---
title: Client Identity Verification | Verity Advisory
description: How Verity Advisory verifies client identity and meets anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.
---

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Client identity checks | AML/CTF

# Identity verification when it is needed

For certain professional services, we may need to confirm your identity and understand who owns or controls an entity. Here is why we may ask, what the process involves and how existing clients are treated.

Requirements depend on the services provided and your circumstances.

At a glance

## What this means for you

Identity checks are part of Australia's risk-based anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework. They are not an indication of wrongdoing.

01Only certain services are regulatedThe rules apply to designated services, which may include helping to create or restructure entities or directly advancing certain transactions. A routine tax return is not automatically covered.

02Longstanding clients have transitional rulesSome existing clients qualify for pre-commencement treatment. We may still need to review or update information, and initial checks can become necessary in specific circumstances.

03Checks depend on the circumstancesThe information and verification method depend on the service, customer and assessed risk. Not every client needs the same documents, biometric check or follow-up questions.

## When do AML/CTF checks apply?

From 1 July 2026, Australia's expanded AML/CTF requirements apply to specified professional *designated services*. Whether a service is covered depends on the work actually performed, not simply on whether the provider is an accountant, tax agent or financial adviser.

Depending on the circumstances, designated services can include assisting in planning or executing certain transactions involving property, companies or trusts, financing a company or legal arrangement, and creating or restructuring companies or trusts. Some sufficiently detailed planning or advice activities can themselves be covered, even before documents are signed. The precise scope and any available exclusions need to be assessed.

Preparing a routine tax return, BAS or bookkeeping records does not, on its own, generally constitute one of the newly regulated professional designated services. An engagement involving additional activities may be different. We consider the requirements in light of the particular services requested.

AUSTRAC explains the scope in its [professional designated services guidance](https://www.austrac.gov.au/new-austrac/designated-services-newly-regulated-entities/professional-designated-services).

## Why might Verity ask for information?

Where customer due diligence is required, we may need to establish who you are, understand the nature and purpose of the engagement, identify relevant people who own or control an entity and assess the financial-crime risks associated with the service. Additional information may be necessary in some circumstances.

A request for identity documents is a normal compliance measure; it does not mean we suspect you of wrongdoing.

## How a verification request may work

We will explain what information is needed for your engagement and how to provide it. The method can vary; an electronic ID check is not the only possible approach.

1. Step 1
   
   We explain the requirement
   
   We determine what is needed for the service and tell you which identity or entity documents to provide and how to send them securely.
2. Step 2
   
   You confirm the relevant details
   
   Depending on the circumstances, we may ask for identification documents, electronic verification, information about an entity or another appropriate verification method.
3. Step 3
   
   We assess the information
   
   We check relevant details and may request clarification, ownership documents or source-of-funds information where required. If a required check cannot be completed, we will explain the next steps for the affected service.

## Existing clients and new engagements

Clients who received a relevant designated service before 1 July 2026 may qualify for transitional treatment under AUSTRAC's pre-commencement customer rules. This does not mean all existing clients must repeat identification checks immediately, or that no further checks will ever be needed. We will assess the applicable requirements for your engagement and contact you if information must be updated or verified.

## Why might we ask extra questions?

Customer due diligence is risk-based. Depending on the customer, service or transaction, we may need information about beneficial owners, the purpose of an arrangement, source of funds or changes to an existing structure. A request for further information does not necessarily indicate concern about the client.

For companies and trusts, we may need to identify relevant controlling persons and obtain or verify supporting information. The documents required depend on the legal arrangement and available reliable sources.

See AUSTRAC's [customer due diligence guidance](https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/obligations-and-guidance/your-amlctf-program/customer-due-diligence/overview-customer-due-diligence) for further information.

Ongoing due diligence

## What happens after the initial checks?

Where AML/CTF obligations apply, a reporting entity must maintain an appropriate, risk-based compliance approach. The particular checks depend on its obligations, the service and the circumstances.

Keeping details currentWe may request updated customer or ownership information when circumstances change or a review identifies a need.

Reviewing relevant activityCertain services can require transaction monitoring and further enquiry based on the assessed risk and available information.

Responding to information requestsWe may need supporting documents or an explanation of an arrangement to complete applicable due diligence.

## Common questions about identity checks

Does a request for identification mean there is a problem?

No. Identity and customer due diligence checks are routine legal obligations for certain designated services. We will explain why we are requesting information and how to provide it.

Does every tax return client need an AML/CTF check?

Not solely because we prepare a routine tax return. The AML/CTF rules apply to particular designated services. If an engagement includes other activities, such as certain entity-creation or transaction services, checks may be required.

I've been a client for years. Will I need to provide ID again?

Not necessarily. AUSTRAC's pre-commencement customer arrangements can apply to qualifying existing customers, although further verification may be required where specified circumstances arise. We will assess your position and let you know when any further information is necessary.

Will I have to take a selfie or use biometric verification?

Not automatically. The method of identification and verification depends on the requirements and your circumstances. We will advise you of the available process for your engagement.

What documents might be requested?

Depending on the circumstances, we may ask for photo identification and information about your address, an entity's directors or beneficial owners, or documents establishing a trust or other arrangement. We will tell you specifically what is needed.

What if I have several companies or trusts?

We may need to understand each relevant legal entity or arrangement and who owns or controls it. Existing reliable information may help, but checks depend on the applicable requirements rather than a fixed one-check-per-person rule.

What if I cannot locate my trust deed?

Tell us early. We may need sufficient reliable information to establish the trust and its relevant parties before providing a designated service. Options for replacing or establishing the terms of a missing deed require appropriate legal advice; a court application or restructuring is not automatically necessary.

Could we be unable to proceed without verification?

Possibly. If required customer due diligence cannot be completed, the law may limit whether we can start or continue a particular designated service. We will explain what information is needed and the practical next steps we can discuss.

Will my information be reported to AUSTRAC?

Reporting entities have legal reporting obligations in specified circumstances. That does not mean every client's identity documents or ordinary accounting transactions are automatically reported to AUSTRAC. Some reports and associated information are subject to statutory confidentiality restrictions.

Can Verity tell me about a suspicious matter report?

Restrictions apply to disclosures about suspicious matter reporting, including where a disclosure would or could reasonably be expected to prejudice an investigation. We comply with the applicable restrictions and cannot promise to discuss every detail of a report or compliance matter.

How will my documents be handled?

We will explain how to submit documents securely and handle personal information in accordance with our privacy obligations and the applicable retention requirements. Please do not send identity documents through an ordinary website enquiry form.

## Privacy and secure information sharing

Identity and entity documents can contain sensitive personal information. If we ask you to provide these documents, we will explain the appropriate secure submission method. Please do not attach passports, driver licences or trust deeds to a general website enquiry.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and AML/CTF record-keeping requirements. See our [Privacy Policy](http://www.verityadvisory.com.au/privacy-policy/?hsLang=en-au). The identity-verification provider, processing location and retention arrangements should also be confirmed in the relevant collection notice or engagement information.

## Further information

For authoritative guidance, see [AUSTRAC's AML/CTF reforms information](https://www.austrac.gov.au/new-austrac).

## Have a question about identity verification?

If we have requested information from you, or you want to understand whether these requirements affect your engagement, please contact Verity using your usual channel.

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