Explore every episode of the podcast AML Podcast Series

A Law Management Journal production.

Proudly sponsored by: LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

In this important conversation, AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas speaks candidly about what the new anti-money laundering (AML) regime means for law firms – particularly small and medium practices – and how they can prepare now.

Brendan explains AUSTRAC’s consultative approach, the key themes raised by law firms, and how the regulator has shaped rules, guidance and support materials in response. He also provides a clear picture of how AUSTRAC expects firms to comply, what proportionality really looks like, and what happens when a suspicious matter is reported.

Key Insights Covered

1. What AUSTRAC heard from law firms

• Themes emerging from national consultations

• Common concerns about client information and verification

• How lawyer feedback shaped the final rules and guidance

2. Identifying and managing client risk

• What low-risk clients actually require

• When additional checks are necessary

• Practical indicators that create a suspicion

3. Suspicious Matter Reports explained

• What happens after a report is lodged

• Legal protections and confidentiality

• Why your report contributes to national intelligence

4. Proportionality and the small firm reality

• AUSTRAC’s expectations for sole practitioners and small practices

• What proportional compliance looks like

• Why AUSTRAC is not looking to fine firms for paperwork errors

5. Practical compliance without unnecessary cost

• How existing systems can often be adapted

• The role of technology and record-keeping

• The new AML Starter Kit for small practices, developed with the Law Council

6. Key dates and what firms should prepare for

• Registration period: March to July, 2026

• Obligations commencing: July 1, 2026

• When the Starter Kits and updated resources will be released

• What firms can sensibly plan for between now and commencement

7. AUSTRAC’s enforcement posture

• Clear statements on what AUSTRAC will and will not prioritise

• Focus on genuine criminality and serious non-compliance

• Supportive engagement expected throughout the transition period

This episode gives lawyers a rare, direct look at how the regulator is thinking about the profession, what support is coming, and how the new AML obligations can be integrated into existing workflows without overwhelming already stretched practices. Brendan speaks with deep understanding of the pressures on small firms, drawing on his previous roles, including as CEO of Legal Aid NSW.

If your firm wants clarity, reassurance and practical direction, this episode is essential listening.

A ⁠Law Management Journal⁠ production.

Proudly sponsored by: ⁠LexisNexis Risk Solutions⁠.

Preparing for their imminent AML obligations, firms will be looking for practical technology solutions that simplify compliance and reduce cost.

In this podcast, ALMG interviewer Trish Carroll, together with experts from LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Verlata Consulting, will examine how technology can support firms of all sizes in managing AML compliance effectively.

Topics to be discussed include:

• How technology can simplify AML/CTF compliance
• Key features to look for in AML software
• To what extent can KYC and transaction monitoring be automated, and reporting streamlined?
• How law firms can future‑proof their AML risk management approach
• What data firms need, and the tools required to leverage it effectivly

The conversation will also explore solutions available now, as well as innovations set to shape AML compliance in the years ahead.

Sponsored by: Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions

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A ⁠Law Management Journal⁠ production

With AML obligations commencing in March 2026, law firms are already considering how compliance will affect their people and workplaces. New roles are likely to emerge and training demands will increase. These changes will be felt differently across large, mid-sized and small firms, raising questions about cost, capability and culture.

In this podcast, Jackie Jones (Associate Partner, Legal, Page Executive) together with ALMG interviewer Trish Carroll, will explore what workforce changes firms should expect – and how to manage them effectively.

Key questions to be explored include:

• How can firms train and upskill staff without overwhelming them – and what roles can technology play?
• To what extent will AML obligations influence recruitment and retention across the profession? What sort of skills will firms be looking for and what new roles will emerge?
• What unique challenges do small firms face in terms of cost, time and access to expertise – and what collaborative solutions exist?
• Will AML compliance drive new ways of working and innovation across the profession?
• How can AML compliance be used as a selling point rather than a burden?

Other insights:

• Why AML must be embedded into firm culture, not treated as a box-ticking exercise. Balancing compliance with client relationships, and preventing compliance fatigue.
• Surviving the change: what can law firms learn from sectors already subject to AML in Australia and beyond?

With extensive experience advising firms on legal appointments and organisational change, Jackie brings a practical lens to how AML will affect the profession’s people strategy.

Sponsored by: ⁠Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions⁠

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A Law Management Journal production

New Zealand law firms have been complying with AML legislation since 2018. In this podcast, Jamie Lynch (Head of AML at Gilbert + Tobin) shares with ALMG interviewer, Trish Carroll, first-hand insights from New Zealand’s rollout – including:

• Lessons from his NZ experience – what worked and what didn’t.
• How long compliance should take, cost and resourcing considerations.
• Understanding the role of proportionality and reasonableness in guiding your firm’s AML/CTF program.
• Why tapping into the knowledge inside your firm will produce a better, more cost-effective and accepted outcome than rushing to engage outside help.
• Practical options for smaller firms and sole practitioners navigating AML implementation.
• The value of investing in your own people to take on AML compliance roles.

Other insights:

• The one piece of tech that saves time, money and reduces risk.
• The role of AML as a business lever to improve risk management, client engagement and cross-firm collaboration.

With more than a decade of experience designing and implementing AML/CTF programs and leading operational compliance across legal and financial services in Australia and New Zealand, Jamie shares his practical insights borne out of hard-earned experience.

Jamie is Head of AML at Gilbert + Tobin. He has more than a decade of experience designing and implementing AML/CTF programs and leading operational compliance across legal and financial services in Australia and New Zealand.