Anti-Money Laundering for the Real Estate Industry Course (Australia)

Is AML training mandatory for estate agents in Australia?

Yes. From 1 July 2026, estate agents and real estate businesses that provide designated services will be required to comply with Australia’s Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime. This includes implementing an AML/CTF program, conducting customer due diligence, reporting suspicious matters to AUSTRAC, and ensuring staff receive appropriate AML training.

Anti money laundering training helps estate agents understand these obligations and apply them correctly in day‑to‑day property transactions.

What Estate Agencies Need to Know

• AML/CTF obligations for real estate commence 1 July 2026
• Real estate agents, buyers’ agents and some property developers become reporting entities if they provide designated services
• Agencies must implement an AML/CTF program (Part A and Part B)
• Agencies must appoint an AML/CTF Compliance Officer
• Agencies must undertake Risk Assessments to understand and mitigate their ML/CTF risk
• Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and ongoing monitoring apply
• Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs) must be submitted to AUSTRAC
• Staff training is a core compliance requirement
• Records must generally be kept for at least seven years
• This course supports audit readiness and staff competency tracking

Anti Money Laundering Training for Estate Agents – What the Law Requires

Australia’s AML/CTF reforms, often referred to as Tranche 2, extend regulation beyond financial institutions to non‑financial “gatekeeper” professions, including real estate.

AML/CTF Act and Rules Overview

Under the Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing Act, reporting entities must take reasonable, risk‑based steps to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. For estate agents, this represents a significant regulatory shift and introduces formal compliance, reporting and training obligations.

Designated Services in the Real Estate Sector

Real estate activities that may trigger AML/CTF obligations include:

• Facilitating the sale or purchase of property
• Acting as an intermediary in property transactions
• Receiving or managing client funds
• Dealing with high‑value or complex ownership structures

Coverage depends on the services provided, not simply professional title.

Key Dates and Transition Timeline

• 2025–early 2026: preparation, risk assessments, program design and staff training
• 31 March 2026: enrolment with AUSTRAC opens for newly regulated entities
• 1 July 2026: AML/CTF obligations take effect for real estate professionals

AML/CTF Compliance Program Requirements for Real Estate Agencies

All reporting entities must establish and maintain a documented AML/CTF program tailored to their risk profile.

Part A – Risk Assessment and Risk‑Based Systems

Agencies must identify and assess money laundering and terrorism financing risks across:

• Client types
• Property and transaction types
• Delivery channels
• Geographic exposure

Controls must be proportionate and documented.

Part B – Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

CDD requirements include:

• Verifying customer identity
• Identifying beneficial owners
• Screening for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
• Applying enhanced due diligence for higher‑risk scenarios

Ongoing Monitoring and Record‑Keeping

Estate agencies must monitor transactions over time and retain records that demonstrate compliance, typically for seven years.

Reporting Obligations for Estate Agents

Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs)

Estate agents must submit an SMR to AUSTRAC when they suspect money laundering, terrorism financing, or other serious criminal conduct. Reporting must occur promptly once suspicion arises.

Threshold Transaction Reports (TTRs)

Where applicable, cash transactions over prescribed thresholds must be reported in accordance with AML/CTF Rules.

PEP and Sanctions Screening

Agencies must identify politically exposed persons and apply enhanced scrutiny where required.

How This AML Training Course Helps Estate Agents Comply

This anti money laundering training course translates complex regulatory obligations into practical, role‑specific learning for the real estate industry.

Real Estate–Specific Risk Scenarios and Red Flags

The course includes scenarios reflecting common risks in property transactions, such as:

• Unusual payment structures
• Third‑party buyers or sellers
• Complex ownership arrangements
• Transactions inconsistent with a client’s profile

LMS Reporting and Audit Trail Capabilities

Training can be delivered through Salt™ Compliance LMS, enabling agencies to:

• Assign training by role or risk profile
• Track completion and competency
• Maintain audit‑ready training records

Course Outcomes

Participants gain a clear understanding of their AML/CTF responsibilities and how to identify, escalate and manage risk appropriately.

Decision Framework: Choosing the Right AML Training for Your Agency

For Compliance Leaders and Risk Managers

This course supports enterprise rollout, governance oversight and audit readiness through structured learning and reporting.

For Small and Mid‑Sized Agencies

Training is scalable and proportionate, helping agencies meet obligations without unnecessary complexity.

Prepare Your Agency for AML/CTF Compliance

Preparing early reduces regulatory risk and disruption. GRC Solutions partners with real estate organisations to deliver structured, audit‑ready AML training aligned to upcoming regulatory change.

This course is available to organisational clients only. Contact us to discuss implementation options for your agency.