Tranche 2 · Conveyancers
Compliance that fits the conveyancing file
Every conveyancer/settlement agent assisting with sale, purchase or transfer of real property is a reporting entity. Even routine transfers are in scope. Designed to add minutes to the file, not hours. Works alongside ARNECC VOI.
Am I captured?
If you assist with the sale, purchase or transfer of real property, you are a reporting entity.
Designated services include:
- Assisting a client to buy, sell or transfer real estate
- Receiving, holding or managing deposit or settlement funds in that transaction
Routine transfers are in scope. This sits alongside — it does not replace — ARNECC VOI.
Your obligations
If you provide a designated service, you are a reporting entity. You must enrol with AUSTRAC, run a risk-based AML/CTF program, identify and monitor clients, keep records and report when the law requires it. For conveyancers the designated service is the file itself. Identity, source-of-funds questions and records have to travel with the matter, not sit in a separate compliance folder no one opens at settlement.
AUSTRAC enrolment
Enrol with AUSTRAC and keep the enrolment current — including nominating a Compliance Officer. Enrolment is how AUSTRAC knows you are a reporting entity and how it contacts you.
Risk assessment
Document how your firm could be used for money laundering or terrorism financing — clients, services, delivery channels and geography — and keep that assessment current as the practice changes.
AML/CTF program
Put in writing how the firm will meet its AML/CTF duties: who does what, how clients are identified, how higher-risk work is handled, how staff are trained and how you will check the program still works.
Customer due diligence
Identify the client (and beneficial owners where relevant), verify that identity, screen for PEPs, sanctions and adverse media, and apply extra checks when risk is higher. Repeat when circumstances change.
Reporting
Submit suspicious matter reports to AUSTRAC when you form a suspicion, and any other reports that apply to your services. Do not tip the client off that a report has been made or is being considered.
Record-keeping
Keep the program, risk assessment, identification records and transaction records for at least seven years so you can show AUSTRAC what you did and why.
How Trancher helps
Keep client verification, source-of-funds questions and records with the matter, supported by risk assessment, screening and an audit-ready trail that sits alongside ARNECC VOI.
Risk assessment and AUSTRAC-aligned program builder
Client verification (KYC/KYB) with PEPs, sanctions and adverse media screening
Ongoing monitoring and risk scoring
Reporting support (SMRs)
Staff training modules
Audit-ready records and dashboard
Three clear paths
Choose the level of support that works for your practice — manage compliance yourself, add expert support when you need it, or have agreed activities managed for you.
1
Self-managed
Run your AML program through Trancher using clear workflows and built-in guidance.
From $9.99 per week.
2
Self-managed + expert support
Use the platform day to day and bring in our compliance specialists when you need help with set-up, risk assessment, program development, onboarding, training or first files.
3
Fully managed by our experts
Ask our experienced compliance specialists to manage agreed AML compliance activities on your organisation’s behalf.
How long does it take?
Most firms move from start to operational compliance within weeks.
Days 1–7
Enrolment and risk assessment underway
Days 8–21
Workflows live and team trained
Thereafter
Fully operational and audit-ready
Articles for conveyancers
AML Compliance for Conveyancers Australia: The 2026 Tranche 2 Guide
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Tranche 2 Obligations: 2026 AUSTRAC Readiness Guide
What if the 1 July 2026 deadline wasn’t a threat to your firm’s productivity, but the catalyst for a more profitable advisory model? We know that…
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What Happens During an AUSTRAC Audit? Guide for SMEs
An AUSTRAC audit is not a regulatory “gotcha” moment designed to catch you out. It’s a structured systems check to ensure your firm’s integrity…
View article →Questions from conveyancers
Am I captured?
If you assist with the sale, purchase or transfer of real property, you are a reporting entity. Designated services include assisting a client to buy, sell or transfer real estate, and receiving, holding or managing deposit or settlement funds in that transaction. Routine transfers are in scope. This sits alongside — it does not replace — ARNECC verification of identity requirements.
What are the deadlines?
Tranche 2 obligations commenced on 1 July 2026. Practices already providing designated services on that date needed to enrol with AUSTRAC by 29 July 2026. If you start providing a designated service later, enrol within 28 days of first providing it. Nominate an AML/CTF Compliance Officer and keep your enrolment current.
What goes in the program?
Your AML/CTF program must include a written risk assessment and the controls to manage those risks. For conveyancers the designated service is effectively the file itself. The program typically covers client identification and verification that travels with the matter, source-of-funds questions where relevant, PEPs/sanctions/adverse media screening, ongoing monitoring, suspicious matter reporting, staff training and record-keeping — sitting alongside ARNECC VOI.
What does CDD look like in practice?
Identify the client (and beneficial owners where relevant), verify identity, and screen for PEPs, sanctions and adverse media. Source-of-funds questions and records travel with the matter rather than sitting in a separate compliance folder. Higher-risk files attract enhanced checks. The evidence must be available if AUSTRAC later asks how the transfer was checked.
How is KYC/KYB charged?
Every verification check triggers one transaction. If you are identifying individuals within an entity (for example directors, beneficial owners or authorised persons), each individual check is a separate transaction and is charged accordingly.
Disclaimer
This is a plain-English guide only and is not a determination of your firm’s status. Whether you are a reporting entity depends on the specific designated services you provide, the facts of each engagement, and the applicable items in the AML/CTF Act. If unsure, use the Am I in scope? guide or seek independent legal advice. Trancher does not provide legal advice.
Ready to simplify compliance?
Book a short overview or speak with our in-house specialists about the right path for your firm.