From 1 July 2026, Australia’s new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws extend to law firms providing certain services. This means Commercial and Legal will be required to collect and verify specific information about our clients as part of a new onboarding process.

We know our clients value a smooth, efficient experience — and our focus is on making these new obligations as straightforward as possible.

This article explains what’s changing, what it means for you, and how we’ll support you through it.

On this page

• What’s driving these changes?
• What does this mean for you as a client?
• Our approach at Commercial and Legal
• Frequently asked questions

What’s driving these changes?

Australia’s AML/CTF framework is being modernised to meet international standards. For the first time, this framework will apply to lawyers and conveyancers.  

From 1 July 2026, law firms must:

• collect and verify client identity information
• understand who they are acting for and on whose behalf
• conduct due diligence on clients and matters
• meet certain reporting obligations
• retain relevant records

These are legal requirements — not optional — and they apply to all law firms operating in Australia.

What does this mean for you as a client?

The most visible change will be a new client onboarding process. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve providing:

• identification documents (such as a passport or driver’s licence)
• contact details for verification
• information about any company, trust, or other structure you operate through
• documentation confirming ownership, governance, and control of a business entity

If your matter involves more complex structures or higher-risk elements, we may need to request further information.

Many clients will find this process familiar — it mirrors what banks and other financial institutions already ask for.

Our approach at Commercial and Legal

We’re committed to handling these requirements in a way that respects your time and keeps things moving. Our process is designed to be:

• Simple — clear instructions and no unnecessary duplication
• Consistent — the same straightforward experience every time
• Efficient — supported by technology where it helps
• Secure — all information handled with strict confidentiality

Frequently asked questions {#faqs}

Do I need to do anything right now?

No. There’s nothing you need to do today. We’ll be in touch with clear guidance when we need to onboard you.

Why is this information needed?

The new laws require law firms to verify who they are acting for before proceeding with legal work. This is becoming standard practice across professional services in Australia.

I’m an existing client — does this still apply to me?

Yes. The requirements apply to all client relationships, including longstanding ones. We appreciate your understanding and will keep the process as quick as possible.

I operate through a company or trust — what does that mean for me?

Where we are acting for a corporate entity, trust, or other structure, we’ll need documentation that confirms ownership and control, along with details of individuals authorised to act on the entity’s behalf.

How will my information be stored and protected?

All client information will continue to be managed in strict accordance with our confidentiality obligations and applicable privacy legislation.

Will this slow things down?

We’ll do everything we can to minimise delays. By building these checks into our process early, we expect matters to progress with minimal disruption.

Will I need to provide information more than once?

Generally, no. Once information has been collected and verified, it can be used across future matters. We may need to update records periodically or request additional information for specific matters.