What information may we request?

Depending on the type of matter, we may ask you to provide:

Individuals

• Driver Licence

• Passport

• Proof of residential address

• Date of birth

Companies

• Company details

• Director information

• Shareholder information

• Beneficial ownership information

Trusts

• Trust deed

• Trustee details

• Appointor or controller details

• Beneficiary information

Transactions

For some matters, we may also request information regarding:

• the source of funds used in a transaction;

• the source of wealth of a client;

• the purpose of the transaction; or

• parties involved in the transaction.

Not necessarily.

The level of information required depends on:

• the type of legal service being provided;

• the nature of the client;

• the complexity of the transaction; and

• the level of risk identified.

Some matters may require only basic identification. Others may require more detailed verification or additional enquiries.

We will work to ensure any AML/CTF requirements are completed as early as possible.

In most cases, the information can be collected and verified quickly through our secure client onboarding systems.

Providing requested information promptly will help avoid delays.

Australian AML/CTF laws require law firms to understand who ultimately owns or controls companies, trusts and other legal structures.

In some circumstances, we may ask for information about directors, shareholders, trustees, appointors or other controlling individuals.

This information helps us comply with our legal obligations and protect the integrity of the transactions we assist with.

For certain matters, we may be required to understand where transaction funds originate.

Examples may include:

• savings;

• employment income;

• business sale proceeds;

• property sale proceeds;

• inheritance;

• investment returns; or

• finance obtained from a financial institution.

This does not mean we suspect wrongdoing. It is simply part of our regulatory obligations for some transactions.

Protecting client confidentiality remains a fundamental obligation of our firm.

Information collected for AML/CTF purposes is handled in accordance with our professional obligations, privacy obligations and information security procedures.

Information is only used for legitimate legal and compliance purposes.

Under Australian law, there may be circumstances where we cannot continue to act unless we have obtained sufficient information to satisfy our AML/CTF obligations.

If information requested for AML/CTF purposes is not provided, we may be unable to commence work, continue acting, or complete a transaction.

If you have any futher questions regarding our AML/CTF obligations or the information requested from you, please contact the lawyer responsible for your matter.

We will be happy to explain the process and assist you in completing any requirements as efficiently as possible.