--- title: "Minimum Viable AML Compliance for Tranche 2 | HeadStart Docs™" description: "What's the absolute minimum you need to be compliant with Tranche 2 AML/CTF obligations? We break down the essentials and explain the real costs of compliance." 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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HeadStart Docs products are digital publications that give you a substantial head start, but they must be reviewed and tailored by a qualified solicitor to your specific business circumstances before implementation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is HeadStart Docs different from the free AUSTRAC Starter Kits?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AUSTRAC Starter Kits are generic starting points that require significant customisation. HeadStart products are sector-specific, pre-populated with industry-relevant risk factors and scenarios, and include 12 months of AML Portal access for ongoing compliance including screening, record keeping and reporting tools." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if the AML/CTF rules change after I purchase?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Your digital products are yours to keep. If significant regulatory changes occur, updated versions will be available to active portal subscribers. 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. 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[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) [Tranche 2 Resources](/tranche-2-resources)/ General FAQs # Minimum Viable Compliance: What's the Cheapest AML Program for Tranche 2? Let's be practical. You need to comply with Tranche 2, but you don't want to overspend. Here's what you actually need versus what's nice to have. Updated December 2024• 7 min read ## Bottom Line A legally compliant Tranche 2 AML program can be achieved at no cost using program documents like ours, with a free AML Portal and $35/customer CDD. The legislation doesn't mandate expensive software or ongoing subscriptions for small operators. ## What the Law Actually Requires The AML/CTF Act requires reporting entities to have a documented AML/CTF program that includes specific components. The law is requirements-based, not prescriptive about how you meet those requirements. This means you don't need: - Expensive software platforms - Monthly subscription services - External consultants - Automated screening systems (for most small businesses) ## The Absolute Minimum Requirements Here's what you legally must have: ### Core Program Elements - AML/CTF Program Document A written program appropriate to your designated services - ML/TF Risk Assessment Assessment of money laundering and terrorism financing risks - [Customer Due Diligence Procedures](/tranche-2-resources/beneficial-owner-identification) How you'll identify and verify customers - AML/CTF Compliance Officer Designated person responsible (can be yourself) - Employee Training Program Evidence that relevant staff understand obligations - [Record Keeping Systems](/tranche-2-resources/record-keeping-requirements) Ability to retain and produce records for 7 years ## What's NOT Required for Small Businesses Many providers will try to sell you features you don't legally need: - **Automated screening software** - manual checks of sanctions lists are acceptable for low-volume businesses - **Ongoing monitoring platforms** - documented periodic reviews meet the requirement - **Cloud portals** - paper or simple digital records are compliant - **Annual subscriptions** - program documents with occasional updates are sufficient ## The Hidden Cost of "Cheap" While you can technically write your own program using free AUSTRAC guidance, consider the real costs: ### DIY Hidden Costs - **Time investment:** 40-80+ hours to research, draft and refine - **Risk of gaps:** missing requirements can lead to enforcement action - **Opportunity cost:** time away from billable work or business operations - **Revision cycles:** multiple drafts as you learn what's actually needed ## Our Recommendation For most small to medium businesses, the sweet spot is: 1. **Program documents tailored to your sector** - includes free AML Portal access and $35/customer CDD 2. **Free AUSTRAC resources** - official guidance to ensure alignment 3. **Manual processes** - simple checklists and registers rather than software 4. **Self-training** - use provided materials rather than external courses This approach gives you a compliant program at no cost with no ongoing subscriptions, while minimising risk and time investment. ## When You Need More Consider investing in additional tools or services if: - You process high volumes of transactions requiring automated screening - You have multiple staff members who need coordinated access - Your clients include high-risk categories requiring enhanced due diligence - You provide services that trigger threshold transaction reporting ### Compliant For Free - No Subscriptions HeadStart Docs™ program documents tailored to your sector give you the documentation you need to start meeting your Tranche 2 obligations, with a free AML Portal and $35/customer CDD. No subscriptions. [View Digital Products](/programs) [More Resources](/tranche-2-resources) **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. Separate entity and engagement. ### Related Articles [ #### SME Documentation vs $10,000 Portals Why paying more may not be right for you ](/tranche-2-resources/sme-vs-portals)[ #### Word Documents vs Compliance Portals Which approach is right for your business? ](/tranche-2-resources/word-doc-vs-portals) ![HeadStart Docs](/assets/logo-dark-bg-CUivuKJ8.png)![HeadStart Docs](/assets/logo-light-bg-D5BRMGqf.png) [![HeadStart Counsel](/assets/headstart-counsel-logo-dark-DW8mV5rY.png)](https://www.headstartcounsel.com.au/)[![HeadStart Search](/assets/headstart-search-logo-dark-C68UhGXl.png)](/sanctions-search)![HeadStart Verify](/assets/headstart-verify-dark-Dtad3197.png) ### Sectors [Accounting](/accounting)[Business Brokers](/business-brokers)[Buyers Agent](/programs/buyers-agent-aml-program)[Conveyancing](/conveyancing)[Insolvency](/insolvency-practitioners)[Legal](/law-practice)[Nominee Director](/programs/nominee-director-aml-program)[Precious Metals, Stones & Products](/precious-metals)[Property Development](/property-developers)[Real Estate](/real-estate)[TCSPs](/tcsp)[Virtual Address](/virtual-address) ### Resources [Free Resources](/tranche-2-resources)[Decision Trees](/decision-trees)[Tranche 2 Guide](/tranche-2)[Podcast](/podcast)[Free Sector Reports](/sector-reports)[Implementation Timeline](/timeline)[Sanctions Search](/sanctions-search)[AUSTRAC Starter Kits](/tranche-2-resources/austrac-starter-program-kits)[Budgeting for Compliance](/tranche-2-resources/budgeting-amlctf-compliance) ### Programs [Portal + AML Programs](/programs)[Pricing](/pricing)[White Label](/white-label)[External CRMs](/integrations)[AML Portal](/aml-landing)[Plug & Play Technology](/plug-and-play)[Lawyer in the Loop](/features/lawyer-in-the-loop) ### Legal [Terms & Conditions](/terms)[Privacy](/privacy) ### Connect [Programs](/programs)[Podcast](/podcast)[Feedback](/report-problem)[Our Mission](/our-mission)[Partnerships](/partnerships) ### Events [AML Conference 2026](/conference) Powered by Stripe SSL Secured 2026 Ready © HeadStart Docs Pty Ltd (ABN 12 691 347 823). HeadStart Docs™ is a digital publisher and platform provider. We sell digital compliance products including publications and portal access to our AML Portal; we do not provide legal advice or services. The content on this website and in our products is for general information purposes only, does not consider your individual and business circumstances, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Referrals for legal advice can be made, on request, to HeadStart Counsel, the registered trading name of Astris Law Pty Ltd, a related incorporated legal practice with the same director and beneficial owner as HeadStart Docs. You are free to engage any legal practitioner of your choice.