Why your lawyer may ask for identification and funding information

When you buy or sell property, you may be asked to confirm your identity, explain who is involved in the transaction and provide information about how it will be funded.

These questions form part of Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws, often called AML/CTF laws. Since 1 July 2026, the laws have applied to certain services provided by lawyers and conveyancers, including many property transactions.

We understand that providing this information can feel like an extra step, particularly when you have already supplied identification to your bank or real estate agent. Here is why the checks are required and how we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Why are these checks necessary?

The laws are designed to help prevent property and other transactions being used to move or conceal proceeds of crime or finance terrorism.

When providing a covered service, a law firm must understand who its client is and assess the risks associated with the work. The requirements depend on the service being provided and do not apply automatically to every legal enquiry.

Being asked for information does not mean that you are suspected of doing anything wrong. It is part of meeting the obligations that apply to the matter.

What information might I be asked to provide?

Depending on your circumstances, we may ask for your identification and contact details, information about the transaction and anyone authorised to act for you, or details of a company or trust involved. We may also need to understand the funding arrangements and, where required, request supporting documents.

The information needed can differ from one matter to another. If you are unsure what is being requested or cannot provide a particular document, please let us know so we can discuss the next steps.

What if a company or trust is involved?

Where a company or trust is involved, we may need to identify the people who ultimately own or control the structure, as well as those authorised to give instructions. This may involve reviewing company records, trust documents or evidence of authority.

You do not need to work out every legal classification yourself. Let us know about the entities and people involved, and we can explain what further information is needed.

Why might you ask where the money came from?

We may need to understand the source of funds for a transaction. This means how the money was obtained, such as through earnings, a property sale, a gift or an inheritance. The information or evidence required depends on the circumstances.

You do not need to send financial records unnecessarily. Please provide the information requested for your matter and ask us if anything is unclear. If a request for identification or financial information is unexpected, contact us using details you already trust before providing it.

Can you use the checks completed by my bank?

Your bank, real estate agent and lawyer may each have their own obligations. A check completed for one organisation does not automatically complete the process for another. Bolck Law carries out its own required checks, so we may still need information even if you have recently provided it elsewhere.

How do we help minimise inconvenience?

We aim to explain what is needed for your particular matter and why, so you can gather the relevant information as early as possible. If your circumstances are more complex, or a document is difficult to locate, please talk to us rather than guessing or leaving the issue until settlement.

Providing details early, using the names shown on your documents and letting us know if the parties or funding arrangements change can all help avoid delays.

If you have any questions about the checks required for your matter, please contact Bolck Law. We would be happy to guide you through the process.

General information current at 10 November 2026. It is not a substitute for advice about your circumstances.