New Identity Verification Requirements for Legal Services – What the New AML/CTF Laws Mean for You

asamaras5
Jul 1
3 min read

From 1 July 2026, significant changes to Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws will affect the way law firms provide legal services.

If you're buying or selling property, establishing trusts or companies, or undertaking certain commercial transactions, you may be asked to provide additional information before we can act for you.

Here's what you need to know.

Why are these changes being introduced?

The Australian Government has expanded Australia's AML/CTF regime to include a range of professional service providers, including law firms that provide certain designated services.

The purpose of these reforms is to help prevent criminals from using legal and financial systems to launder money or finance terrorism.

What does this mean for you?

If Samaras Lawyers provides a legal service that is covered by the AML/CTF legislation, we are legally required to complete customer due diligence before providing that service. This means we may need to verify your identity and obtain certain information about you, your business or the transaction before we can proceed. These requirements are imposed by Australian law and apply to law firms across the country.

For example, if you're purchasing a property, we may need to verify your identity and request details about the source of funds for the transaction. This ensures compliance with the new AML/CTF laws and helps prevent delays in your legal matter.

What information might we ask for?

Depending on the type of legal matter, we may request:

Photo identification, such as your driver's licence or passport.
Information confirming your residential address.
Your date of birth and contact details.
Information about companies, trusts or other entities involved in the transaction.
Details of individuals who own or control a company or trust (known as beneficial owners), where required.
Information about the purpose and nature of the transaction.
In some circumstances, information about the source of funds or source of wealth connected with the transaction.

For most clients, this process will be straightforward and involve only a small amount of additional documentation.

When will this happen?

Where the AML/CTF laws apply, we'll ask for the required information at the beginning of your matter. Obtaining this information early helps ensure your transaction or legal matter can proceed without unnecessary delays later.

Will every legal matter be affected?

No. The AML/CTF obligations only apply to certain legal services prescribed under the legislation. Many legal services are not affected. If your matter falls within the new requirements, we'll explain exactly what information is required.

What happens if I don't provide the information?

The law requires us to complete customer due diligence before providing certain legal services. If we're unable to obtain the information required under the legislation, we may be legally prevented from acting for you or from continuing to provide the relevant legal service. If this situation arises, we'll discuss it with you.

Your privacy remains protected

We understand that some of the information we request is personal and sensitive.

Samaras Lawyers collects only the information we are legally required to obtain and handles it in accordance with Australian privacy laws, our professional obligations, and our AML/CTF compliance requirements. Your information is stored securely and used only for purposes permitted by law.