AML/CTF Changes & Legal Services
What you should know
From 1 July 2026, solicitors and settlement agents will have new legal obligations under Australia’s
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws. This means we may need to collect and verify more information from clients before or during a matter.
These checks are not personal. They are part of new industry-wide legal requirements designed to help prevent fraud, money laundering and misuse of the property system.
AML/CTF Quick Answers
What is it?
Laws that help prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
Who does it affect?
Clients involved in designated service legal transactions, buyers, sellers and other parties involved in property transactions.
What will I have to do?
You may be asked for extra identity or transaction information.
When does it start?
From 1 July 2026
What should I do?
Respond early and provide the requested documents promptly.
This information is general in nature and is designed to help clients understand upcoming AML/CTF changes. Requirements may vary depending on the transaction and the parties involved
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AML/CTF?
AML/CTF stands for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing.
These laws are designed to help stop criminals from using businesses and property transactions to hide or move money connected with illegal activity.
How does this affect me as a legal client?
If you are engaging in a designated service legal transaction, your solicitor may need to ask you for information to confirm your identity and understand the transaction.
This may apply even if you have used the same solicitors before.
How does this affect me as a buyer or seller?
If you are buying, selling or transferring property, your settlement agent may need to ask you for information to confirm your identity and understand the transaction.
This may apply even if you have used the same settlement agent before.
What changes will I see?
You may be asked to provide:
- identification documents
- your full legal name, date of birth and residential address
- company or trust information, if relevant
- details about who owns or controls an entity
- information about funds involved in the transaction, where required
What do I need to do?
To help avoid delays:
- respond to requests as early as possible
- provide clear and current documents
- make sure your details match your official identification
- tell your solicitor or settlement agent if a company, trust, power of attorney or overseas party is involved
- ask questions if you are unsure why something is needed
When does this happen?
The new obligations commence from 1 July 2026.
Important Reminder
Delays in providing required information may affect how quickly your solicitor or settlement agent can progress your matter.
If you have any further questions, please contact your solicitor or settlement agent directly.
They can explain what information is required for your matter.
News
December 2024
Michael Hughes Legal and our long-term colleagues at MAS Ronson settlement agents and Lyons Babington Legal have merged to create a combined practice with stronger resources and more capacity to serve you better in our property and commercial areas of law. While we remain under our familiar name – ‘Michael Hughes Legal, incorporating MAS Ronson and Lyons Babington Legal’ – this merger allows us to combine our strengths and enhance the services we provide.
We now have increased capability to provide you with integrated services in property law, commercial and business law, business settlements and residential and commercial conveyancing.
Our complementary areas of practice, processes, with practical and personal service will remain. All the same people you have come to know and trust over the years are continuing. Our office and postal addresses remain the same. MAS Ronson and Lyons Babington Legal clients will be informed directly of minor updates to contact details for phone numbers, email addresses and trust/general account details.
If you have any queries on how our enhanced range of practice can serve you, by all means reach out to us.