AUSTRAC is implementing the next phase of the Australian Government’s landmark anti‑money laundering reforms, opening enrolment for new professions.

From today, 31 March, businesses - including lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, and dealers in precious stones and metals - can enrol at AUSTRAC online. 

This reform milestone brings AUSTRAC another step closer to 1 July when the new sectors come under its AML/CTF regime.

On that date, the number of businesses regulated by AUSTRAC will grow from around 19,000 to close to 100,000 nationwide.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the changes represent the most significant overhaul of Australia’s AML/CTF framework in more than 20 years.

“These reforms are about closing long‑standing gaps, lifting protections across the economy and making it harder for criminals to hide, move or enjoy the proceeds of crime,” Mr Thomas said.

“By expanding the regime and modernising how we regulate, we are strengthening Australia’s financial system and better protecting legitimate businesses from criminal exploitation.”

From today, businesses can create an account and enrol through AUSTRAC Online and from 1 July 2026, they will be required to comply with obligations under the AML/CTF laws, including implementing AML/CTF programs, conducting customer due diligence, reporting suspicious matters, and keeping records.

Most businesses only need to enrol with AUSTRAC. 

If businesses intend to provide remittance or virtual asset designated services, they will also need to enrol and apply for registration from 31 March. 

In addition to enrolment for new businesses, AUSTRAC has also introduced important updates for current reporting businesses, strengthening the information collected to scaffold a modern, risk‑based AML/CTF framework.

Current reporting businesses may now be required to provide additional information as part of enrolment, including:

  • updated designated services
  • beneficial ownership details
  • AML/CTF compliance officer information
  • refreshed organisational profile information
  • reporting group details.

To support these changes, new enrolment forms have been released on the AUSTRAC Online reporting platform.

Mr Thomas said the changes are a critical step in delivering the Government’s AML/CTF reforms.

“This is about building a system that is fit for today’s risks and tomorrow’s threats - one  that supports compliance, delivers better intelligence, and keeps Australia aligned with global best practice,” he said.

Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, said the Albanese Labor Government is delivering the most significant upgrade to Australia’s anti‑money laundering laws in more than 20 years.

“These reforms strengthen protections across the economy and bring Australia into line with international standards” Mr Burke said.

“They close long‑standing gaps that criminals have exploited, particularly in high‑risk professions that sit at key points in financial and property transactions.

“The new laws make Australia a harder place for criminals to operate, protect legitimate businesses from exploitation, and ensure Australia continues to meet global anti‑money laundering standards.”

Read more about enrolment and registration obligations on our website.

Ministerial Talking points

  • The Government is delivering the most significant upgrade to Australia’s anti‑money laundering laws in more than 20 years, strengthening protections across the economy and bringing Australia into line with international standards.
  • From 31 March, AUSTRAC is implementing the next phase of the Government’s AML/CTF reforms, with:
    • enrolment opening for tranche 2 businesses, including lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, and dealers in precious metals and stones
    • updated requirements taking effect for existing reporting entities under the modernised AML/CTF framework.
  • These reforms close long‑standing gaps that criminals have exploited, particularly in high‑risk professions that sit at key points in financial and property transactions.
  • Expanding the regime will see the number of businesses regulated by AUSTRAC grow from around 19,000 to close to 100,000, significantly strengthening Australia’s ability to detect and disrupt serious financial crime.
  • New tranche 2 businesses can now:
    • check if they are regulated using AUSTRAC’s online tool; and
    • enrol through AUSTRAC Online from 31 March.
  • AML/CTF obligations for these new businesses begin on 1 July 2026, providing time to prepare, supported by guidance and starter kits.
  • From 31 March, existing reporting entities will see updates to enrolment and, including beneficial ownership, compliance officer details and reporting group information, to support a more modern, risk‑based regime.
  • These reforms make Australia a harder place for criminals to operate, protect legitimate businesses from exploitation, and ensure Australia continues to meet global anti‑money laundering standards.