Content sourced from and aligned with AUSTRAC guidance and regulatory requirements.
Accounting & Audit • ARCaml • AUSTRAC Tranche 2
ARCaml for Accountants: Compliance Without the Headache
If you're an accountant or auditor, Tranche 2 probably keeps you up at night. You didn't train to become a compliance officer. Starting July 2026, you'll need to:
Verify every client's identity Check for PEPs and sanctions exposure Assess money laundering risk on each engagement Keep records for seven years
Accountants: High-Risk Gatekeepers Under AUSTRAC
From 1 July 2026, accountants providing designated services have AML/CTF obligations. AUSTRAC's Money Laundering National Risk Assessment 2024 found accounting services pose a HIGH money laundering risk in Australia.
7 Designated Services for Accountants
- • Creating/restructuring companies, trusts, partnerships
- • Acting as director, secretary or trustee
- • Acting as nominee shareholder
- • Providing registered office or business address
- • Managing money, securities or property
- • Selling shelf companies
- • Assisting corporate transactions
General accounting, tax prep & audit are NOT designated services
Why Accountants Are High-Risk
- • Your expertise gives legitimacy to criminal activities
- • Criminals use business structures & trusts to hide ownership
- • Third parties & intermediaries create distance from proceeds
- • You may not be aware you're helping criminals
Client Behaviour Red Flags
- • Avoids face-to-face meetings
- • Appears nervous or defensive
- • Ends relationship when asked for info
- • Unusual knowledge of AML/CTF rules
- • Pays higher fees without clear reason
Source of Funds Red Flags
- • High-value assets, no clear funding
- • Funds don't match financial standing
- • Won't identify source of wealth
- • Companies with unknown equity source
- • Back-to-back transactions
Complex Structure Red Flags
- • Requests structures to hide ownership
- • Large volume company/trust creation
- • Use of shell/shelf companies
- • Transfers with no apparent purpose
Key Dates for Accountants
- 31 March 2026: AUSTRAC enrolment opens
- 1 July 2026: AML/CTF obligations commence
- 29 July 2026: Enrolment deadline (within 28 days of first designated service)
How ARCaml Solves Your Compliance Challenge
ARCaml is a CDD as a Service platform that handles your customer due diligence obligations so you can focus on your clients.
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Identity Verification
Automated KYC for clients and beneficial owners using government ID verification
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Beneficial Ownership
Identify who really owns and controls companies, trusts, and complex structures
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Source of Funds
Verify where client funds come from—equity, loans, and wealth sources
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PEP & Sanctions
Screen all parties against global PEP and sanctions lists—AUSTRAC compliant
Accountants & Auditors Starter Kit
Download your sector-specific starter kit to help you meet your AML/CTF obligations under AUSTRAC.
Compliance Roadmap
Your AML/CTF Compliance Journey
Step-by-step guidance for accountants and auditors.
Subscribe to ARCaml
Step 1Sign up for ARCaml's CDD as a Service. We'll configure your account for accounting services compliance requirements.
Send your clients link from ARCaml
Step 2Before engagement, send your clients through our secure portal. We handle the entire KYC/KYB verification process.
Verify identity & ownership
Step 3ARCaml verifies identities, checks beneficial ownership structures, screens against PEP & sanctions lists — all AUSTRAC compliant.
Get compliance pack
Step 4Receive an audit-ready compliance pack confirming your due diligence is complete. Store it with your client files.
Focus on your practice
Step 5Proceed with confidence on your engagements. ARCaml retains records for 7 years — audit and regulator ready.
Annual Subscription
Simple, transparent pricing with flexible credit-based usage.