AML/CTF FAQ
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws extend to law firms providing certain services.
What is AML/CTF and why does it now apply to ERA Legal?
The AML/CTF framework is Australia’s regime for preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. It is regulated by the government body, AUSTRAC.
We will become subject to the AML/CTF laws if we provide you with certain legal services — for example, assisting you in connection with buying, selling, creating or restructuring an entity or trust, acting in real estate transactions, holding money in trust for a transaction, or assisting you with a loan.
What does this mean for me as a client?
You will notice changes to our onboarding and file-opening process. Before we can start (or continue) certain work, we are required to collect and verify information about you, any beneficial owners, and the nature and purpose of your matter. This is called customer due diligence and applies to both new and existing clients. It is not a reflection on you or your matters.
What information will ERA Legal ask for?
Depending on your circumstances, we may ask for:
- identification documents (e.g. driver’s licence or passport);
- for companies and trusts, details of beneficial ownership/control, and copies of trust /company documents;
- documents supporting your authority to act on behalf of an entity and provide us with instructions;
- information about the nature and purpose of the engagement, and where relevant, source of funds or wealth;
- updates to that information if your circumstances change.
If someone is an authorised instructor, receiving the benefit of the services or otherwise acting on your behalf, the requirement for customer due diligence may also extend to that person.
Is this information required before work on the matter can begin?
Yes. If you fail to provide the requested information, or if we suspect that information provided is false, misleading, incomplete or cannot be verified, this may restrict or prevent our ability to act for you and may require us to suspend work or terminate the engagement.
How will ERA Legal collect this information?
We have partnered with First AML, an online platform, to make the process as smooth and secure as possible. If we need to collect information from you for the purposes of AML/CTF laws, you will receive a request from ERA Legal Compliance (noreply@eralegal.com.au). You will need to follow the prompts in the link.
To ensure no unnecessary disruptions to your file, you may receive a request for information prior to 1 July 2026.
How is my information handled and disclosed?
Any information provided to us for AML/CTF purposes (and any other purpose in connection with providing you with legal services) will be collected, handled and disclosed in accordance with the Privacy Laws and our Privacy Collection Notice and our Privacy Policy, which can be found at https://eralegal.com.au/privacy-policy/.
ERA Legal may be required to disclose / report certain transactions or activities to AUSTRAC without notifying you.