IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS
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New AML/CTF Requirements from 1 July 2026
Thank you for choosing Cowell Clarke.
This information sheet explains how we may collect and verify your details when providing certain services.
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What is the AML/CTF Act and why does it matter?
The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act protects Australia’s financial system from being exploited by organised crime and terrorism. The reforms aim to close gaps that contribute to an environment where organised crime and professional money laundering organisations can inflict harm on individuals, businesses and communities.
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Why we collect your information
We collect your information when providing certain designated services to confirm your identity and meet our legal and regulatory obligations. This ensures that we are acting for the correct client and helps safeguard against financial crime.
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When these requirements apply
Not all legal services are affected by these rules.
However, where we provide a designated service under the AML/CTF Act, we are legally required to undertake client identification and verification checks before we can begin providing legal services to you.
These checks may include confirming your identity and, in some cases, obtaining further information about the nature of your matter. We will advise you if your matter is a designated service and if you are required to undergo verification checks.
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How we collect your information
To make the verification process as simple and as secure as possible, Cowell Clarke has partnered with First AML, a specialist compliance platform, to complete the checks
smoothly and ensure your personal information remains highly secure.
If you are required to undergo a verification check, you will receive an email from the Cowell Clarke AML Team which will contain a secure link to the First AML platform.
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What you may be asked to provide
Depending on the type of service, we may request:
A form of photo ID (e.g. a passport or driver’s licence)
Proof of address (e.g. utility bill or bank statement)
Company, trust or SMSF documentation (if relevant)
Details about ownership or control of complex entities
Source of funds information (if required)
We will only request what is necessary to meet our legal obligations.
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How we manage your information
We respect your privacy and manage your personal information in line with current Australian Privacy Principles. We only collect information that is legally required. All data is stored securely and only used for regulatory and compliance purposes. For full details, please view our Privacy Policy.
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Our commitment to you
We understand that identity verification requirements may be unfamiliar to some clients. Our team is here to make the process as simple and efficient as possible. Please reach out to your Cowell Clarke contact if you have any questions.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
FAQs
Q. I’ve worked with you before – why now?
A: AML/CTF laws effective from 1 July 2026 means we are legally obligated to perform compliance checks on our clients.
Q. I’ve already had a VOI check. Isn’t that the same thing?
A: Whilst they seem similar because both processes check your ID, they serve completely different legal purposes. In short, VOI checks who you are (to prevent property fraud and identity theft), while the AML Customer Due Diligence (CDD) process ensures the entire matter is clean, legal and safe from criminal exploitation.
Q. What if I don’t provide the required information?
A: Under Australia’s AML/CTF laws, we may be required to complete certain checks before we can provide legal services to you. If we are unable to collect the necessary information, we may not be able to proceed with your matter or maintain our business relationship. These requirements apply to all clients where we provide a designated service and help ensure we comply with our obligations.
Q. Do I need to provide this information before work begins?
A: Yes, we are unable to proceed until we have completed our compliance checks.