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Client AML/CTF Requirements

Australia’s AML/CTF Reforms

From 1 July 2026, Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws apply to certain legal services provided by law firms, including Baybridge Lawyers.

These reforms are designed to help prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud, organised crime and other financial crimes. Australian law firms that provide certain designated services must comply with AML/CTF obligations. These services may include assisting with property or business transactions, handling client money or assets, and establishing, restructuring or administering companies, trusts and partnerships.

To meet these obligations, we may need to complete Client Due Diligence (CDD) checks before providing certain legal services. These checks are mandatory and cannot be waived where the AML/CTF laws apply.

Baybridge is committed to complying with these obligations while ensuring a seamless onboarding experience for our clients.

Why We Need to Verify Your Identity

Under AML/CTF laws, we are required to verify the identity of our clients before providing certain legal services. As part of your onboarding process, we may need to:

Verify your identity and collect personal information about you;
Identify and verify relevant individuals connected with you or your entity, such as directors, officeholders, trustees and beneficial owners;
Identify and verify the beneficial owners of companies, trusts or other entities;
Assess the level of AML/CTF risk associated with the engagement and, where appropriate, carry out additional checks;
Understand the nature and purpose of the legal services you have asked us to provide;
Keep your information up to date and, where required, conduct ongoing checks throughout our engagement; and
In limited circumstances, collect and verify information about your source of funds or source of wealth.

These checks help us comply with Australian AML/CTF laws. The information we request will depend on your matter, the client structure and the level of risk involved.

We appreciate that some requests may feel detailed or repetitive. We will only request information that is necessary to meet our compliance obligations and, where possible, use information we already hold about you.

How Our Verification Process Works

To make the process simple and secure, Baybridge uses EasyAML, a specialist identity verification platform.

You may receive an email and/or SMS from EasyAML asking you to complete identity verification and upload supporting documents. The request will guide you through the steps required.

Please note that we may be unable to commence work on your matter until our AML/CTF due diligence requirements have been satisfactorily completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a legal requirement?

Yes. Australian AML/CTF legislation requires law firms to identify and verify clients before providing certain designated services.

Why am I being asked for so much information?

Baybridge is required to collect certain information to meet our AML/CTF obligations, which include understanding who we act for and, if applicable, who ultimately owns or controls an entity.

Is my information secure?

Yes. Baybridge and our service providers take reasonable steps to protect personal information, including information relating to beneficial owners or other individuals connected with your entity. Access to information collected as part of our verification process is limited to those who require it to meet our AML/CTF compliance obligations. For further information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Will I need to do this again?

Possibly. You may be asked to complete AML/CTF checks again if your circumstances change or if we are required to refresh or update your information to meet our regulatory obligations.

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

Unfortunately, we may be unable to proceed with providing certain services or act on your behalf where AML/CTF requirements are not satisfied.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about our AML/CTF requirements or need help completing the verification process, please contact Baybridge at [email protected]. We will be happy to assist.