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing (ML/TF/PF) that an organisation may face. It involves evaluating various factors to determine the level of risk and the implementation of appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.

Neil Jeans
Katherine Shamai
Martin Stone
Annelies Homersham
| 7 min read | 19 Feb 2025

The elements of a successful AML/CTF program

INSIGHT | NEW ENTRANTS

An AML/CTF program is crucial for organisations to comply with AML/CTF obligations. Under the AML/CTF Act 2024, all reporting entities must establish and maintain an AML/CTF program that identifies, mitigates, and manages ML/TF risks before and during the provision of designated services.

Neil Jeans
Katherine Shamai
Martin Stone
Annelies Homersham
| 5 min read | 19 Feb 2025

Adopting an outcome-based framework for AML/CTF

INSIGHT | NEW ENTRANTS

Australia is reforming its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) regime by introducing an outcomes-based framework to enhance effectiveness and align with international standards.

Neil Jeans
Katherine Shamai
Martin Stone
Annelies Homersham
| 8 min read | 19 Feb 2025

Exploring the key roles in AML/CTF governance

INSIGHT | NEW ENTRANTS

Australia has commenced reforming its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) regime including the ‘Tranche 2’ reforms, which expand AML/CTF compliance to apply to additional professions including lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, property developers, and precious stone dealers.

Neil Jeans
Katherine Shamai
Martin Stone
Annelies Homersham
| 10 min read | 19 Feb 2025

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Neil Jeans

Neil Jeans

Partner
Melbourne
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Katherine Shamai

Katherine Shamai

Partner
Melbourne
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Martin Stone

Martin Stone

Partner
Melbourne
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Annelies Homersham

Annelies Homersham

Principal
Melbourne
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Richard Storey

Richard Storey

Partner
Sydney
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