Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
How Ray White is complying with AML/CTF obligations through transparency and effective customer
communication
From 1 July 2026, all real estate agencies across Australia will be required to conduct anti-money
laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) checks on buyers, sellers, parties to long-term
leases, and other customers receiving designated services.
These checks are designed to identify and verify the individuals and entities involved in property
transactions, including companies, trusts, partnerships, and other ownership structures. Under the Anti-
Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act), real estate agencies are
legally required to verify the identity of relevant customers before providing certain services.
What is AML/CTF?
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws are designed to prevent
criminals from using legitimate businesses and transactions, including real estate, to conceal the proceeds
of crime or finance terrorism.
Certain real estate services in Australia are regulated by AUSTRAC. Businesses providing these services
must comply with AML/CTF obligations to help protect the integrity of Australia's financial and property
markets.
Why is Ray White requesting this information?
Like other real estate businesses across Australia, Ray White must comply with AML/CTF obligations when
providing regulated services.
Ray White is committed to meeting these obligations through clear processes, strong privacy protections,
and transparent communication. Our aim is to make the compliance process as straightforward as possible
while ensuring we meet our legal requirements.
What is Customer Due Diligence (CDD)?
If you are buying or selling property, your real estate agent may be required to complete a Customer Due
Diligence (CDD) process before providing certain services.
CDD involves verifying a customer's identity and understanding who owns or controls the person or entity
involved in the transaction. In some circumstances, additional information may be required where a
customer, ownership structure, or transaction presents a higher level of risk.
What information may be requested?
Depending on the ownership structure and nature of the transaction, your Ray White representative, or an
approved AML/CTF verification provider, may request information or documentation including:
● Full name, date of birth, occupation, and residential address.
● Details from an identification document, such as a driver's licence or passport.
● Information relating to the ownership or control of a company, trust, or other legal entity (beneficial
ownership information).
● Information that helps us understand the nature and purpose of the transaction and, where required,
the source of funds or source of wealth.
Identity verification may be completed electronically using secure and approved verification systems.
How will this information be used?
This information is collected so Ray White can meet its legal obligations, verify identity, assess risk, and
help ensure that transactions are legitimate.
The information may also be used to maintain compliance records and, where required by law, support
reporting obligations to AUSTRAC.
How will Ray White handle your personal information?
Ray White will only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to meet its AML/CTF and
related legal obligations.
Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Ray White's Privacy
Policy. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) advises that businesses should not
retain copies of full identification documents for AML/CTF record-keeping purposes unless required by
another law.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further information about how personal information is collected,
used, stored, and disclosed.
What happens if the requested information is not provided?
If the requested information is not provided, Ray White may be unable to provide the regulated service or
proceed with the transaction until the required information is received.
This is because completing Customer Due Diligence is a legal requirement before certain real estate
services can be provided.