Big changes are on the horizon, and forward thinking accountants are preparing now.

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will extend AML/CTF laws to include accountants who provide specific designated services. This is your opportunity to future proof your practice, build client trust, and lead the profession into a new era of integrity and innovation.

What Is Changing and Why It Matters to You

The Tranche 2 AML/CTF reforms are designed to bring Australia into line with global standards, and accountants are at the heart of this update.

If you support clients with any of the following, these new obligations will apply to your firm:

  • Managing or handling client funds
  • Acting as a nominee director, trustee, shareholder or company agent
  • Creating companies, trusts or partnerships
  • Making or arranging payments on behalf of clients

If any of this reflects the services you offer, now is the right time to start preparing.

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Turn Compliance into a Competitive Advantage

This is not just a box ticking exercise. Tranche 2 is your chance to show clients that your firm is proactive, reliable and ready for the future.

Here is what compliance will involve:

Register with AUSTRAC

You will need to enrol with AUSTRAC between 31 March and 29 July 2026. Once enrolled, your firm will be authorised to provide AML regulated services.

Build a Suitable AML/CTF Programme

Your AML/CTF programme should reflect your firm’s size, services and risk exposure. It must:

  • Be approved by senior management
  • Appoint a compliance officer
  • Be independently reviewed on a regular basis

Strengthen Customer Due Diligence

You will need to understand exactly who your clients are. This involves verifying identity documents, assessing risk levels, and understanding the source and intended use of funds. This is especially important for higher risk clients such as politically exposed persons or overseas entities.

Monitor and Report

You will be required to:

  • Monitor client activity on an ongoing basis
  • Identify and report any suspicious behaviour
  • Submit Suspicious Matter Reports to AUSTRAC when necessary
  • Keep detailed records and retain them for at least seven years
  • All of this must be in place before 1 July 2026.

free-sanction-checkA Practical Timeline for Accountants

Late 2025

  • Review your current services and check whether any fall under designated services
  • Start building your AML/CTF compliance framework

Early 2026

  • Appoint a compliance officer
  • Select the technology and tools you will use to monitor activity
  • Begin staff training and awareness programmes

March to July 2026

  • Complete your AUSTRAC enrolment
  • Finalise all internal policies and procedures
  • Put your systems and controls into action

From 1 July 2026

  • Begin full AML/CTF compliance across the business

Why You Should Start Now

This reform is a legal requirement. It cannot be ignored. But it also gives your firm a chance to stand out in a competitive market.

✔️ Build client confidence by showing you take compliance seriously
✔️ Attract larger clients who already expect AML measures in place
✔️ Avoid penalties by being fully prepared
✔️ Set your firm apart from those who leave it to the last minute

Helpful Tools and Expert Support

Whether you are an independent consultant or part of a national practice, there is support available to help make compliance easier:

  • Automated screening for politically exposed persons and sanctions
  • Integrated identity verification and KYC tools
  • Ready to use AML/CTF policy templates
  • On demand training programmes for staff
  • Access to expert advice from compliance professionals

There is no need to handle this alone. Use technology and professional guidance to reduce the burden and keep things on track.contact-us

Take the Lead

The Tranche 2 reforms are not just a change in regulation. They are a turning point for the profession.

✅ Reduce exposure to risk
✅ Increase client trust
✅ Improve service quality
✅ Position your practice as a leader in the field

Get started now. Build your programme. Train your people. Put the right tools in place. By 1 July 2026, your firm will not just be compliant, it will be one step ahead.

FAQs 

What are the Tranche 2 Reforms?

The Tranche 2 Reforms are a series of proposed legislative updates designed to expand the scope of Australia’s Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws. These changes will bring more professions and businesses under the AML/CTF regime.

Which industries will be affected by the Tranche 2 Reforms?

The reforms will apply to sectors such as real estate, precious metals dealing, legal services, trust and company service providers, and accounting firms.

Why are the Tranche 2 Reforms important?

These reforms are intended to align Australia’s AML/CTF framework with global standards, particularly those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF recommends that countries regulate designated non financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) to help strengthen the global fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.

What should businesses do to prepare for the Tranche 2 Reforms?

Entities that will be covered by the reforms should begin by conducting risk assessments and developing AML/CTF programmes tailored to their business. This includes training staff on their compliance obligations, putting systems in place to monitor and report suspicious activity, and maintaining proper records in line with regulatory requirements.