Anti-Money Laundering — What Australian Agents Must Know
The AML/CTF obligations coming for Australian real estate agents and how to prepare your practice.
Published 15 September 2025
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Join ProAML obligations are coming to Australian real estate
Australia is expanding its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regime to include real estate agents, bringing significant new obligations around customer identification and suspicious matter reporting.
What AML/CTF will require of agents
Verify the identity of clients using a defined process. Identify beneficial owners behind corporate or trust purchasers. Report suspicious transactions to AUSTRAC. Maintain verification records. Train staff on obligations.
Red flags in property transactions
Cash payments or requests to avoid banking channels. Buyers unwilling to provide identification. Prices significantly above or below market value without explanation. Third parties paying on behalf of the purchaser without disclosed reason.
These are not automatic indicators of wrongdoing — but they are indicators to escalate to your principal and potentially AUSTRAC.
Preparing your practice now
Even before obligations are formally in place, implement client identification procedures, keep clear transaction records, and brief your team on what to watch for.
Practical tip: Register for updates from AUSTRAC at austrac.gov.au and from your state real estate institute. The agents who are prepared when obligations commence will have a significant advantage.
Summary
- AML/CTF obligations are being extended to Australian real estate agents — prepare now.
- Know the red flags and have a clear escalation process.
- Register for AUSTRAC updates and stay ahead of the implementation timeline.