meta_id 3288073

On July 1, 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) released a comprehensive suite of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) guidance as it assumed responsibility as New Zealand's sole AML/CFT regulator. The release comprises 23 pieces of new and updated guidance material, representing one of the largest AML/CFT resource releases in recent years. Caroline BridglandHill, DIA Acting Director for AML/CFT, said the release demonstrates the Department's commitment to supporting reporting entities. The consolidation of AML/CFT supervision under a single agency aims to provide greater consistency, clearer expectations, and a more streamlined regulatory experience for regulated entities. The guidance covers compliance obligations across multiple areas, including risk assessment, customer due diligence for various entity types (beneficial ownership, companies, trusts, limited partnerships), designated business groups, wire transfers, and prescribed transaction reporting. Additional materials include a guide to complying with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, a reporting entity quick start guide, and audit guidance for risk assessment and AML/CFT programmes. The guidance also addresses specific sectors, including clubs and societies, cooperatives, sole traders, and partnerships, alongside materials on outsourcing customer due diligence requirements and reliance on other reporting entities. The DIA will continue publishing further AML/CFT guidance in the coming months and plans to support implementation through webinars, industry outreach, and targeted engagement with reporting entities. All guidance materials are available on the DIA website.