Helping Australian law firms prepare for 1 July
From March 31, AUSTRAC enrolment is open for firms that provide any of the new Tranche 2 designated services. Those who are ready and have identified the designated services they provide can enrol in AUSTRAC Online.
Webinar on April 8: Running AML operationally
ALPMA’s next session in the AML series focuses on operationalising AML/CTF obligations inside a legal practice, covering the practical steps for turning a risk-based AML program from policy-on-paper into day-to-day processes for onboarding, due diligence, escalation and oversight.
Bion Behdin from First AML will explore the operating models firms can adopt (centralised, decentralised, hybrid or outsourced) and how those choices shape workflows, responsibilities, decision-making, billable hours and client experience.
Free to attend for ALPMA Members and Corporate Subscriber firms.
AML/CTF Countdown Conference: Key insights now available on‑demand
On Monday 9 March, ALPMA and the Law Society of Western Australia co‑hosted the AML/CTF Countdown Conference, bringing together regulators, legal leaders, and AML specialists for a full‑day program focused on Tranche 2 readiness for WA firms.
An important session came from Juliana Warner, Chair of the Law Council of Australia’s AML Working Group, who provided a timely update on developments that may materially affect solicitors’ obligations — particularly around suspicious matter reporting.
Juliana’s session covered:
- An overview of Tranche 2 regulations impacting the legal profession
- A breakdown of the Law Council’s consultation on amendments to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules
- A detailed mapping of designated services by practice area, helping firms understand where obligations are triggered
All conference sessions are now available on‑demand for ALPMA members and attendees.
Law Council consultation: Proposed changes to the Solicitors’ Conduct Rules
Given the significance of Juliana Warner’s update, the Law Council’s consultation deserves its own spotlight.
The proposed amendments to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules relate directly to how suspicious matter reporting may intersect with professional obligations — a critical area for legal practices navigating the balance between AML/CTF compliance and ethical duties.
The consultation paper outlines:
- How the ASCR may be updated to align with Tranche 2
- Potential impacts on confidentiality, privilege, and reporting pathways
- Scenarios where solicitors may need to reassess existing internal processes, including retainer agreements
Submissions on the consultation paper closed on 30 March, so the outcome of this process has not been confirmed. ALPMA will continue to monitor this item over the coming weeks and share updates with our members as they come to hand.
On‑demand: Webinar with AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas
The recording of ALPMA’s March webinar featuring AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas is now available on‑demand.
This session remains one of the most direct and practical sources of regulatory insight, covering:
- Clarity on new obligations
- Confidence in applying LPP and reporting duties
- Practical compliance pathways
- Technology and efficiency insights
Free to watch for registered attendees plus ALPMA Members and Corporate Subscriber firms.
Live Expert Q&A — Sydney + online
We’re holding an AML Compliance Countdown: Live Expert Q&A in Sydney and streamed online, on Wednesday May 6. With 1 July fast approaching, this “Talk to the Experts” session offers one of your final opportunities to get clarity on Anti‑Money Laundering obligations and readiness.
This session is designed for:
- Partners
- Practice managers
- AML Compliance Officers
- Anyone responsible for implementing Tranche 2 obligations
Bring your scenarios, edge cases, and operational questions to spend an afternoon getting answers straight from the implementation experts!
Free to attend for ALPMA Members and Corporate Subscriber firms.
2026 AML Salaries Snapshot
ALPMA has released a free AML Salaries Snapshot report to help Australian law firms gain an understanding of what AML-role salaries look like across the Tasman in firms with mature AML processes, especially in relation to Practice Manager and General Manager salaries, and how they have trended since the 2018 introduction of compliance requirements in New Zealand.
Monthly Q&A sessions scheduled for 2026
To support firms through the transition, our live Q&A sessions are continuing between now and July. These candid, unrecorded sessions are designed to give members direct access to experts, provide space for scenario‑based questions, and help firms benchmark their progress.
Sessions are driven by attendee questions, but could cover:
- Interpreting AUSTRAC’s starter kit
- Building your AML/CTF Program
- Client onboarding and CDD workflows
- Managing privilege, confidentiality, and reporting obligations
- Technology and automation options for compliance
🎟️ Register: 21 April | 19 May | 16 June
All sessions are held 11 – 11:45am Sydney/Melbourne time
What to expect in next month’s update
ALPMA will continue to provide monthly updates through to July to ensure firms have the information, tools, and support they need to meet their obligations with confidence.
