A plain-English comparison of the main AML/CTF compliance tools available to Australian conveyancers in 2026 — including what each one covers and who it suits.
As AUSTRAC Tranche 2 comes into force, a range of tools and services have emerged to help conveyancers comply. Here is an honest assessment of the main options — their strengths, limitations and cost.
Disclosure: This comparison is written by the team behind SimpleAML. We've tried to be objective, but you should do your own research. Links to all tools mentioned are provided so you can evaluate them yourself.
Cost: Free
What it is: AUSTRAC has published a Conveyancing Program Starter Kit with template documents for your AML/CTF Program (Parts A and B) and a risk assessment template. Available at austrac.gov.au.
Strengths: Official, authoritative, covers the core requirements, free.
Limitations: Templates only — no app, no matter register, no CDD forms, no way to track staff vetting or training records. You will need to build your own system for ongoing compliance record-keeping. Good as a starting point for building your program documents, but not sufficient on its own for ongoing operations.
Cost: Free
What it is: A browser-based compliance app built specifically for small Australian conveyancing practices. Covers practice setup, staff vetting, training records, risk assessment, program documentation and a full matter register with CDD forms for all matter types (purchase, sale, transfer, auction).
Strengths: Free and purpose-built for conveyancers. Handles the full compliance workflow — not just document templates. CDD forms understand conveyancing-specific rules (e.g. the auction 28-day rule). All data stored locally in your browser — no server, no subscription, no data sharing. Also provides free Word templates.
Limitations: Browser-based only (not a native app). No multi-user or cloud sync — suitable for single-practitioner or small practices where one person manages compliance. Not designed for high-volume practices or firms needing enterprise features.
Best for: Sole practitioners and small practices (1–15 staff) who want a structured, guided compliance tool without any cost.
Cost: Typically $1,000–$10,000+ per year depending on features and volume
What they are: Enterprise-grade AML compliance platforms originally built for financial services, now being adapted for Tranche 2 sectors. Examples include platforms from providers such as Salv, ACAMS, and various Australian legal technology vendors entering the space.
Strengths: Feature-rich, cloud-based, often include automated CDD, DVS integrations, PEP/sanctions databases, and multi-user support. Suitable for larger firms with high transaction volumes.
Limitations: Expensive — often prohibitively so for a sole practitioner or 2–3 person practice. Frequently over-engineered for the simple use case most conveyancers face. Sales processes can be slow and onboarding complex.
Best for: Larger practices (15+ staff), multi-office groups, or practices with high-risk client profiles requiring enterprise-level controls.
Cost: Varies — often bundled into existing PMS pricing or as an add-on
What they are: Some conveyancing practice management software vendors (such as PEXA, InfoTrack, and similar) are building AML/CTF modules into their existing platforms.
Strengths: Integration with existing workflow tools you already use. No new system to learn if you're already on the platform.
Limitations: As of early 2026, most of these modules are still in development or early release. Coverage of compliance requirements varies. Check carefully whether the module covers your full obligations — CDD records, program documentation, staff vetting and risk assessment — or just parts of it.
Best for: Practices already on a PMS that offers a mature AML module — but verify the scope before relying on it for compliance.
Cost: Free (your time)
What it is: Building your own CDD register, staff vetting log and program documents in Excel or Word.
Strengths: Flexible, no software cost, you control the format.
Limitations: High risk of gaps, inconsistencies and missing records. Difficult to maintain consistently across many matters. If AUSTRAC audits you, a patchwork of spreadsheets is harder to defend than a structured system. Most practices underestimate how much ongoing effort this takes.
Best for: Only recommended if combined with robust manual processes and regular internal review. Most practices are better served by a dedicated tool.
For the vast majority of sole practitioners and small conveyancing practices (under 15 staff), the right answer is: start with SimpleAML and the AUSTRAC Starter Kit together. Use the official AUSTRAC templates to build your program documents, and use SimpleAML to record everything, manage ongoing CDD, track staff and training, and maintain your matter register.
This combination covers all your obligations at zero cost. If your practice grows, transaction volumes increase significantly, or your risk profile becomes more complex, revisit the paid options.
SimpleAML walks you through every step — practice profile, staff vetting, training, risk assessment, program and AUSTRAC enrolment. Browser-based, no account required.
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