AUSTRAC Compliance Report 2025

AUSTRAC Compliance Report for the Calendar Year 2025 is now due, to be lodged latest by 31 March 2026. We compare the 2025 report template with the previous one.

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The AML/CTF regulations require Reporting Entities (REs) to annually lodge a Compliance Report with AUSTRAC for a completed calendar year (to be lodged by 31 March of the following year).

AUSTRAC has released the 2025 Compliance Report template. This will be the last report under the existing AML/CTF regulations before the reforms come into effect in the next few months. The next edition of the Compliance Report will, more than likely, be different.

Back to the 2025 report - we compared the 2025 report template with the 2024 report template. Overall, there is no significant difference between the two templates. Nonetheless, there are a few small incremental changes in the 2025 report template which are useful to note. These include:

• The question regarding when a reporting entity last approved its AML/CTF program has now been structured using specific time bands — 'within the past 12 months; within the previous 2 years; within the previous 3 years; more than 3 years ago; and not approved'. Earlier, this question was open-ended and did not refer to specific time bands. This change can be correlated with the updated requirement which will come into effect, that an AML/CTF program be reviewed at least once every three years.

• A similar restructuring has been made to the question relating to when Part A of the AML/CTF program was last independently reviewed, which then can be correlated with the three-year review requirement under the updated regulations.

• AUSTRAC undertook a range of training and awareness sessions during the year for both Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 entities. The 2025 compliance report seeks feedback from the REs on these efforts.

• In addition, during the year 2025, AUSTRAC issued a substantial volume of guidance material relating to the upcoming reforms and changes in obligations. A new question has been introduced seeking feedback on a reporting entity’s current understanding of the AML/CTF updates coming into effect this year.

 

Failure to lodge Compliance Report | AUSTRAC has taken several enforcement actions over the last few years against the Reporting Entities that failed to lodge Compliance Reports. Needless to say, the Compliance Report is a critical obligation and in the event of a RE's failure to complete the report, it is more than likely to face enforcement action.

 Resources -

From our blogs library:

Know more about Compliance Reports generally; and the 2024 Report – click here.

Regulatory references:

AUSTRAC Compliance Report 2025 – click here.

AUSTRAC enforcement actions - click here and here.

13 January 2026

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Compliense Advisors is an AML/CTF and FinCrime compliance and risk management advisory firm.

Our experience includes implementing legislative changes; undertaking ML/TF risk assessment; setting up, implementing, uplifting AML/CTF program; and advising on AML/CTF and FinCrime compliance and risk matters.

The article above is for general awareness and informational purposes only. Please carefully evaluate your circumstances, and seek professional advice for your specific needs. You are responsible for your compliance obligations, and for any action taken or omitted. We are not a law firm, and do not provide legal advice.

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