Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CTF) Compliance

New Compliance Requirements from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, Australian real estate agencies are required to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).

These laws require agencies to verify the identity of clients involved in certain real estate transactions, including buyers, sellers, lessors, lessees of long-term leases, and other parties receiving designated real estate services. The requirements also extend to companies, trusts, partnerships and other legal entities.

The purpose of these laws is to help prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crime within Australia's property market.

Why do we need to verify your identity?

Castlemaine Property Group is legally required to complete identity and customer verification before providing certain real estate services.

These checks help us:

• Meet our legal obligations under the AML/CTF Act.
• Confirm the identity of our clients.
• Understand who owns or controls an entity where applicable.
• Assess and manage potential financial crime risks.
• Maintain compliance with AUSTRAC requirements.

These requirements apply to every real estate agency in Australia and are not unique to Castlemaine Property Group.

Our AML Compliance Provider

Castlemaine Property Group has partnered with AMLHUB to assist with our AML/CTF compliance obligations.

AMLHUB provides a secure online verification platform that enables clients to complete identity checks remotely. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive communications directly from AMLHUB requesting information or documentation required to complete the verification process.

What is Customer Due Diligence?

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) is the process of verifying the identity of clients before regulated real estate services can be provided.

Depending on the transaction and ownership structure, this may include:

• Confirming your identity.
• Identifying individuals who own or control a company, trust or other entity.
• Understanding the purpose of the transaction.
• Conducting additional checks where legislation requires a higher level of verification.

Information We May Request

The information required will vary depending on your circumstances but may include:

• Full name
• Residential address
• Date of birth
• Occupation
• Government-issued identification (such as a driver's licence or passport)
• Details relating to companies, trusts, partnerships or other entities
• Information regarding beneficial ownership or individuals who exercise control
• Details that assist us in understanding the purpose of the transaction and, where required, the source of funds or wealth

How Your Information Is Used

The information collected is used solely for the purposes of complying with Australian AML/CTF legislation.

It enables us to:

• Verify your identity.
• Complete legally required risk assessments.
• Meet record-keeping obligations.
• Comply with reporting requirements where required by law.

Protecting Your Privacy

Castlemaine Property Group is committed to protecting your personal information.

Information collected for AML/CTF purposes is handled securely and in accordance with applicable privacy legislation. We collect only the information reasonably necessary to meet our legal obligations and maintain appropriate safeguards to protect your personal information.

For further information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

If Information Is Not Provided

Australian law requires customer verification before certain real estate services can be provided.

If we are unable to complete the required verification, we may be unable to act on your behalf or continue with the transaction until the required information has been received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is AMLHUB?

AMLHUB is a specialist compliance provider that assists real estate agencies throughout Australia with meeting their AML/CTF obligations. Their secure technology helps agencies complete customer verification efficiently while maintaining high standards of data security.

Why do I need to provide personal information?

The AML/CTF Act requires real estate agencies to verify the identity of their clients before providing designated services. This includes confirming details such as your name, date of birth and residential address.

Why are you requesting information about my company or trust?

Where a company, trust, partnership or similar entity is involved, legislation requires us to understand who owns or controls the entity and confirm its ownership structure.

Is providing this information compulsory?

Yes. The AML/CTF Act requires these checks to be completed before certain real estate services can be provided.

Are these requirements specific to Castlemaine Property Group?

No. These obligations apply to all Australian real estate agencies providing designated services, along with a range of other regulated industries including legal and accounting firms.

How will my information be stored?

Information collected as part of the verification process is securely stored through AMLHUB's compliance platform, which has been developed specifically for AML/CTF compliance and maintains recognised information security standards.

How long is my information retained?

The AML/CTF Act requires relevant records to be retained for seven years.

What happens if I choose not to provide the requested information?

Unfortunately, we may be unable to provide regulated real estate services until the required verification has been completed.

I've bought or sold through Castlemaine Property Group before. Do I need to complete the checks again?

Possibly. The legislation requires customer due diligence to be undertaken when providing designated services. Depending on when we last verified your information, we may simply need to confirm or update the details we already hold.