From 1 July 2026, significant changes to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework will apply to certain legal services.
At Burke Lawyers, we are taking proactive steps to ensure these changes are implemented smoothly, with minimal disruption to our clients. While the reforms are primarily about compliance, they also play an important role in protecting the integrity of the legal system and the interests of clients.
Why These Changes Matter
The extension of AML/CTF obligations to legal services reflects a broader regulatory focus on transparency and risk management in financial and transactional activities.
For clients, this means there will be greater requirements around verifying identity and understanding the nature of certain transactions before work can proceed.
What’s Changing?
Legal services involving transactional advice are expected to fall within the AML/CTF regime.
In practice, this may require law firms to:
- Verify the identity of clients
- Obtain information about the nature and purpose of transactions
- Assess and manage potential risks associated with the matter
These steps are not new in many financial contexts, but they represent a shift in how certain legal services will be delivered.
What You Can Expect as a Client
If your matter is affected, we may need to request additional information before progressing your work. This could include:
- Identification documents
- Information about your business or the transaction
- Supporting materials such as trust deeds or structure charts Importantly, any request will be:
- Clearly explained
- Relevant to your matter
- Handled with care and confidentiality
Our focus is to ensure the process is straightforward and respectful of your time.
Our Approach
At Burke Lawyers, our priority is to make compliance as clear and seamless as possible. We will:
- Communicate with you in advance if your matter is impacted
- Explain what is required and why
- Ensure all information is managed securely and professionally
We recognise that these changes may feel unfamiliar, and our role is to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
What Should You Do Now?
There is nothing you need to do immediately.
However, if you are planning a transaction or engaging legal services in the near future, it is helpful to be aware that additional information may be required as part of the
process.
If you have any questions about how these changes may apply to you or your business, we encourage you to speak with your Burke Lawyers contact.
Final Thought
While these reforms introduce new compliance steps, they also support a more transparent and secure legal and business environment. With the right approach, they can be integrated into the legal process without unnecessary disruption.
If you would like to understand how the upcoming AML/CTF changes may impact your business or transactions, please contact our team on (03) 9822 8588 or email your Burke Lawyers adviser.