Our audit team undertakes the complete range of audits required of Australian accounting laws to help you to help you meet obligations or fulfil best practice procedures.
We help clients understand and address their employment tax obligations to ensure compliance and optimal tax positioning for their business and employees.
The Federal Court’s 2025 decision in Charles Apartments Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation underscores the importance of substance over form, proper documentation, and income nexus in group financing arrangements under Australian tax law.
We provide independent oversight and review of your organisation's control environments to manage key risks, inform good decision-making and improve performance.
We enable our clients to achieve their strategic objectives, fulfil their purpose and live their values supported by effective and appropriate risk management.
Our forensics team identifies and obtains relevant information, investigates the financial issue at hand and provides a clear, concise, sustainable opinion as...
Our team advises at all stages of a litigation dispute, taking an independent view while gathering and reviewing evidence and contributing to expert reports.
Our M&A team works with clients to achieve a full or partial sale of their business, to ensure achievement of strategic ambitions and optimal outcomes for stakeholders.
Our operational deal services team helps to ensure the greatest possible outcome and value is gained through post merger integration or post acquisition integration.
Our ESG due diligence process evaluates a company's environmental, social, and governance factors during the pre-investment phase to determine the overall maturity of the entity, manage potential risks, and identify opportunities.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
Our finance and funding team works to access sources of finance, present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.
We provide effective and strategic corporate finance services across all stages of investments and transactions so clients can better manage costs and maximise returns.
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
Our proven methodology identifies opportunities to improve your processes and optimise working capital, and we work with to implement changes and monitor their effectiveness.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
Our insolvency teams takes a proactive approach so our clients have access to more business turnaround options and retain the most value for all stakeholders.
Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviour are pushing many retailers to the edge. Taking immediate action to reduce operational expenses and prioritise cash flow management can give businesses the breathing room they need. Retailers must adapt quickly to survive these challenging market conditions and avoid insolvencies.
We help clients improve commercial performance, profitability and address challenges after internal or external triggers require a major business model shift.
We provide strategic director advisory services in times of business distress to help directors navigate issues and protect their company and themselves from liability.
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviour are pushing many retailers to the edge. Taking immediate action to reduce operational expenses and prioritise cash flow management can give businesses the breathing room they need. Retailers must adapt quickly to survive these challenging market conditions and avoid insolvencies.
We work with private businesses across Australia – and internationals looking to Australia for their investments and operations – on all accounting and...
Our outsourced CFO services provide a full suite of CFO, tax and finance services and advice to help clients manage risk, optimise operations and grow.
Having a considered and informed ESG response has never been more important for all organisations as we are seeing awareness of the elements of ESG continue to...
There is a growing demand for organisations to provide transparency on their commitment to sustainability and disclosure of the nonfinancial impacts of their business activities. Commonly, the responsibility for sustainability and ESG reporting is landing with CFOs and finance teams, requiring a reassessment of a range of reporting processes and controls.
With the ESG and sustainability landscape continuing to evolve, we are focussed on helping your business to understand what ESG and sustainability represents and the opportunities and challenges it can provide.
As the demand for organisations to prepare information in relation to ESG & sustainability continues to increase, through changes in regulatory requirements or stakeholder expectations, there is a growing need for assurance over the information prepared.
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly pivotal for dealmakers in Australia, it is important for investors to feel confident in assessing transactions through an ESG lens.
Managing family businesses can be complex as it involves navigating daily operations as well as family dynamics. Because of this, it’s important both your succession and estate plans align. While documenting your succession plan is key, it’s equally important your estate plan legally reinforces your vision for the future.
Investment and business opportunities in Vietnam are expanding rapidly, driven by new markets, diverse industries, and Vietnam's growing role in export manufacturing, foreign investment, and strong domestic demand.
The Federal Court decision in Morton v Commissioner of Taxation [2025] FCA 336 (“the Morton case”) provides key guidance on the tax treatment of proceeds derived from land development arrangements. This is particularly relevant to landowners considering development partnerships with third-party developers.
The ATO’s GSTD 2025/1 clarifies the GST treatment of prepared meals following the Simplot case. Learn how the new four-step test and transitional compliance approach affect food suppliers.
For wine producers and vineyard owners, the recent New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision in Zonadi Holdings Pty Ltd ATF Wombat Investment Trust v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] NSWCATAD 84 may spell trouble for their current primary production land tax exemptions.
If government grants are part of your 2025 strategy, take note of the available quarter one funding opportunities. With increasing inflationary pressures, government grants can be an essential alternative funding source for businesses with critical investment projects.
From an active natural resources M&A market, a growing energy and renewable energy market, to new technologies and export and trade agreements – we have the...
As of April 9, 2025, a minimum universal tariff of 10 per cent has been applied to all imported goods into the United States, while certain countries face higher reciprocal tariffs based on their US trade deficit.
The Australian Parliament recently passed legislation to introduce two significant tax incentives aimed at bolstering Australia’s critical minerals and hydrogen production sectors.
The incentives form a significant part of the Government’s ’Future Made in Australia‘ policy.
If government grants are part of your 2025 strategy, take note of the available quarter one funding opportunities. With increasing inflationary pressures, government grants can be an essential alternative funding source for businesses with critical investment projects.
The final amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Rules, published on 30 August 2025, introduce a series of structural and operational changes following extensive consultation by AUSTRAC and industry feedback.
APRA’s latest reforms are designed to make its banking framework more proportionate, supporting a more competitive banking environment and fostering innovation. For smaller and medium-sized banks, this could mean reduced compliance pressures and more scope to focus on customers and growth.
As Australia moves away from legacy business payment systems like batch payments and cheques, the shift to real-time, account-to-account payments is transforming the way businesses interact – not just with their banks, but with each other.
ASIC’s review of 50 responsible entities revealed outdated and incomplete compliance plans – some missing key regulatory obligations like DDO and IDR entirely. With investigations now underway, responsible entities must act.
The health and aged care industry in Australia is complex and there are a range of challenges and opportunities for the banking sector which can be explored in relation to its various sub-sectors.
With the recent rise in awareness of financial abuse of elderly individuals and the misconduct of executors of deceased estates, it is imperative to validate any suspected wrongdoing in order to pursue legal proceedings.
The aged care overhaul is here, with major reforms shaping the future of care for older Australians. From funding shifts to enhanced home care options, these changes will require careful planning from businesses in the sector. Find out how the $5.6b investment into the quality, viability, and accessibility of aged care services and related reforms will affect providers and why strategic planning is crucial for the year ahead.
Discover how Australian manufacturers are responding to slower growth, rising costs and tighter margins in our 2025 Manufacturing Benchmarks report, with insights on performance, reinvestment and capability-building.
As of April 9, 2025, a minimum universal tariff of 10 per cent has been applied to all imported goods into the United States, while certain countries face higher reciprocal tariffs based on their US trade deficit.
Against a backdrop of rising cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty, Not for Profits (NFPs) are facing increasingly complex challenges to maintain financial sustainability. With public expectations rising, funding pathways under strain, and operational costs climbing, many organisations are being forced to reassess how they operate. While the pressures are real, this also creates an opportunity to rethink collaboration, strengthen governance and build long-term resilience.
Australian charities are feeling the pinch of rising costs and increased demand as over 3.3m people live in poverty. From streamlining operations to diversifying funding streams and using technology like AI, leaders are finding ways to meet rising demand and stay resilient in today’s cost-of-living crisis.
Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation offering secondary education scholarships to Australian schools for First Nations students. The organisation champions the value of education and nurtures an encouraging community for students to thrive in their studies.
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.
In this episode, Risk Consulting Partners and AML/CTF experts Neil Jeans and Katherine Shamai discuss the implications of the new AML/CTF Amendment Act, AUSTRAC’s expanded authority to investigate organisations, and the important questions Board should be asking management teams when it comes to the new reforms.
Learn why shareholder agreements are essential for governance, continuity, and protection. Explore key issues and benefits for business owners and partners.
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 real estate agents and conveyancers.
Mandatory sustainability reporting under AASB S2 will apply to Australian property and corporate entities meeting size thresholds from 2025, requiring disclosure of climate-related risks, emissions, and transition strategies. Early preparation is essential for compliance and to create long-term value.
A practical guide for residential colleges reviewing GST treatment for the 2026 academic year – covering endorsed charity concessions, PCG 2022/3, Division 129 adjustments, and strategies to manage GST liability and compliance with confidence.
For wine producers and vineyard owners, the recent New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision in Zonadi Holdings Pty Ltd ATF Wombat Investment Trust v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] NSWCATAD 84 may spell trouble for their current primary production land tax exemptions.
Australian consumers are demanding more from retailers – better value, faster service, and consistently high quality. Discover what drives Australian retail and how to meet rising expectations.
Aligning automation with business strategy is crucial for creating future-ready supply chains. Emphasising flexibility, scalability, and simplicity in automation solutions enhances efficiency and adaptability while meeting evolving customer demands.
The retail landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, reshaping consumer expectations and industry dynamics. To remain competitive, retailers need to carefully consider their value propositions and be on the front foot with innovative solutions.
In this episode, National Head of Corporate Finance & M&A Partner Holly Stiles and National Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Private Business Tax & Advisory Partner Jace Gawne-Buckland discuss the current technology landscape in Australia, evolving expectations of investors, and tangible steps tech leaders can take to strengthen their position for future raises or exits.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
The recent release of the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) R&D Tax Transparency Report for the 2021-22 period delivers valuable insights into the state of research and development (R&D) using claim data across various sectors, particularly in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT).
At Grant Thornton we do things differently because we understand that when you strive for better and care about what you do remarkable things are possible.
The compelling client experience we’re passionate about creating at Grant Thornton can only be achieved through our people. We’ll encourage you to influence how, when and where you work, and take control of your time.
At Grant Thornton, we strive to create a culture of continuous learning and growth. Throughout every stage of your career, you’ll to be encouraged and supported to seize opportunities and reach your full potential.
To be able to reach your remarkable, we understand that you need to feel connected and respected as your authentic self – so we listen and strive for deeper understanding of what belonging means.
We’re passionate about making a difference in our communities. Through our sustainability and community engagement initiatives, we aim to contribute to society by creating lasting benefits that empower others to thrive.
As a new graduate, we aim to provide you more than just your ‘traditional’ graduate program; instead we kick start your career as an Associate and support you to turn theory into practice.
The real estate industry faces unique AML/CTF compliance challenges due to complex transaction chains, timing of obligations, intricate ownership structures, reliance on third parties, franchise models and non-standard transaction monitoring.
Addressing these requires early planning, tailored systems, specialist skills, and strong cultural adoption.
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 real estate agents and conveyancers.
There are a number of key steps that real estate firms must take to achieve AML/CTF compliance by 1 July 2026. Compliance with these obligations is not box-ticking exercise. It requires careful timing, robust documentation, staff training, and thoughtful integration with other compliance activities.
Determine which parts of your business provide “designated services” (e.g., brokering real estate sales, property development, conveyancing) as these trigger AML/CTF obligations.
Understand your role in the transaction chain (e.g., vendor’s agent, buyer’s agent, conveyancer) and when your obligations are triggered for each party.
Real estate transactions often involve several parties (agents, conveyancers, developers, financiers), each potentially providing a “designated service” and having separate AML/CTF obligations.
This creates complexity in determining who is responsible for customer due diligence (CDD) at each stage, and when those obligations are triggered.
Enrol as a reporting entity with AUSTRAC from 31 March 2026, and ensure you are fully compliant by 1 July 2026.
Use AUSTRAC’s starter kit for small businesses if applicable (available December 2025) or develop a custom AML/CTF program but be aware that late adoption may require fast-tracking implementation.
For franchise groups, decide whether to form a reporting group or support franchisees with tools and standards while managing brand and compliance risk. The approach to group compliance can affect both operational risk and regulatory exposure.
Conduct a documented risk assessment covering the types of services, customers, engagement channels, and jurisdictions relevant to your business.
Develop policies and procedures tailored to your risk profile, and ensure robust record-keeping for all AML/CTF activities, including customer identification and risk assessments.
Prepare for transaction and compliance reporting (e.g., threshold transaction reports, suspicious matter reports, annual compliance reports).
Appoint a fit and proper AML/CTF officer, conduct staff training, and have processes in place for client questioning and suspicious activity reporting.
Carry out initial, ongoing, and enhanced CDD as appropriate, based on customer risk.
Be prepared to unravel complex ownership structures (e.g., offshore trusts, shell companies) and use appropriate tools for verification. You must have the skills and tools to identify and verify ultimate beneficial owners, which can be challenging and require specialist resources.
Understand the rules and risks around relying on third parties or other reporting entities for CDD—while you can outsource the activity, you cannot outsource the risk. You must ensure that any reliance is well-documented and that the third party’s processes meet compliance standards.
The point at which CDD must be performed can vary depending on whether you are acting for the vendor, purchaser, or both.
For example, due diligence on the vendor is often required much earlier than for the purchaser, and conveyancers may need to conduct CDD before reviewing contracts, not just at settlement.
Unlike financial institutions, real estate businesses typically have low transaction volumes per customer, making traditional transaction monitoring less effective.
Monitoring must be tailored to the nature of real estate transactions, focusing on unusual patterns or behaviours rather than high-frequency activity.
Treat AML/CTF compliance as both a technical and business change project—ensure staff are trained, systems are used, and compliance is part of daily operations, not just a “box-ticking” exercise.
Use the lead time wisely: start early, test and refine your programme, and ensure both technical and business adoption for sustainable compliance.
Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute.
Engage with peers and advisors: Leverage industry forums and expert advice to benchmark approaches and avoid common pitfalls.
We are here to help
Whilst the new AML/CTF requirements won't be a requirement until 31 March 2026 for existing reporting entities and 1 July 2026 for new reporting entities, it is vital to start planning and preparing for compliance now.
With a short lead time to compliance and limited AML/CTF experts across Australia, demand will only continue to increase as the compliance date approaches.
Contact one of our AML/CTF experts if you would like to discuss any of the above.
Learn more about how our Anti-Money Laundering reforms services can help you
Australia's amended AML/CTF Act introduces an outcome-based framework, focusing on achieving effective results in combating money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) rather than just adhering to prescriptive rules. This approach aligns with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
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.
The final amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Rules, published on 30 August 2025, introduce a series of structural and operational changes following extensive consultation by AUSTRAC and industry feedback.
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