AUSTRAC regulatory priorities for 2026-27

AUSTRAC has published its regulatory priorities for the 2026 to 2027 year, setting out the areas where it will focus most of its regulatory effort over the next 12 months. A central theme is ensuring the benefits of the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reforms are realised, through more effective risk management by reporting entities and increased coverage of Australia's defences against financial crime. AUSTRAC notes that changes to obligations under the AML/CTF Act took effect on 31 March 2026, affecting AML/CTF programs and customer due diligence, the regulation of additional virtual asset services, and the definition of bearer negotiable instruments.

From 1 July 2026, AML/CTF obligations also extend to services typically provided by real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, and professional service providers such as lawyers, conveyancers, accountants, and trust and company service providers. For the 2026 to 2027 year, AUSTRAC expects newly regulated businesses in these sectors to have enrolled and registered where required, completed money laundering and terrorism financing risk assessments, appointed governance roles, established AML/CTF policies, and embedded those policies into daily operations. Reporting entities in previously regulated sectors are expected to maintain effective risk management while making meaningful progress implementing the broader reform changes.

This is a statement of AUSTRAC's regulatory focus and expectations rather than new legislation, and does not itself create new obligations beyond those already in the AML/CTF Act and its associated reforms. Businesses newly brought within the AML/CTF regime from 1 July 2026, often referred to as tranche two entities, are a particular area of AUSTRAC attention this year given the recency of their inclusion.