AUSTRAC has released information about our regulatory expectations and priorities for 2025–26. Our focus is on preparing current reporting entities and tranche 2 entities for the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) reforms and managing significant money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

AUSTRAC regulatory expectations

On 4 July 2025 AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas released a statement of regulatory expectations for the implementation of the AML/CTF reforms. The statement outlines:

• what AUSTRAC expects current reporting entities and tranche 2 entities to do to prepare for the reforms
• what support and guidance AUSTRAC will provide to support businesses.

You can read the full statement from AUSTRAC’s CEO here.

Regulatory priorities for 2025–26

AUSTRAC has also developed 7 regulatory priorities that outline where we will focus the majority of our regulatory efforts.

The priorities focus on businesses understanding their obligations and ensuring they appropriately manage their risks. They target specific areas, including:

• current reporting entities and tranche 2 entities preparing for the Reforms commencing in March and July 2026
• significant areas of money laundering risk
• core AML/CTF obligations. 

You can read the 2025–26 regulatory priorities here.

What businesses can expect from AUSTRAC

We are committed to supporting reporting entities through:

• tailored guidance materials
• starter programs for small newly regulated businesses
• education and industry forums.

You can find the latest information about this support on our Education and guidance page. 

We will continue to work closely with industry to set regulated businesses up for success. Our regulatory approach will continue to be risk-based, transparent and aligned with the objectives of the reformed AML/CTF Act.