New Zealanders are warned of scam text messages currently circulating that claim to be from the Ministry of Justice about overdue traffic fines. The Ministry does not include any links in our texts. Read more about Texts from Ministry of Justice
With the passing of the AML/CFT (Supervisor, Levy, and Other Matters) Amendment Bill into law, AML supervision will move from three supervising agencies to a single supervisor, the Department of Internal Affairs.
On 1 July 2026, the DIA will take over as the single supervisor (regulator) for AML compliance. DIA is working with the FMA and RBNZ to ensure a co-ordinated and seamless transition and minimal disruption for businesses. DIA’s experience in intelligence led investigations and supervising casinos, money remitters and other high-risk sectors, will ensure high standards are maintained when it becomes the single AML regulator.
The move to a single regulator will make it easier to take an industry wide perspective and risk-based approach, so resources can be targeted appropriate to risk profiles. Businesses will benefit from improved guidance, stronger, more targeted enforcement, and reduced complexity where the risk is low. Over time, businesses will see faster decisions, better access to expertise and more proactive engagement.
Working with others to reduce your anti-money laundering compliance costs
The Ministry of Justice has published general guidance to businesses to reduce their compliance costs. There is more information at:
If businesses notice things that are potential signs of money laundering or financing of terrorism, they need to report that information to Police. There is more information at:
The Minister of Justice can decide to grant an exemption from coverage by the AML/CFT Act under certain circumstances. For example, if a business faces low money laundering risks it may not be required to meet some or all of the usual requirements. There is more information at:
The Ministry of Justice has also published “point of sale” resources which are available for businesses to put on display and use to provide information to customers about money laundering and financing of terrorism.