Knowledge Base

AML/CTF explained in plain English

Short, practical guides for busy professionals. No jargon, no 400-page kits — just what you need to know to understand and prepare for Australia's AML/CTF regime.

Guides

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beginner
BeginnerMoney Laundering
What Is Money Laundering and Why Should You Care?
Placement, layering, integration — the three stages every professional needs to recognise. With real Australian cases from AUSTRAC's CEO.
7 min read · February 2026
BeginnerSole Practitioners
Am I Caught? A Plain-English Guide for Small Practices
Not every lawyer, accountant or conveyancer is a reporting entity. Here's how to work out whether the AML/CTF regime applies to your practice — and what to do if it does.
8 min read · February 2026
BeginnerPrivacy Act
The Privacy Act Trap — Why AML Also Triggers Privacy Obligations
If you're a reporting entity under the AML/CTF Act, you also lose the small business exemption under the Privacy Act. Here's what that means and how to prepare.
6 min read · February 2026
BeginnerCDD
CDD Doesn't Mean You're a Cop — What AUSTRAC Actually Expects
AUSTRAC's CEO said it plainly: "We don't expect you to be police officers." Here's what Customer Due Diligence really looks like for most practices.
7 min read · February 2026
BeginnerMyths
Myths, Vendors & What AUSTRAC Won't Do to You
AUSTRAC won't fine you for honest mistakes. Your SMR can't be used in court. And that vendor claiming "AUSTRAC endorsement"? They're lying. Here's the myth-busting session every practitioner needs.
8 min read · February 2026
Looking for something more technical?
Our deep-dive articles cover legislation, Table 6 line-by-line breakdowns, FATF history, and AUSTRAC starter kits in detail.
Deep Dives
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Video references

Settlement Day Special Update: AML/CTF, AUSTRAC & Tranche 2 Reforms
4 February 2026
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas discusses starter kit implementation, myth-busting, vendor warnings, and practical CDD timelines for conveyancers. With AML expert Neil Jeans (Grant Thornton) and Lauren Leathwood (The Conveyancing Group).
Brendan ThomasNeil JeansLauren LeathwoodAmber Sherlock
Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing: Australia's New Regime
17 February 2026
Panel discussion chaired by Justice Payne of the NSW Court of Appeal. Covers designated services, the "who" and "when" principles, practice-area-specific guidance, legal professional privilege, and conduct rule changes.
Justice PayneBrendan ThomasJuliana WarnerCatherine Gleeson SCBobbie Wan
Settlement Day Ep.1: AUSTRAC Chief Unpacks the Changes
6 November 2025
The launch episode with AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas and AIC presidents from NSW and Victoria. Covers what small practices should do first, SMR safety and protection, the $19,000 fine myth, and practical priorities for the first quarter after the rules take effect.
Brendan ThomasJennie TonnerShakila MacleanAngelique Opie
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Drawn from real questions asked by practitioners at the NSW Bar Association panel event on 17 February 2026.

Sources: NSW Bar Association panel (17 Feb 2026), Settlement Day by Australian Conveyancer (Ep.1, Special Update, Ep.3). Video links included in individual answers.