AML/CTF has introduced a whole new compliance responsibility for buyers agents — and the biggest risk may be assuming you’ve got it covered when you haven’t.
In this episode of Buyers Agent Mastery, Bryce Holdaway and Veronica Morgan sit down with AML specialist John Nguyen to unpack what the new rules actually mean for buyers agents.
John breaks down when clients need to be screened, who needs AML training, how to handle high-risk clients and suspicious matter reports, and why trusts, companies and SMSFs can make the process far more complicated than simply checking an ID.
You’ll also hear where buyers agencies are most likely to get caught out: relying on generic screening software, missing people who need to be screened, navigating vendor due diligence, and assuming another professional’s checks remove your liability.
John also walks through the time and complexity involved in managing AML yourself — and why getting the process right matters when the penalties for non-compliance can be significant.
Episode Highlights
01:04 - What Tranche 2 Means for Buyers Agents
03:19 - Why AML Compliance Is So Difficult
07:58 - Navigating AML’s Grey Areas
10:56 - The Problem With AUSTRAC’s Starter Kit
12:23 - The Deadlines Have Passed. What Now?
14:35 - KYC, High-Risk Clients and SMRs
18:43 - How Money Laundering Shows Up in Property
21:10 - Why the Penalties Feel Disproportionate
23:53 - Reporting Suspicious Activity Without Fear
24:42 - The Biggest AML Compliance Gaps
25:09 - Who in Your Team Needs AML Training?
26:21 - Screening Trusts, Companies and SMSFs
29:47 - When Do You Need to Screen a Client?
30:28 - AML Rules for Auction-Only Services
31:01 - The Challenge of Screening Vendors
34:48 - The DIY AML Process, Step by Step
39:22 - How Done-for-You Compliance Scales
41:12 - The Buyers Agent Mastery AML Partnership
43:16 - Final Takeaways: Compliance Isn’t Going Away
About the Guest
John Nguyen is the founder of AML Partners, an Australian AML/CTF compliance provider working with real estate agencies, buyers agents and conveyancers.
John brings more than 10 years of financial crime experience across major banks including CBA, Westpac and ANZ, along with audit experience at Ernst & Young.
After seeing the challenges even major financial institutions faced in implementing AML compliance correctly, John and his team developed a technology and service-based approach designed to make compliance more practical for smaller businesses, including buyers agencies.
In this episode, John brings that experience directly into the buyers agent workflow, explaining the practical obligations agencies now face and some of the common gaps that can leave businesses exposed.
Connect with John
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➡️Visit our website
➡️Know more about AML Partners
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