Only 30 days to go.
With 1 July 2026 now just weeks away, this edition consolidates the most important recent developments, outstanding actions and upcoming ALPMA events supporting firms’ AML preparations.
Upcoming ALPMA Events
Free to attend for ALPMA Members and Corporate Subscriber firms.
Meeting
16 June 2026
11:00 am - 11:45 am AEST
AML/CTF Q&A Member Connect | June 2026
Online
0 hrs
Seminar
17 June 2026
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm AEST
QLD | AML Countdown – Talk to the Experts Panel Discussion
Brisbane, Queensland
1 hrs
Practice Management and Business Skills
Webinar
19 June 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm AEST
Are you ready for Tranche 2? What law firms need to know about the new AML/CTF reforms.
Online
1 hr
Practice Management and Business Skills
2026 AML/CTF Readiness Survey — June Edition
With 1 July approaching, ALPMA is reopening the AML/CTF Readiness Survey to capture a mid-year snapshot of where firms stand. Your responses help build a sector-wide picture of preparedness and will inform ALPMA’s ongoing support program. The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5 minutes.
Includes the opportunity to submit a question for Brendan Thomas to be asked during our 19 June webinar.
What’s New: Key Updates
NSW AML/CTF Implementation Guide for Sole and Small Practices
Releasedby the Law Society of New South Wales, this guide is recommended nationally — not just for NSW practitioners. It steps through the AUSTRAC Starter Kit and the Conveyancing Program Starter Kit and how to implement them in practice.
Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules — Proposed Amendments
Law societies across Australia are finalising amendments to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules (ASCR) to address the ethical tensions AML/CTF obligations create. Two rules are in scope:
- Rule 8 (Client instructions): To be amended to make explicit that a solicitor must be satisfied that client instructions are lawful and proper before and throughout the retainer.
- Rule 13 (Termination of retainer): A definition of “just cause” to be inserted, covering situations where continuing would breach ethical duties or where the tipping-off prohibition prevents the solicitor from explaining why they are ceasing to act.
Status: The ACT Law Society Council endorsed the changes in principle in April 2026, with public consultation closing 1 June 2026. Queensland submissions also closed 1 June 2026. Most jurisdictions are moving in parallel to have amendments in place by 1 July.
Preview new reporting forms now in AUSTRAC Online
AUSTRAC is releasing new threshold transaction report (TTRs) and suspicious matter report (SMRs) forms. Most law firms will use these forms from 1 July 2026, unless you were already an enrolled reporting entity prior to March 31, in which case there are transitional arrangements.
Once your firm enrolls as a reporting entity, you can preview and get training on the new forms within AUSTRAC Online.
AUSTRAC’s Statement of Expectations (May 2026)
The regulator has released an updated statement of expectations in the leadup to the final deadline, including their approach to regulating in FY27.
Resources
ALPMA Resources
This On-Demand series is free for ALPMA Members and Corporate Subscriber firms.
Regulator & Law Society Resources
What to expect in next month’s update
ALPMA will continue to provide updates, training and support as compliance requirements begin on 1 July. Watch this space for how these options will be structured – and take part in the June AML Readiness Snapshot to have your input!
