AML Risk Assessment Template (Australia)
You can copy these headings into your matter file today. The value is in the rationale you write, not in a branded PDF.
Quick answer
Use a one-page template with client profile, service risk, screening outcomes, a low / medium / high rating, a decision, and a review date. Pair it with verified CDD via FreeAML.
Template sections
- Client identifiers — legal name, and ABN/ACN if it is a company
- Purpose of the engagement — sale, lease, trust admin, entity setup, or something else
- Delivery channel and geography — in person, remote, intermediary, and countries involved
- Ownership and beneficial owners for entities
- Screening results from the CDD check
- Risk rating plus a one-paragraph rationale
- Approver and the next review date
The long-form walkthrough, including a rating table, is the AML risk assessment quick-start. The questions to ask the client are on the questionnaire.
What to write in each section
| Section | Write this | Leave it blank and you will regret |
|---|---|---|
| Identifiers | The name on the ID or the register, not a nickname | A trading name with no legal entity |
| Purpose | Why they hired you, in their words | “Property” with no buyer/seller role |
| Channel | How you met them and who introduced them | Assuming face-to-face because you spoke once |
| Ownership | Anyone at or above the threshold your program uses | Stopping at the company name |
| Screening | Clear, match, or needs review — and the date | “Looks fine” with no check attached |
| Rating | Low, medium, or high, plus why | Low on every file |
| Review | A date or a trigger (new owner, new country, new purpose) | “N/A” |
A filled example (illustrative)
A local buyer, Australian driver licence verified, funds coming from the sale of their current home, no intermediary, screening clear: low, standard CDD, review if a third party is added to the contract. A company buyer with an overseas shareholder and a rushed settlement: high until beneficial owners are identified and the source of funds is coherent. These are worked examples, not a scoring algorithm.
Firm-wide page versus customer page
Keep a separate one-pager for the practice: which designated services you offer, typical customers, countries, channels, and controls. The customer template above is per matter. Generate a starting firm assessment at /risk-assessment, and keep program documents with /compliance-docs.
After the template
- Run the identity check on /aml-check
- Attach the outcome to the same file as the rating
- Escalate high ratings before you provide the service
- Update the page if the facts change
📚 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
Generate a firm risk assessment
Then use the customer template on each matter and attach a CDD check.
Open risk assessmentQuestions: team@freeaml.com.au