New AUSTRAC Rules for Crypto in Australia
The Australian Government has updated its AML/CTF laws. Here’s what’s changing and what it means for Amber customers.
Australia is Updating Its Anti-Money Laundering Laws
The Australian Government has introduced reforms to its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws. These changes apply to digital currency exchanges and virtual asset service providers operating in Australia.
Amber Labs, as the operator of AmberApp, is required to comply with these updated obligations.
The reforms:
- Strengthen identity verification requirements
- Introduce updated ongoing customer due diligence standards
- Expand reporting obligations
- Formalise the “Travel Rule” for digital asset transfers
- Align Australia with global AML/CTF standards
Most core obligations commence from 31 March 2026, with some requirements phased in after that date.
These changes apply across the Australian crypto industry.
What This Means for You
If you use AmberApp, you may notice:
1. Identity Verification Requirements
You may be asked to:
- Confirm or update your identity information
- Provide additional documentation
- Re-verify existing details
This is part of strengthened customer due diligence requirements under Australian law.
2. Ongoing Monitoring
As required by law, we monitor transactions to detect suspicious activity. This may result in:
- Requests for clarification
- Temporary account restrictions
- Additional documentation requests
These processes apply to all regulated exchanges in Australia.
3. The Travel Rule
From 2026, digital asset transfers between regulated providers may require certain sender and recipient information to be collected and shared.
This does not change how you send Bitcoin, but additional information may be required in some circumstances.
4. Reporting to AUSTRAC
Amber is legally required to report certain transactions and suspicious activity to AUSTRAC.
This obligation exists today and continues under the updated framework.
What Is Not Changing
- You can continue buying, selling, vaulting, sending and receiving Bitcoin through AmberApp.
- Your assets remain held in accordance with our custody model.
- Amber does not share your information publicly.
- We do not report normal transactions unless required by law.
These reforms are regulatory updates, not product changes.
Why the Government Is Making These Changes
These reforms bring Australia into alignment with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The objective is to:
- Reduce financial crime
- Prevent misuse of digital assets
- Strengthen transparency in regulated markets
These rules apply across all Australian exchanges and reporting entities.
Important Dates
- 31 March 2026 — Core AML/CTF reforms commence
- 1 July 2026 — Travel Rule obligations commence (where applicable)
- Transitional arrangements apply to certain customer due diligence requirements
AmberApp is on track to comply with all applicable deadlines.
AmberWallet Update
AmberWallet recently exited beta in late 2025.
Under the updated AML/CTF framework, custodial wallet providers may be subject to reporting and compliance obligations.
Amber is currently assessing the final structure of AmberWallet to ensure compliance with Australian regulations.
Customers will be notified well in advance if:
- Identity verification requirements change
- Additional compliance measures are introduced
- The wallet transitions to a self-custodial model
There is no immediate action required from AmberWallet users at this time.
FAQ
Possibly. If required, we will contact you directly.
Only in cases where additional compliance information is legally required.
No. These obligations apply to all regulated exchanges in Australia.
No. Information is shared only with regulators where required by law.