Is Your Venue AML/CTF Audit-Ready? Here’s What AUSTRAC Expects in 2025
It’s no longer a question of “if” your club or venue will be audited, but when.
AUSTRAC has ramped up its investigations across the hospitality and gaming sectors, and recent high-profile cases have made it clear: compliance gaps will be found and penalties will follow.
At Safety Mates Australia, we know how overwhelming AML/CTF compliance can feel, especially for venues juggling operations, staffing and patron experience. But the truth is, compliance doesn’t have to be scary or hard. With the right tools and processes in place, your venue can stay ahead of AUSTRAC’s expectations and avoid ending up in the headlines.
Let’s break it down.
What AUSTRAC Expects in 2025
1. A Documented AML/CTF Program
This must outline how your venue:
- Identifies and verifies patrons (KYC)
- Manages large cash transactions
- Monitors for suspicious behaviour
- Escalates red flags
And importantly, it needs to be venue-specific, regularly reviewed and accessible to staff who need it.
2. A Site-Specific Risk Assessment
AUSTRAC is no longer accepting cookie-cutter documents. Your risk assessment should:
- Reflect the layout and cashflow of your venue
- Consider local crime and patron risks
- Identify how your controls reduce those risks
This is often the first thing AUSTRAC asks for and the first thing they flag when it’s missing!
3. Proof of Staff Training (that isn’t a dusty binder)
Staff at all levels need to know:
- What money laundering looks like
- How to report suspicious activity
- What their legal obligations are
If your only training is a signed sheet from two years ago, you might be in trouble.
4. Clear and Accessible Record-keeping
You must be able to show:
- Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs)
- Identification checks (including PEPs and source of funds)
- Records of large cash transactions
- Version-controlled AML/CTF documents
Bonus points for doing this digitally - no more chasing forms or folders when AUSTRAC shows up.
What we're seeing in the industry
Venue managers we’ve spoken with are stretched. They’re running operations, managing rosters, dealing with patrons and now expected to interpret complex legislation and run surveillance programs. One venue manager told us,
“We’re not police. We’re not the CIA. We’re just trying to serve drinks and run a safe venue."
That’s where ComplianceTrackr comes in.
How ComplianceTrackr Keeps You Audit-Ready
ComplianceTrackr is your digital compliance toolkit purpose-built for hospitality venues. It gives your team:
Real-time access to your AML/CTF Program
No more hunting for the latest version.
Role-specific training modules
From board members to bar staff - everyone gets what they need, in a way they’ll remember.
In-app Suspicious Matter Reporting
Log, escalate and store records securely with audit trails to prove it.
Digital KYC & Transaction Logs
No more paper forms and no more gaps.
Role-based recordkeeping and alerts
Each team member sees what they need - nothing more and nothing less.
What You Can Do Next
We’ve made it easy for venues to start, whether you’re confident in your current program or feeling a bit behind.
- Read the Guide
Get the practical breakdown of what AUSTRAC expects and what good compliance looks like in 2025.
AML/CTF Quick Guide PDF- click here
- Book an AML/CTF Health Check (Paid service)
A short, structured consultation with our compliance team and tailored to your venue’s risk level and readiness (click below to book).
Book Your Health Check Now
You will receive the Quick-Start Kit instantly upon booking
- Access our AML/CTF Toolkit (once you have booked a Health Check)
Includes:
- Sample risk assessment template
- Suspicious matter reporting forms
- Board and staff training guides
- Our “AML/CTF Compliance Quick-Start Kit”
Final Thoughts
AUSTRAC isn’t asking you to be perfect, but they are expecting you to be prepared. With the right support and systems, you can meet your obligations, protect your venue and focus on what you do best: running a great hospitality experience.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ll help you get there.
Simplify compliance and stay audit-ready. Book a Health Check today with ComplianceTrackr.
