Legal profession
Certain professional designated services may bring a legal practice within the AML/CTF regime. The answer depends on the service and facts—not the “law firm” label alone.
Last reviewed: · Editorial owner: Onboard Australia
General editorial information. Onboard is a domain portfolio and does not provide AML/CTF software or advice.
A controlled intake should distinguish the client relationship from the service being requested. AUSTRAC’s guidance gives examples of activities that may directly advance relevant transactions and activities that may fall outside that scope.
Matter opening may need to capture the customer, representatives, authority to act, legal arrangements, companies, trusts, controllers and beneficial owners. The path should adapt to the structure rather than force every client through an individual-only form.
Customer risk, the nature of the service and the available information can affect the review required. A workflow may support initial CDD, enhanced review, internal approval and documented escalation without replacing professional judgement.
Access, confidentiality and record design need review against the practice’s professional and legal obligations. This page does not attempt to resolve privilege, confidentiality or conflicts between duties; those issues require current authoritative guidance and legal review.
Regulatory note: Professional-duties content requires legal review before a buyer adapts it into a product or compliance program.
Questions
Regulatory statements are linked to current AUSTRAC guidance. Provider facts on the market page link to each provider’s official website.