Why we're asking you to verify your identity

If you've had an email from us asking you to confirm your identity, it's genuine — and this page explains what's behind it, what's involved, and how to satisfy yourself that the request really came from us.

Image of Australian Cash (AUD)

The law changed on 1 July 2026

Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules were extended to cover accountants, lawyers, conveyancers, real estate agents and a handful of other professions. The reforms are usually called Tranche 2, and they took effect on 1 July 2026.

One of the obligations that comes with them is customer due diligence: before we provide certain services, we have to satisfy ourselves that you are who you say you are. It applies to new clients and existing clients alike — so you may well be asked even though we've acted for you for years. It isn't personal, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong.

The regulator is AUSTRAC, a Commonwealth government agency. They publish their own explanation for members of the public at austrac.gov.au, which is worth a look if you'd like to confirm all this independently of us.