29 September 2026

Kia ora,

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us over recent months, including through the annual reporting process. We know there is a lot happening across the AML/CFT system, and we appreciate the time and effort reporting entities continue to put into meeting their obligations and engaging with us. 

I’m pleased to share that Antonia Reid will join us next month as our permanent AML/CFT Director, bringing experience from MBIE. Antonia will introduce herself in due course and we look forward to welcoming her to the AML/CFT Group.

In this edition of In the Know, we highlight the recently published Accounting Sector Risk Assessment, look ahead to the 2026 FIU/ACAMS AML/CFT Conference, and share some recent updates from the Ministry of Justice. 

Thank you again for your continued engagement and for the important role you play in helping protect New Zealand from financial crime. 

Ngā mihi nui, 
Caroline BridglandHill
Acting Director, AML/CFT

Thank you for completing your annual reporting

With another reporting year complete, we’d like to thank reporting entities for the time and effort that went into completing their annual reports. 

Annual reporting provides valuable information about how New Zealand’s AML/CFT system is operating across sectors. The information helps us understand reporting trends and identify opportunities for future guidance, supervision and engagement. 
 

Ensure your details are up to date 

We also want to remind reporting entities to keep their details up to date. If your business has ceased trading or is no longer providing captured activities, or your Compliance Officer details have changed, please let us know so we can keep our records current and ensure important AML/CFT information reaches the right people.

Accounting Sector Risk Assessment 2026

Earlier this month, we published the Accounting Sector Risk Assessment 2026 (SRA). 

The SRA identifies money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing risks relevant to the accounting sector. It provides insight into the methods, products, services and vulnerabilities that may expose accounting practices to misuse. 

Reporting entities should consider the findings alongside their own business risk assessment and AML/CFT programme. 

We’re hosting a webinar on Wednesday 30 September to discuss the SRA’s key findings and give attendees an opportunity to ask questions. 

Coming up: 2026 FIU/ACAMS AML/CFT Conference 

The 2026 FIU/ACAMS AML/CFT Conference will take place from 3–5 November at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

This year’s conference will bring together people from across the AML/CFT system to explore the theme “From Intelligence to Impact: Turning Financial Data into Disruption”, with sessions covering emerging challenges, practical insights and approaches to disrupting financial crime. 

The conference will also include a new DIA Supervisor Workshop, providing an opportunity to hear more about the role of the single AML/CFT supervisor and engage with DIA on supervisory priorities. There will also be an inaugural Case Study Symposium on 3 November, presented by New Zealand Police specialists. 

We look forward to connecting with reporting entities and other AML/CFT stakeholders at the conference.

Updates from the Ministry of Justice 

There’s a lot happening across the AML/CFT legislative and regulatory landscape. We’ve been working alongside the Ministry of Justice to help keep reporting entities informed about what’s changing and make sure you have opportunities to have your say on key proposed changes. 

Here are some recent updates to be aware of. 

Consultation on infringement fee levels 

The Ministry of Justice is seeking feedback on proposed fee levels for infringement offences under the future AML/CFT infringement scheme. 

The consultation is an opportunity for reporting entities and other interested parties to provide feedback on whether the proposed fees are fair and proportionate. 

Consultation closes Friday 16 October 2026.

Read the full discussion document and have your say

AML/CFT levy regulations approved 

The final AML/CFT Levy Regulations have been approved and published. The regulations set out the sectors and levy rates that will apply under the new AML/CFT funding model. 

Further information about the levy, including what it means for reporting entities, is available on the DIA website. 

Class Exemptions Review completed 

The Ministry of Justice has completed its review of the AML/CFT Class Exemptions Notice. 

Ten class exemptions have been renewed, while five will expire on 31 December 2026. The Ministry will continue working with affected reporting entities as these changes take effect. 

The Ministry intends to consult affected users of the class exemptions expiring in 2027 before the end of 2026. 

For more information visit the Ministry’s website.