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Guides · Updated 24 Sept 2026

Do conveyancers need to register with AUSTRAC?

Conveyancing is at the centre of the Tranche 2 reforms, because property is where illicit money most often ends up. Every licensed conveyancer who acts in a transfer of real estate is a reporting entity.

An Australian city business district at dusk seen from an office window.

What is designated

  • Acting for a party in the sale, purchase or transfer of real estate.
  • Receiving or holding client money in connection with a settlement.
  • Assisting with the transfer of a business.

What you already do, and what is new

You already verify identity under the ARNECC rules for electronic conveyancing. AML customer due diligence is broader: it adds beneficial ownership for companies and trusts, the purpose of the transaction, a risk rating, a review date and, for higher-risk clients, the source of funds. See our guide on VOI versus AML CDD.

The rest of the regime

  • An AML/CTF program before you provide the service.
  • Suspicious matter reports within 3 business days; threshold transaction reports within 10.
  • Records for 7 years.
  • Staff training and a compliance officer.

Questions people ask

We use PEXA for every settlement. Does that handle AML?
No. PEXA is the settlement platform. Identification you do for PEXA helps, but the program, risk rating, reporting and audit trail are yours.

Sources

Official AUSTRAC guidance this page was checked against. The date is when we captured the page; AUSTRAC may have updated it since.

This guide is general information for solicitors, conveyancers, settlement agents, not legal advice. Check AUSTRAC's current guidance for your situation.

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Do conveyancers need to register with AUSTRAC? · PracticeAML