AML Customer Risk Assessment Questionnaire
A questionnaire is how you learn the story. The identity check is how you evidence the person. You need both on the file.
Quick answer
A short questionnaire captures purpose, source of funds, intermediaries, and PEP links. Then you verify identity and rate the risk. FreeAML handles the verification step.
Core questions
- What is the purpose of this matter?
- What is the source of funds or wealth, in plain English?
- Is any third party instructing you?
- Are any countries involved beyond Australia?
- Is there a politically exposed person association?
- Has anyone asked for unusual urgency or secrecy?
Store the answers with the CDD outcome from /aml-check. The rating headings live on the template and the quick-start guide.
Why each question is there
| Question | What you are listening for |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Does the service match what you actually offer? |
| Source of funds | A coherent story, not a shrug |
| Third parties | Someone else directing the matter |
| Countries | Links you would treat as higher risk in your program |
| PEP | A reason to slow down and escalate |
| Urgency or secrecy | Pressure to skip the file |
How to ask without sounding like a bank
Tell the client this is a standard customer due diligence step for Australian AML/CTF rules, that it applies because of the service you are providing, and that the answers sit with the identity check. The scripts in How to talk about AML with clients are a useful companion.
Sector tweaks
- Real estate: who is the buyer and seller, and is anyone else funding the deposit?
- Accountants: is this tax compliance only, or entity formation, trust admin, or company services?
- Lawyers and conveyancers: whose money hits the trust account, and who benefits if it is not the named client?
What to do with the answers
- Write them down. A phone call you remember is not a record.
- Run KYC or KYB and attach the outcome.
- Rate low, medium, or high using your template.
- If a high-risk answer appears, escalate before you provide the service.
📚 Related Resources
Free KYC Check →
Verify customer identity in 60 seconds. Government ID + AML screening.
Free AML Program →
Board-ready AML/CTF Program template. All 10 AUSTRAC sections included.
Risk Assessment Generator →
AI-powered ML/TF risk assessment. 20-page compliant report in 5 minutes.
Free AML Training →
Online courses for staff. CPD-certified certificates included.
AUSTRAC Reporting Tools →
File SMRs, TTRs, IFTIs directly to AUSTRAC. Pre-filled forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pair the answers with a check
Send a FreeAML verification and store it beside the questionnaire.
Start an AML checkQuestions: team@freeaml.com.au