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As the global financial landscape becomes increasingly complex and digitalised, gatekeeper professions, including lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs), are under greater pressure to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations. At the same time, they must navigate the growing demands for data protection and privacy…

As the financial landscape grows increasingly complex and interconnected, the need for effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures has become more urgent. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental body that sets international standards for AML/CTF policies, has continuously worked to strengthen global efforts against illicit financial activities. The introduction of…

Suspicious Matter Reporting (SMR) is an essential tool in the global fight against money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF). It is a critical mechanism that allows financial and non-financial institutions, including lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs), to report transactions or activities that are potentially linked to illicit…

Client Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations are critical components in the financial and legal landscapes, particularly for gatekeeper professions such as lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs). These professionals, who serve as intermediaries between their clients and the broader financial system, are often in a…

Gatekeeper professions—lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs)—play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the global financial system. These professions often facilitate corporate structuring, property transactions, and asset management, making them critical players in efforts to combat financial crime. A key element of these efforts is beneficial ownership…

Introduction Sanctions screening is a critical component of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks, designed to prevent financial and professional services from being used to support criminal activities, terrorism, or breaches of international law. Lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs) play vital gatekeeping roles, facilitating transactions and…

As global financial crime continues to evolve, so too do the regulatory expectations placed on gatekeeper professions such as lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs). Tranche 2 reforms represent a critical step in strengthening Australia’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) framework, bringing these professions into alignment with…

Introduction Gatekeepers, such as lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs), play a critical role in preventing financial crime by ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations. Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) present unique challenges due to their heightened risk of involvement in corruption, bribery, and illicit…

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, changes in regulatory frameworks, and the increasing complexity of financial crimes. For gatekeeper professions such as lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and trust and company service providers (TCSPs), these changes present both challenges and opportunities. As key intermediaries in global financial systems, gatekeepers…

Real estate has long been a favored avenue for money laundering (ML), offering criminals a way to integrate illicit funds into the legitimate economy. With high-value transactions, anonymity in ownership structures, and limited oversight in some jurisdictions, the real estate sector poses significant challenges for anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement. In recent years, governments and international…