Key takeaway
HeadStart Docs offers program documents and portal access included, with $35 per customer CDD (with a Client-Pays option where the client pays direct) and program documentation available for 10+ Tranche 2 sectors. No subscription. Cancel anytime. Subject to licence terms.
easyAML (by Scantek) is a subscription platform from $179/month + GST ($2,148+/year, based on publicly available pricing at the time of writing). The Starter plan includes 10 KYC and 2 KYB checks per month. It includes training modules and has an AIC endorsement. It is free until July 2026, after which the subscription begins.
Pricing: the 3-year cost comparison
The most significant difference between HeadStart Docs and easyAML is the pricing model. One is free (you only pay $35 per CDD); the other is an ongoing subscription.
This comparison illustrates the pricing difference between a free model (pay only per CDD) and a subscription model. The two products have different feature sets and may not be directly comparable. Confirm current pricing directly with each provider.
| Cost | HeadStart Docs (Solo) | easyAML (Starter) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Free (program documents + portal) | $2,148+ ($179/mo x 12 + GST, based on publicly available pricing). Starter plan includes 10 KYC + 2 KYB/month. |
| Year 2 | $0 (portal is free, excludes CDD) | $2,148+ |
| Year 3 | $0 | $2,148+ |
| 3-year total | Free | $6,444+ |
| CDD cost per customer | $35 (all screening included) | Additional per-search charges |
| Can client pay CDD cost? | Yes, via Client-Pays link | No |
| What happens if you stop paying? | Nothing. Your documents are licensed to you permanently and the portal stays free. Subject to licence terms. | Access requires an active subscription |
The maths (based on publicly listed pricing at the time of writing): HeadStart's program documents and portal are free. You only pay $35 per CDD. easyAML's subscription is $179/mo + GST ($2,148+/year). Over 3 years, the subscription difference is significant. This comparison reflects the different pricing models and does not account for differences in feature sets. Note that easyAML's Starter plan includes 10 KYC and 2 KYB checks per month; HeadStart CDD is $35 per customer. Confirm current pricing directly with each provider.
HeadStart program documents and portal access are free. You only pay $35 per CDD. Your client can pay the CDD cost directly via Client-Pays.
Like-for-like compliance feature comparison
This table compares features common to both products. Based on publicly available information at the time of writing.
| Feature | HeadStart Docs | easyAML | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AML/CTF program documentation | Both provide program frameworks | ||
| Risk assessment templates | |||
| Customer due diligence (CDD) | |||
| PEP screening | |||
| Sanctions screening | |||
| Adverse media screening | |||
| Transaction monitoring | |||
| Suspicious matter reporting (SMR) | |||
| Staff training content | HeadStart has training register/tracking but no content modules | ||
| Free portal access (ongoing) | easyAML is free until July 2026, then $179/mo + GST (based on publicly available pricing) | ||
| Industry body endorsement | easyAML has AIC (Australian Institute of Conveyancers) endorsement |
Additional HeadStart features
These features are part of HeadStart's platform. easyAML may offer different capabilities not listed here.
- Ongoing monitoring (up to 3 re-screens included in every $35 CDD)
- Client-Pays CDD (client pays $35 direct via payment link)
- Program documentation available for 10+ Tranche 2 sectors
- Immutable audit log
- Automated annual reporting
- Bulk historical onboarding
- Seat management with spend caps
- User view controls (role-based visibility)
- Services gateway (designated services mapping)
Where easyAML has an advantage
To be fair, easyAML does have strengths that HeadStart does not currently match:
- Staff training content: easyAML includes training modules within the platform. HeadStart has a training register and tracking, but firms need to source training content separately.
- AIC endorsement: easyAML is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Conveyancers and was the title sponsor of the AIC VIC AML Summit 2026 at Crown Melbourne. This gives them credibility with conveyancers specifically.
- Free until July 2026: If you sign up before July, you get free access until obligations commence. However, after July you are locked into the $179/month subscription (based on publicly available pricing at the time of writing).
Where HeadStart Docs has an advantage
- Price: Program documents and portal included vs $2,148+/year (based on publicly available pricing). You only pay $35 per CDD. No subscription. Cancel anytime. Subject to licence terms.
- Client-Pays CDD: The $35 CDD where the end customer pays via a payment link is unique in the market. The firm's cost can be zero.
- Sector breadth: HeadStart has program documentation available for 10+ Tranche 2 sectors with 50+ niche landing pages. easyAML appears to use a common workflow across sectors (based on publicly available information at the time of writing).
- Cancel anytime: Your documents are licensed to you. Base portal subscription is $0. No monthly fees. Cancel anytime and come back without paying again. Subject to licence terms.
- Immutable audit log: Every action on the platform is permanently recorded and cannot be edited or deleted by anyone. Regulator-ready from day one.
- Ongoing monitoring included: Every $35 CDD includes up to 3 ongoing PEP, Sanctions and Adverse Media re-screens at no extra charge.
- Free access: Program documents and portal are free. You only pay $35 per CDD.
Can you use both?
Yes. HeadStart Docs and easyAML serve different functions, and there is nothing stopping you from using both:
- HeadStart Docs = your AML/CTF program documentation, portal, CDD, monitoring and reporting
- easyAML = training modules and AIC-endorsed content for conveyancers
If you value easyAML's training content or AIC endorsement, you could use easyAML for staff training while using HeadStart for your program documentation and portal. The two products address different parts of your compliance obligations.
The bottom line
Choose HeadStart Docs if you want:
- Program documents and portal with no ongoing subscription
- The ability to pass CDD costs to your client
- Sector-specific program documentation (digital products)
- Portal access included (cancel anytime, subject to licence terms)
- Program documentation available for 10+ Tranche 2 sectors
- In the editorial team's opinion, this model may result in a lower total cost of ownership for firms that prefer free access over a subscription
Consider easyAML if you want:
- Built-in staff training modules
- An AIC-endorsed platform (conveyancers)
- Free access until July 2026 (subscription after)
Ready to get started?
Program documents and AML portal included. $35 per customer CDD. No subscription. Cancel anytime. Subject to licence terms.
* Program documents and portal access are free. You only pay $35 per CDD (which can be passed to the client via Client-Pays). Optional PDD searches (Police checks $55, Bankruptcy and credit checks $20) and any independent review costs are additional.
Disclaimer
Based on publicly available data as at 4 March 2026. Information may have changed after this date. Pricing and features may change. Confirm current pricing and inclusions directly with each provider. This page is general information only and not legal advice. HeadStart Docs™ sells digital products, not legal services. We do not guarantee the accuracy of information provided. Always seek advice specific to your circumstances from a qualified professional.
* Program documents and portal access are free. You only pay $35 per CDD (which can be passed to the client via Client-Pays). Optional PDD searches (Police checks $55, Bankruptcy and credit checks $20) and any independent review costs are additional.
All product names, logos and brands mentioned on this page are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names is for identification and comparison purposes only and does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the respective trade mark owners. HeadStart Docs Pty Ltd is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with any of the providers listed.
Read our complete Tranche 2 Guide
Key dates, affected sectors, obligations and how to prepare