Industry
November 24, 2025
AUSTRAC Asks Reporting Entities to Check FATF Updates
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) notified entities under its purview to familiarize themselves with the new Financial Action Task Force (FATF) updates. FATF Published Financial Crime Updates In its official announcement, AUSTRAC informed reporting entities that FATF has published 2 updates related to international financial crime, such as money laundering, terrorism financing, […]
Industry
November 19, 2025
AUSTRAC Warns Payment Providers over Child Abuse Payments
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) announced that it has warned online payment providers over recent suspicions of payments for child sexual exploitation. The body has therefore asked payment companies to tighten their controls and remain vigilant. AUSTRAC Identified Risky Payments In a letter to the online payment platforms sector, the AUSTRAC explained […]
Blockchain
October 31, 2025
AUSTRAC Penalizes Cryptolink for AML/CTF Failings
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) announced that it has penalized crypto payments firm Cryptolink over certain anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing shortcomings. In addition to that, Cryptolink was required to onboard a third-party auditor to ensure its compliance. The Penalty Seeks Assurance That Cryptolink Will Raise Its Standards In its official announcement, […]
Industry
August 12, 2025
Entain Prepared for Potential AUSTRAC Penalties
Entain, a global leader in sports betting and gaming, announced its interim results for H1, which ended 30 June 2025, revealing that a recent reorganization has helped it innovate better and is also prepared for potential penalties from Australia’s financial crime watchdog AUSTRAC. Entain Officials Talk About AUSTRAC Legal Issues During the earnings call, Entain […]
Casino
May 30, 2025
AUSTRAC Orders Two Casinos to Appoint External AML/CTF Auditors
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has asked two casinos to appoint external auditors to address potential anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) shortcomings. AUSTRAC Identified Potential Deficiencies In its official announcement, the AUSTRAC said that it has instructed The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin to […]
Industry
April 29, 2025
AUSTRAC to Axe Inactive Digital Currency Exchange Firms
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has asked inactive digital currency exchange (DCE) firms to withdraw their registrations or risk having them canceled. This “Use it or Lose it” campaign would also affect crypto ATM providers, according to the AUSTRAC’s official announcement. AUSTRAC Identified Many Inactive DCEs For context, all DCEs must be […]
Industry
March 31, 2025
AUSTRAC Updates Tip-Off Policies to Enhance Operator Accountability
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has revealed substantial policy changes regarding the criminal offense of “tipping off” as it seeks to enhance industry-wide anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) practices. The changes, coming into effect on 31 March 2025, are designed to deter criminals from concealing their illegal activities. The Updates Are […]
Industry
March 13, 2025
AUSTRAC CEO: Gambling Industry Should Help Combat Crime
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), a regulatory body responsible for financial crime, vowed to continue its intense oversight of the gaming sector. During a recent keynote address, its chief executive officer announced that penalties await any violators. AUSTRAC Says Violators Shouldn’t Expect Leniency NEXT.io reported that CEO Brendan Thomas’ address was delivered […]
Industry
May 17, 2024
AUSTRAC and SkyCity Adelaide Agree to $67M Penalty Proposal
Gaming and entertainment company that provides sports, amusement, and recreation services, SkyCity Adelaide Pty Ltd (SkyCity), and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) have filed joint submissions with the Federal Court of Australia. Their proposed AU$67 million penalty mentioned in the joint submissions was deemed appropriate in the context of the casino’s contravention of […]
Legal
March 7, 2024
AUSTRAC Launches AML Probe into Bet365’s Hillside Brand
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) announced that it has commenced an enforcement investigation into bet365’s local brand Hillside. According to the watchdog, the gambling operator may have failed to comply with the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act). The AUSTRAC noted that this investigation follows a supervisory campaign […]
