Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing

This notice explains how Settle Easy meets its obligations under Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws, and what that means for you as a client.

From 1 July 2026, conveyancers and legal practitioners become reporting entities under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) and its rules. This brings property and legal services into the AML/CTF regime regulated by AUSTRAC, Australia's financial intelligence agency.

There's nothing you need to do right now. When you next instruct us on a matter, we'll explain exactly what's required at that point. These checks apply to every client in a covered matter — they're a standard legal requirement, not a reflection on you or any suggestion of wrongdoing.

We're sharing this with you up front so the checks we carry out are expected, quick, and cause as little disruption to your matter as possible.

As a reporting entity, Settle Easy is required to have an AML/CTF program and to undertake a number of duties across every matter we act on, including:

• Verifying the identity of our clients (and, where relevant, anyone acting on their behalf or who ultimately controls a transaction).

• Understanding the nature and purpose of the transaction we're assisting with.

• Monitoring matters on an ongoing basis for unusual or suspicious activity.

• Keeping records of the information and documents we collect.

• Reporting certain matters to AUSTRAC where the law requires it.

These obligations apply to all clients and are not a reflection of any concern about you personally.

Before we act for you, we'll need to confirm who you are. We'll typically ask for government-issued photo identification (such as a driver licence or passport) and, in some cases, additional documents to confirm your name and address.

Where you're transacting through a company, trust, or self-managed super fund, we may also need to verify the entity and identify the individuals who own or control it.

We'll let you know exactly what's needed at the start of your matter, and you'll usually be able to complete identity verification online.

Where verification is required before we can begin, we'll ask for it up front. Please provide anything we request promptly — if we're unable to complete the verification process, we may not be able to proceed with your matter.

In some matters we may ask you about the source of your wealth and the funds being used for a transaction, for example a deposit, purchase price, or transfer of value.

This is a standard part of the AML/CTF process. Where we ask, we'll explain why and keep the request proportionate to your matter.

We monitor matters throughout their life, not just at the beginning. If something about a transaction changes or doesn't appear consistent with what we understand, we may ask you for further information.

Keeping your details current and responding promptly to these requests helps us keep your matter moving.

Where the law requires it, we must report certain matters to AUSTRAC, including suspicious matters and transactions that meet specified thresholds.

In limited circumstances the law prevents us from telling you that a report has been made, or that information has been requested by a regulator or law enforcement agency. This restriction (often called 'tipping off') is imposed by legislation, not by choice, and it does not change the care we take of your matter.

Cyber fraud targeting property settlements is real and increasing. Before transferring any money to us or to an account we appear to have nominated, always call us on a number you have independently verified and confirm the account details by phone.

We will never change our bank account details by email. If you receive an email that appears to come from us asking you to send money to a new or different account, treat it as suspicious and contact us before doing anything.

The information and documents we collect for AML/CTF purposes are handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

We retain AML/CTF records for the period required by law, after which they are securely destroyed.

If you have any questions about this notice or about the information we ask you to provide, please get in touch with us at info@settleeasy.com.au and we'll be happy to help.