Under Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, from 1 July 2026, law firms that provide certain regulated legal services, referred to as designated services, are now required to collect and verify client information before providing such services to clients.
Obligations also apply when third parties deposit funds into our trust account, in certain circumstances.
These obligations are a legal requirement and apply across a range of professional services.
GHL is committed to helping prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crime.
Why we may ask for information
When providing certain legal services, we may ask you to, using our third party provider service InfoTrack:
- Verify your identity;
- Provide information about the purpose of a transaction or matter;
- Identify the individuals who own or control a company, trust or other entity;
- Provide information about the source of funds or source of wealth associated with a transaction;
- Confirm that your information remains current and accurate; and
- Provide additional information or documentation where required by law.
Collecting this information is a requirement and this helps protect clients, businesses and the broader community from financial crime while supporting a safe and secure financial system.
Legal services that are subject to AML/CTF requirements
The AML/CTF Act applies to certain legal services known as designated services. Depending on the circumstances, these may include legal work involving:
- The purchase, sale or transfer of real property;
- The purchase or sale of businesses or business assets;
- The creation, acquisition, restructuring or transfer of companies, trusts or other legal entities;
- The management of client money, securities or other assets;
- The use of our trust account by third parties for deposits of funds for settlements;
- The establishment or operation of corporations, trusts, partnerships or similar structures;
- Other transactions prescribed under the AML/CTF legislation.
Not all legal services are designated services. Your costs agreement and disclosure will disclose if AML/CTF requirements may apply to your matter.
Your lawyer will also discuss this with you at the commencement of your matter.
What happens if you do not provide the requested information?
As disclosed above, the law now requires us to complete identity and client due diligence checks before providing designated services to clients.
If we are unable to obtain the information required by law from you, we may be unable to commence work, continue acting, or complete a transaction on your behalf.
We understand that providing additional information can be inconvenient, feel intrusive and unfamiliar.
We will strive to meet our legal obligations whilst making the process for you secure and as straightforward as possible.
If you have any questions about our AML/CTF obligations and your requirements, please discuss with your appointed lawyer, in the first instance.
For more information about Australia’s AML/CTF regime, visit AUSTRAC.
Please also refer to our privacy policy for further information.
Stay Updated
Keep up to date with the latest news and events from us!
