New AML reforms and what they mean for accountants

New AML reforms and what they mean for accountants

Author: CPA Australia March 10, 2026 Duration: 12:21

(This encore presentation episode was originally published on Dec 9, 2025) 

When anti-money laundering (AML) comes to mind, most accountants assume it only applies to large transactions – but that's now changing. 

This episode explains new AML obligations for accountantsSpecifically, how the reforms to AML and counter terrorism financing (CTF) in 2026 will affect many accounting practices. 

You'll gain a clear understanding of what the changes will mean, including which services fall under the new designated services rules, how the regulator AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) will assess compliance and what firms can do now to prepare. 

Key learnings include: 

  • An explanation of the regulator AUSTRAC's role and tranche two reforms to the AML/CTF regime 

  • The timeline for implementation of these new reforms 

  • How to identify whether your services qualify as "designated" services 

  • How to conduct risk assessments 

  • Why client onboarding and beneficial ownership checks will become more detailed 

  • What sole practitioners should consider in meeting new compliance obligations 

Tune in now for valuable information on this key reform in 2026. 

Host: Neville BirthiselAdvisor, Regulations and Standards, CPA Australia 

Guest: Adrian VerdnikPartner and Section Leader, Banking and Financial Services Practice, Hall & Wilcox. His financial services law practice covers superannuation, managed funds, insurance and financial advice. 

Loving this episode? 

Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. 

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: 

Search for them in your podcast platform.  

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au  

Disclaimer:  
All works contained in this podcast are not intended to constitute legal or professional advice and may not reflect the views and opinions of CPA Australia. CPA Australia does not warrant or make representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or fitness for purpose of this podcast and disclaims all liability and responsibility for any acts or omissions made in reliance of this podcast. Individuals should seek their own independent legal, financial or other advice for their specific circumstances. 


Tune in to With Interest for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping the world of business and finance. Presented by CPA Australia, this weekly discussion moves beyond the headlines to explore the practical implications of change for accounting professionals, business leaders, and anyone with a stake in the economic landscape. You’ll hear from practitioners and experts who break down complex topics in auditing, taxation, and corporate strategy into actionable insights. The conversations in this podcast are grounded in real-world application, whether the subject is a shift in regulatory frameworks, emerging leadership challenges, or broader economic trends. It’s a resource designed to inform your decisions and deepen your understanding of the professional landscape. For those looking to stay current and think critically about their work, With Interest provides a reliable and engaging audio companion. Each episode serves as a timely update and a catalyst for deeper professional reflection, all delivered with the authority and depth you would expect from CPA Australia.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

With Interest
Podcast Episodes
Meet the "hacker" protecting you from cyber threats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:19
With Interest presents an episode from CPA Australia's INTHEBLACK podcast. Penetration testers hack into your company servers. Don't worry – these are friends who can help your company stay safe from the dark web's cyber…
Australia's major tax changes in 2023: an expert guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:00
Did you know that more than $683 billion in tax was collected across all levels of Australian government in 2021-22? These funds were allocated to everything from health, education, infrastructure and defence, and biosec…
Your expert guide to super's proposed changes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:07
Planning for retirement is crucial. For many Australians this involves managing and increasing contributions to their superannuation fund. Government policies, however, significantly affect retirement savings. Recent dra…
What to do when the ATO contacts you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:01
Receiving communications from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can often be stressful for taxpayers and their advisers. Nevertheless, being aware of what to anticipate and how to appropriately react can alleviate som…
Auditor Proud: Keeping up with changing expectations in audit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:58
Did you know that the audit function dates back to ancient Rome? Or that it was Henry I who coined the word "audit"? Explore these and other interesting facts about the audit profession in the lead-up to Auditor Proud Da…
Is Australia's insolvency regime on the right track? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:01
We examine the recent Government review into insolvency with the report Chair. Broken or fit for purpose? We put Australia's corporate insolvency regime under the spotlight. Tune in now. Host: Dr Jane Rennie, Head of Med…
JobKeeper: Assessing the business support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:29
JobKeeper was the biggest stimulus payment to business in Australian history. CPA Australia's expert panel takes a look at how this A$88.9 billion stimulus package stacks up against other programs and evaluates its effec…
Expert property market update with Warren Hogan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:01
Do you need to enhance your understanding of Australia's property market? Whether you're a homeowner, investor, buyer or renter, this episode will provide you with valuable property insights. Uncover expert perspectives…