The Government has released a new National Strategy for New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system, designed to protect communities, strengthen law enforcement, and make compliance simpler and more targeted for businesses.
Read the announcement(external link) by the Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Nicole McKee
Developed in consultation with industry, delivering the Strategy’s vision and four-year work programme will make it easy to do business and hard to commit crime for profit in New Zealand. The Strategy works alongside the planned amendments announced by the Government to the AML/CFT Act and regulations to make the system more risk-based, effective and efficient for businesses and individuals.
The work programme will commence from 1 July 2026 with an action plan to introduce greater flexibility through risk-based compliance. This new approach will be supported by the transition to a single supervisor, delivering more comprehensive and responsive guidance for businesses and an updated code of practice. Improved intelligence and enforcement will also be introduced to detect and deter illicit finance, enhancing New Zealand’s international reputation as a safe place to do business.
Subject to final legislative approval, one of the first actions from the National Strategy is the transition of all AML supervision to the Department of Internal Affairs. This will provide more consistency and clarity, and better guidance for businesses.
AML/CFT National Strategy 2026–2030 and Work Programme
More information on AML/CFT reforms and legislative changes
Anti-money laundering law change provides immediate relief for businesses(external link)
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