New compliance requirements are coming
Starting from 1st July 2026, you may be asked to provide additional identity, ownership or source of funds documentation when working with us.
Maddocks approach to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing
Our obligations
From 1 July 2026, new federal laws will require Australian law firms, including Maddocks, to comply with Australia’s Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime.
Under these laws, we are required to complete AML/CTF checks before we can provide certain services
In practice, this means we must:
- verify the identity of our clients
- understand who owns or controls entities we act for
- understand the purpose of each matter or transaction
- assess and document ML/TF risks
- keep clear and accurate records of our decisions
We are legally required to complete these checks before we can provide certain services. The checks we complete are risk‑based. The level of information we request will be proportionate to the associated ML/TF risk.
Why these checks matter
Money laundering is a significant issue in Australia. Criminals use legitimate businesses to disguise billions of dollars in illegal funds each year. These funds fuel:
- drug trafficking
- human exploitation
- terrorism
- large-scale financial fraud
Strong AML controls help stop criminal networks from using professional services to move or hide illicit money.
Every identity check and risk assessment contributes to protecting our clients, our industry and our community.
Who is most affected
Not every matter involves the same level of checking. Clients are more likely to notice additional requirements where an engagement relates to, (but not limited to):
- property and conveyancing matters (including settlements)
- corporate and commercial matters
- matters involving client funds, trusts or SMSFs, or layered entity structures
The AML Process
What to expect
Our process is designed to be clear, efficient and secure. Most clients complete it quickly once documents are provided.
How it works
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1. Share your details
We request basic identity information and any relevant documents.
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2. Verify your information
Identity and ownership details are checked securely through approved systems.
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3. Clarify anything missing
If further documents or explanations are needed, we’ll let you know immediately.
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4. Complete the assessment
We review the matter, assess risk and finalise the required AML checks.
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5. Begin working with you
Once checks are complete, we proceed with your matter.
This process is mandatory under AML/CTF regulations and ensures we meet our legal obligations while keeping clients and communities safe.
What we may ask you to provide
Depending on the matter, we may request:
- identification documents
- details of who owns or controls an entity (for example, beneficial owners or controlling persons)
- information about the transaction, including where funds are coming from and the purpose of the transaction
In some cases, we may need updated information if circumstances change during a matter. We will only ask for information that is relevant to the work we are doing.
How you can help keep things moving
You can help minimise delays by:
- allowing a little extra time at the start of new matters, particularly for time‑critical transactions
- having identification documents ready
- responding promptly if we request information
In some cases, we may contact clients ahead of 1 July 2026 to complete checks early and reduce delays once the regime commences.
Our commitment to responsible data handling
We take privacy and data security seriously. Any information you provide is handled in accordance with:
• Australian privacy laws
• our professional confidentiality obligations
• strict AML/CTF regulatory requirements
Your data is used only for identity verification, compliance checks and onboarding purposes. We do not share information for marketing, and we do not sell or trade client data. All documents and personal details are stored securely, accessed only by authorised staff, and protected through encrypted systems and controlled processes.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your Client Relationship Partner or our AML team.