Compliance
Identity checks and client due diligence.
New national rules apply to Australian legal practices from 1 July 2026. For certain types of work, we now verify your identity and ask a few extra questions before we act. Here is what to expect, and why.
From 1 July 2026, Australian legal practices are required to comply with new obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth). These obligations apply to all legal practices in Australia in respect of certain categories of work, including conveyancing, business sales, company formation, trust and estate work, and the receipt or management of client funds.
01What this means for you
When you engage us in respect of this type of work, or when we next review our records for an existing matter, we will be required to verify your identity by reference to documents such as a driver's licence or passport, collect information regarding the purpose of your matter, and, in certain circumstances, request additional information regarding the source of funds or the parties involved.
We understand that some of these questions may feel more detailed than what you have been asked before. They are a requirement of the national scheme and apply to every legal practice in Australia, not a choice we are making about you as a client.
02Your information
Information you provide remains subject to our ordinary obligations of confidentiality and is held securely in accordance with our privacy policy. We will collect only the information we are required to collect for these purposes.
03Questions
If you have any questions regarding the information we will request, please speak with your solicitor or contact our office on (08) 8522 6025 or law@stevenmclark.com.au.
We'll call you back the same business day.
Tell us briefly what's happening. Steven will call you back for a free 15-minute conversation, the same business day. No obligation, no pressure to engage us afterwards.
For certain matters, new national rules mean we verify your identity before we start acting. What to expect →
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