AUSTRAC's 29 July 2026 enrolment transition date has passed. If your real estate business provides a designated service, check current AUSTRAC guidance and apply to enrol no later than 28 days after starting that service.

For principals, this is an operational task, not just an administration task. Enrolment is one part of a wider AML/CTF framework that includes a program, an eligible Compliance Officer, staff training, reporting readiness and records.

This article is general information. Check the current AUSTRAC guidance and obtain professional advice for your business and transactions.

## Start with the services your business provides

AUSTRAC regulates designated services, not labels alone. Its real-estate guidance says a business may be regulated when it brokers the sale, purchase or transfer of real estate as part of a business.

This commonly includes seller's agents and buyer's agents. It can also include a property developer or other business selling real estate without an independent real estate agent, such as house-and-land packages, off-the-plan apartments or subdivision lots.

Before you enrol, map the actual services your business provides. If the answer is unclear, use the current AUSTRAC guidance and seek advice rather than assuming a broad category covers every activity.

## What to prepare for enrolment

AUSTRAC says the enrolment process asks for information about:

1. your business
2. the services you provide
3. the applicant and business details

For businesses that first provided a designated service from 1 July 2026, 29 July was the transition enrolment date. The standing enrolment rule is to apply within 28 days of starting a designated service, so current AUSTRAC guidance remains the source of truth for your circumstances.

## Appoint and notify your AML/CTF Compliance Officer

Every reporting entity needs an eligible AML/CTF Compliance Officer. AUSTRAC says the person must be at management level, fit and proper, and generally resident in Australia where the business provides services through an Australian establishment.

For a small business, the officer may be an owner, director or a person responsible for broader risk or operations. It does not have to be a new full-time employee, but the person must have the authority, resources and expertise to perform the role.

For newly regulated entities, the notification deadline is the later of:

- **29 July 2026**, or
- **14 days after enrolling**.

For example, AUSTRAC says a business that enrols on 29 July 2026 has until **12 August 2026** to notify it of the officer appointment. Keep records that show the appointment and why the person meets the eligibility requirements.

## What AUSTRAC expects after 1 July

AUSTRAC expects newly regulated businesses to:

- be enrolled
- have an AML/CTF program and a Compliance Officer
- train staff on the program
- be ready to identify and report suspicious matters

AUSTRAC’s current statement says it expects **effort, not perfection** as businesses continue embedding new practices in the 2026-27 financial year. That is not a substitute for the foundational obligations. Use the period to document risks, build workable controls, train staff and improve the quality of your records and reports.

## A practical action plan for principals

Use this sequence to organise the work:

| Step | Action | Evidence to keep |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 1 | Map the designated services your business provides. | Service map and scope decision. |
| 2 | Complete AUSTRAC enrolment with the correct business and applicant information. | Enrolment confirmation and submitted details. |
| 3 | Appoint an eligible AML/CTF Compliance Officer and notify AUSTRAC on time. | Appointment decision, eligibility record and notification evidence. |
| 4 | Maintain an AML/CTF program based on your business risks. | Risk assessment, policies, approvals and review record. |
| 5 | Train staff on the practical workflow. | Training materials, attendance and escalation process. |
| 6 | Be ready to identify and report suspicious matters. | Reporting policy, escalation records and AUSTRAC Online access. |
| 7 | Keep records that demonstrate what the business did and why. | CDD, program, transaction and decision records. |

## Where AMLHive fits

AMLHive helps real estate teams organise workflow, tasks, evidence and review records across screening, KYC/KYB, CDD, AML/CTF program documentation, training and reporting templates.

It does not provide legal advice. It does not automatically lodge a report with AUSTRAC. The reporting entity remains responsible for deciding whether to lodge and for submitting through AUSTRAC Online.

## Related AMLHive guides

- [AUSTRAC Tranche 2 guide](https://amlhive.com.au/Compliance/austrac-tranche-2-guide)
- [Real estate agency obligations](https://amlhive.com.au/Compliance/real-estate-agency-obligations)
- [AML/CTF Act overview](https://amlhive.com.au/Compliance/aml-ctf-act-overview)
- [SMR filing guide](https://amlhive.com.au/Compliance/smr-filing-guide)

## Sources

- [AUSTRAC - Enrol now and meet your obligations](https://www.austrac.gov.au/enrol-now-and-meet-your-obligations) (accessed 10 July 2026)
- [AUSTRAC - Real estate designated services](https://www.austrac.gov.au/new-austrac/designated-services-newly-regulated-entities/real-estate-designated-services) (accessed 10 July 2026)
- [AUSTRAC - AML/CTF Compliance Officer](https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/obligations-and-guidance/your-amlctf-program/develop-your-amlctf-programs/step-1-establish-your-governance-framework/amlctf-compliance-officer) (accessed 10 July 2026)
- [AUSTRAC - Update to regulator statement of expectations](https://www.austrac.gov.au/update-regulator-statement-expectations-may-2026) (accessed 10 July 2026)