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September 29, 20268 min read

Affordable Tranche 2 AML Software for Small Businesses

Small businesses do not need a bank AML stack to meet Tranche 2 customer due diligence. They need a check they can afford in a quiet month.

Quick answer

For most Australian small businesses entering Tranche 2, the affordable path is pay-as-you-go AML/CDD software with no monthly platform fee. FreeAML charges from $15 per KYC and $35 per KYB, so you only pay when you verify a client.

Why cheap AML software searches are right to be sceptical

Enterprise AML platforms quote on application, ask for volume commitments, and take a long time to onboard. Subscription tools can look tidy until a quiet month still costs $179–$999 in seats — plus per-check fees. Affordable Tranche 2 software should optimise for variable volume, not bank throughput.

What small businesses actually need

Tranche 2 pulls in real estate agencies, accounting practices, law firms, conveyancers, jewellers, motor dealers, and similar designated services. Most of them need:

  1. Identity verification for people and companies
  2. Screening aligned to CDD
  3. Evidence for the customer file
  4. A written risk-based program (software supports it; it does not replace it)
  5. Pricing that survives a slow month

They usually do not need real-time transaction monitoring built for banks. Read the sector duties on /tranche-2 and the market comparison in Best AML software Australia.

Cost model comparison

ModelQuiet monthBusy monthBest when
Pay-as-you-go (FreeAML)≈ $0 platform + checks you usedScales with volumeMost SMBs
Subscription + checksHigh floorFloor plus usageStable high volume and seat workflows
Enterprise quoteHighestHighestBanks and large programs

Example monthly maths (illustrative)

FreeAML list prices only. Staff time is extra.

ChecksFreeAML software cost
5 × KYC$75
10 × KYC + 2 × KYB$220
20 × KYC + 5 × KYB$475

You can pass the check cost to the client with FreeAML's client-pays option. Confirm the current figures on /pricing.

Feature checklist for affordable but usable CDD

  • Remote completion on a mobile phone
  • Clear Australian positioning (Tranche 2 and AUSTRAC enrolment context)
  • Outcomes you can export onto the customer file
  • No multi-year lock-in
  • Transparent list pricing

Implementation in one afternoon

  1. Skim your draft AML program and risk assessment.
  2. Decide who pays for checks (the firm or the client).
  3. Run a pilot check on /aml-check.
  4. File the outcome with a risk-rating note.
  5. Tell staff how to escalate anything that looks wrong.

Sector walkthroughs: accountants and lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

See small-business pricing

No monthly platform fee. Pay when you verify a client.

View pricing

Questions: team@freeaml.com.au