“Criminals leave financial footprints – in following them we can help law enforcement locate people hiding in plain sight,” AUSTRAC Deputy CEO Intelligence, Dr Alexandra Caples, said.
“By combining financial data from banks, industry and government through the Fintel Alliance, we can often provide actionable leads for law enforcement that support community safety on the ground.”
Obligations for businesses currently regulated under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) changed on 31 March 2026, and will be introduced for new businesses on 1 July 2026. This update sets out our expectations for current and new regulated businesses in meeting their obligations.
AUSTRAC has ordered Bankstown District Sports Club Ltd to appoint an external auditor amid concerns its anti-money‑laundering (AML) controls may not be strong enough to stop organised crime exploiting poker machines and gambling venues.
Australia’s money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing risks are becoming more complex and interconnected, driven by technology, globalisation and the growing overlap between legitimate and illicit activity, AUSTRAC says.
Good morning everyone,
And thank you for the opportunity to open this conference for the Financial Integrity Hub.
It’s wonderful seeing these many leaders from across banking, fintech, academia, law enforcement, and major industry gathered in one place.
Let me start with the reality we’re dealing with in Australia.
AUSTRAC has launched two targeted supervisory campaigns into Australia’s virtual assets sector, as landmark Australian anti-money laundering reforms reshape how virtual asset businesses are regulated.
We have written to businesses in the wealth management sector with concerns about alarmingly low suspicious matter reporting (SMR) and the risk that serious financial crime may be going undetected.
Banks have taken decisive action to disrupt the financial flows underpinning Australia’s illicit tobacco trade, strengthening oversight to more effectively cut off criminal cash flows.
Australia’s illicit tobacco market presents a serious organised financial crime problem, generating significant criminal profits and driving violence, tax evasion and community harm.
We have completed 2 separate supervisory campaigns targeting different parts of the foreign-owned banking sector. These campaigns showed that weaknesses in controls and reporting are creating opportunities for criminals to exploit Australia’s financial system.
AUSTRAC has directed payment platform, MHITS Limited, to appoint an external auditor to assess whether it is meeting its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations.