From July 1st, new Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms will apply across Australia. As conveyancers, Nelson Property Transfer Services will be required to complete additional checks as part of acting for you in a sale or purchase.
As your conveyancers, Nelson Property Transfer Services will need to carry out additional AML/CTF verification steps when acting for you on a sale or purchase.
We’ve been preparing well in advance to ensure transactions continue to run smoothly, and we’ve partnered with easyAML—pioneers in the industry—to help deliver a secure and efficient verification process.
These changes are designed to help protect Australians and the property market by reducing the risk of identity theft, property and payment fraud, money laundering and other financial crime.
Our focus: a smooth conveyancing experience
We understand that providing additional information can feel unfamiliar. Our priority is to keep your transaction progressing while meeting our obligations under the new requirements. We have been proactively preparing our internal processes to ensure you receive clear guidance, practical support, and timely communication throughout.
We’ve partnered with easyAML
To support our AML/CTF readiness and deliver a streamlined client experience, Nelson Property Transfer Services has partnered with easyAML, who are widely regarded as pioneers in the industry.
easyAML’s founder, Ches Rafferty, is recognised by the media and is a frequent expert commentator across cybersecurity, identity technology and AML/CTF compliance, appearing on Sky News, Nine Network, Channel 7, 3AW, 2GB, ABC Radio, The Australian, the Herald Sun, and more.
With easyAML supporting these verification requirements, we can keep our focus on what we do best—your conveyancing—while having peace of mind that our clients are being looked after throughout the AML/CTF checking process.
What this means for you
Depending on your circumstances, we may need to request additional information before (or while) we can act, including:
Identity verification (for example, government‑issued photo ID)
Entity verification (if a company/trust is involved)
Beneficial ownership details (who ultimately owns or controls an entity)
In some cases, source of funds information (evidence of where funds are coming from)
Not every client will need to provide every document. We will explain what is required for your situation and help you complete the steps as efficiently as possible.
FAQS
What does AML/CTF mean?
AML/CTF stands for Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing. It refers to laws and processes designed to prevent criminals from using legitimate transactions to disguise illegal funds or finance harmful activity.
When do the changes start?
1 July 2026.
Why are these changes happening?
The reforms are designed to reduce the risk of identity theft, property and payment fraud, money laundering and other financial crime—helping protect clients and the integrity of the property market.
Why are conveyancers asking for more information now?
Because conveyancers will have legal obligations to carry out checks and keep certain records as part of the updated AML/CTF framework.
What types of checks are involved?
Depending on your circumstances, checks may include identity verification, entity verification (companies/trusts), beneficial ownership information, and sometimes source of funds information.
What documents might I be asked to provide?
Typically government-issued photo ID for individuals. If an entity is involved, we may request company/trust documentation and beneficial ownership details. In some matters, we may request source of funds information. We will explain what applies to your situation.
Do I have to do verification again if I’ve already done it with my real estate agent?
In most cases, yes. Even if you have completed verification with another party (such as an agent), Nelson Property Transfer Services is responsible for meeting our own obligations when we act for you. To manage risk appropriately, we will generally need to complete (or re-complete) the required checks for our file. We will keep the process as streamlined as possible.
I’ve verified my ID with a bank/another law firm before—does that mean I won’t need to do it again?
Not necessarily. Verification requirements can differ depending on who is conducting the check and the purpose of the check. When we act for you, we may still need to collect or confirm specific details for our file.
Will this delay my settlement?
It shouldn’t—especially if information is provided promptly. Completing verification requests as soon as you receive them is the best way to avoid delays.
Why might you ask about a company or trust behind the purchase/sale?
Where an entity is involved, we may need to identify who ultimately owns or controls it (beneficial ownership). This is a common AML/CTF requirement.
Why might you ask where funds are coming from?
In some matters, AML/CTF requirements may involve confirming the source of funds. This can be similar to what a bank may request when assessing a loan. We will explain what is needed and keep requests proportionate to the transaction.
Why are you using easyAML?
We’ve partnered with easyAML to support secure and efficient AML/CTF verification as part of our readiness for the new requirements, including because: Trusted by government — easyAML’s underlying technology operates inside Australia’s national identity infrastructure and is approved by the Department of Home Affairs, the ACIC, and the WA & QLD Governments.
Built for this moment — easyAML reflects more than a decade of identity and compliance experience, purpose‑built for Australian businesses navigating Tranche 2 AML/CTF obligations for the first time.
Will my identification documents be used for marketing?
Definitely not. We collect information for verification purposes connected with your matter—not for marketing.
Who can access my information?
Access is limited to people involved in completing the required checks and progressing your matter. We aim to restrict access to what is necessary for your transaction.
What if I’m not comfortable providing documents digitally?
Please contact us. We’ll talk you through the process and discuss available options to help you complete verification requirements.
What happens if I don’t provide the information requested?
We may be unable to proceed (or continue acting) until the required verification information is provided.
Thank you for your cooperation as these changes come into effect.
If you have any questions, please contact Nelson Property Transfer Services and we will assist.
Kind regards,
Nelson Property Transfer Services
