AUSTRAC Issues Infringement Notices to Businesses That Failed to Enrol Under Expanded AML/CTF Regime

AUSTRAC has begun issuing infringement notices to businesses that failed to enrol under Australia’s expanded anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.

The regulator said the notices have been issued to businesses in sectors including real estate, accounting and jewellery. The action concerns alleged failures to enrol with AUSTRAC, rather than findings that the businesses engaged in money laundering or other financial crime.

Under the expanded regime, newly regulated businesses providing designated services were required to enrol with AUSTRAC. The reforms extend AML/CTF obligations to additional sectors including real estate professionals, lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, trust and company service providers, and dealers in precious metals and stones.

AUSTRAC said an infringement notice for failing to enrol can carry a penalty of A$21,840 for a body corporate and A$4,368 for an individual. Penalties may apply for each day that the failure continues.

The enforcement step follows information requirements issued by AUSTRAC in August 2026 to businesses it believed may have been required to enrol. According to AUSTRAC, around 90% of the businesses initially contacted had since enrolled or attempted to enrol.

For newly regulated firms, enrolment is only the entry point into the AML/CTF framework. Businesses within scope must also assess their money laundering and terrorism financing risks and implement the applicable AML/CTF controls required under the expanded regime.

Source

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), official update, 30 September 2026.