National reforms awareness campaign launch

In August we launched a major national reforms awareness campaign marking the beginning of the most significant Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms in 2 decades. These new laws will change the obligations for industries and reporting entities already regulated by AUSTRAC and will also extend to cover new sectors and businesses. 

Understand what’s changing 

Money laundering is rapidly evolving in today’s financial landscape—becoming more complex, technology-driven, and harder to detect across sectors and borders. That’s why we’re expanding our regulatory focus and why we’re making significant changes to how we regulate, with a stronger emphasis on a risk-based approach. We’ll be clearer about where we see the risks and what we expect industry to do to manage them. Success won’t just be measured by meeting compliance obligations, but by how well these changes are integrated into everyday operations and systems.

This shift also gives us greater visibility and enables us to drive change across the broader financial system, aligning our approach with the guidance of the Financial Action Task Force, the global standard-setter for combating financial crime.

Watch the video below to find out more about what’s changing. 

 

How we are helping

We know changes takes time. To start building awareness and readiness levels, the campaign will roll out in 3 key phases between now and July 2026:

  1. Awareness – Understand the changes and why they matter
  2. Preparation – Begin reviewing your compliance programs and systems
  3. Enrolment – Ensure you're ready to meet your obligations on time.

Coming this year to support

To help prepare you for your AML/CTF obligations we will share practical tools, guidance, and updates through this campaign. 

In mid-October we will publish guidance that will help you: 

  • understand the upcoming changes
  • start developing your AML/CTF program
  • clarify your obligations and how AUSTRAC interprets them
  • learn how to meet your obligations, including reporting requirements.

Soon we will release sector-specific guidance and starter program kits tailored for newly regulated sectors and businesses. These tools and guidance will help you stay on track every step of the way in your new AML/CTF obligations journey. 

Also coming later this year: major upgrades to improve your experience as current reporting entities, including better Contact Centre support, new e-learning modules, and improved digital channels. 

What you can do now

To get started and stay ahead:

  • visit the AML/CTF Reforms Hub – Stay informed on releases, webinars, and resources
  • read the new Rules – Familiarise yourself with regulatory changes
  • review your AML/CTF program – Ensure they reflect a risk-based, outcomes-focused approach
  • understand what’s coming 

Together, we can stop crime where it hides.