AUSTRAC Newsletter on AML/CTF Law Updates

AUSTRAC News & Media

Published March 1st, 2026

Detected March 30th, 2026

Summary

AUSTRAC issued InBrief Issue 22 to notify reporting entities of upcoming AML/CTF law reforms, including travel rules, transitional arrangements, and AML/CTF Rule amendments. The newsletter announces a refreshed website, an updated Suspicious Matter Reporting reference guide, and links to preparation resources for newly regulated businesses. AUSTRAC also highlighted updates to global lists of high-risk jurisdictions and its role in counter-terrorism financing.

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What changed

AUSTRAC published InBrief Issue 22 summarizing upcoming AML/CTF reforms, including travel rule requirements, transitional arrangements, and AML/CTF Rule amendments. The newsletter provides links to preparation materials for existing and newly regulated reporting entities. Key updates include a refreshed website with improved navigation and contact centre support, and an updated Suspicious Matter Reporting (SMR) reference guide with clearer examples. AUSTRAC also notes the global financial crime watchdog's updated lists of high-risk and monitored jurisdictions.

Reporting entities should use the newsletter's linked resources to complete final preparations for AML/CTF reforms. Businesses newly subject to AML/CTF obligations should access program starter kits and complete enrolment requirements. The updated SMR reference guide provides clearer guidance for improving suspicious matter reporting quality. No specific compliance deadlines or penalties are stated in this newsletter.

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Welcome to InBrief

Welcome to the March issue of InBrief, where we bring you the latest news and updates from AUSTRAC. In this issue you will ﬁnd: how to prepare for the new AML/CTF laws the travel rules, transitional arrangements and amendment rules updates to the suspicious matter reporting reference guide our refreshed website and Contact Centre and much more! For more AUSTRAC news or to invite friends and colleagues to subscribe to InBrief, visit our website.

Feature article

Getting ready for change: How to prepare for new AML/CTF laws

If you already report to us, this

article is for you and covers ﬁnal preparations for the reforms.

Reform updates

Newly regulated businesses: get ready for the reforms

Discover the practical support available to help your business prepare, including program starter kits and enrolment requirements.

Learn more about how to prepare What to expect from the changes to the AML/CTF Rules

Learn about the AML/CTF changes, including the travel rule, transitional arrangements and amendment rules.

Learn more about the upcoming changes

Our refreshed website is now live

Our updated website has a new look and feel, improved menu structure and search. We're making it easier to ﬁnd information and access our Contact Centre for support.

Browse our refreshed website Industry guidance

Updated suspicious matter reporting reference guide

We have refreshed our SMR reference guide with clearer examples and language to help you improve your reporting and support faster analysis.

Learn more about the updated guide More from AUSTRAC

Tracking fugitives Updates to global list of through intel and high-risk jurisdictions partnerships

The global ﬁnancial crime watchdog has updated its lists of high-risk andFinancial intelligence from Fintel monitored jurisdictions, highlightingAlliance enables law enforcement to places with elevated risks of moneyclose in on criminals who may laundering, terrorism ﬁnancingbe hiding in plain sight, through a and/or proliferation ﬁnancing. unique multi-agency approach. READ MORE

ECDD a key tool in Our role in countering identifying scam and terrorism ﬁnancing after money laundering risk Bondi attack

Discover how our Crypto Taskforce The 2025 Bondi attack underscores has strengthened crypto ATM Australia’s terrorism risk. Find out provider’s enhanced customer due more about our counter terrorism diligence processes to help combat ﬁnancing regime and what you can serious crime. do to help detect and disrupt threats.

Stay connected

Phone: 1300 021 037 (local call cost within Australia) Submit your query online austrac.gov.au Unsubscribe

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