--- title: "ID Old Clients? Pre-Commencement Rule | HeadStart Docs" description: "Section 36 provides relief for pre-commencement customers. You do not need to retrospectively ID all 500 landlords - only when specific triggers arise." lang: en-AU json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "HeadStart Docs", "legalName": "HeadStart Docs Pty Ltd", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/logo-512.png?v=4", "width": 512, "height": 512 }, "description": "AML/CTF compliance digital products and programs for Australian businesses under Tranche 2 regulations. Free program documents and AML Portal. 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The AML Portal itself is continuously updated to reflect current AUSTRAC requirements and sanctions lists." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens after my 12-month AML portal access expires?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Your documentation is yours forever. To continue using the AML Portal (screening tools, compliance calendar, record keeping), you pay $35 per customer CDD. Cancel anytime — no subscription required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is HeadStart Docs a law firm?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. HeadStart Docs is a digital publisher and platform provider. We sell digital compliance products and portal access. We do not provide legal advice. Referrals for legal advice can be made to our related law firm, HeadStart Counsel." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When does AML/CTF Tranche 2 commence in Australia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tranche 2 AML/CTF obligations commence on 1 July 2026. All reporting entities in designated sectors including lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, conveyancers, and trust and company service providers must have their AML/CTF programs in place by this date." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Free Resources", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Grandfathering Old Clients", "item": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources/grandfathering-old-clients" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Do I need to ID my old clients? (The Pre-Commencement Rule)", "description": "Section 36 provides relief for pre-commencement customers. You do not need to retrospectively ID all existing clients - only when specific triggers arise.", "datePublished": "2025-12-20", "dateModified": "2025-12-20", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/tranche-2-resources/grandfathering-old-clients", "image": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/logo-512.png", "inLanguage": "en-AU", "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "HeadStart Docs", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au" }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "AML/CTF Compliance", "description": "Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing compliance for Australian businesses under Tranche 2" }, "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "HeadStart Docs" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "HeadStart Docs", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.headstartdocs.com.au/logo-512.png" } } } ] --- [Get Started ](/checkout) We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyse traffic. [Privacy Policy](/privacy) Essential OnlyAccept All [Skip to main content](#main-content) [ ![HeadStart Docs](/assets/logo-dark-bg-CUivuKJ8.png)![HeadStart Docs](/assets/logo-light-bg-D5BRMGqf.png) ](/) [Home ](/) Features [Programs ](/programs) Resources Sectors [Log in ](/auth) [Portal](/aml-landing) ![Client records management](/assets/conveyancing-office-CyBI1OMY.jpg) [Back to Free Resources](/tranche-2-resources) 20 December 2025 • Compliance # Do I need to ID my old clients? (The Pre-Commencement Rule) "I have 500 landlords on my books. Do I have to ID them all by 1 July?" The answer is NO – but with conditions. ## The answer: Section 36 (Pre-Commencement Customers) ### Section 36: Pre-Commencement Customer (PCC) Relief A Pre-Commencement Customer (PCC) is any customer whose business relationship with you existed before 1 July 2026. For PCCs, you only need to perform Initial CDD when: - A **suspicious matter reporting obligation** arises - There is a **significant change** in the nature or purpose of the relationship resulting in medium or high ML/TF/PF risk **Note:** Once you complete Initial CDD on a PCC, their PCC status ends and ongoing CDD applies normally. ## What this saves you This provision potentially saves hundreds of hours of retrospective identification work. You do not need to contact every existing client demanding ID before the commencement date. ### Key Takeaway Section 36 provides relief for Pre-Commencement Customers (PCCs). You do not need to retrospectively ID all existing clients by 1 July 2026. Initial CDD on a PCC is only required if an SMR obligation arises or a significant change results in medium/high risk. Once Initial CDD is completed, PCC status ends. [View AML/CTF Digital Products](/programs) [ Read our complete Tranche 2 Guide Key dates, affected sectors, obligations and how to prepare ](/tranche-2) **Disclaimer:** This article is general information only. It is not legal, financial or compliance advice. HeadStart Docs™ provides free compliance documents, not legal services. We do not guarantee the accuracy of information provided. Obligations may apply depending on your designated services. Always confirm your specific requirements with a qualified adviser. Need a lawyer to review your AML/CTF program? [HeadStart Counsel](https://headstartcounsel.com.au/get-started) offers fixed-fee tailoring from $1,800+GST. 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