When you ask us to carry out certain legal work, we are required by New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act) to confirm who you are and, in some cases, where money or wealth connected with your matter has come from.
These checks are a standard legal requirement. They help protect you, our firm and New Zealand’s financial system from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorism. Being asked for information does not mean that you are suspected of wrongdoing.
The information we need will depend on who you are and the legal work we are doing for you. We may ask you for:
We will explain exactly what is needed and how you can provide it. Documents may need to be certified or verified electronically. In some cases, the law requires us to ask for extra information.
We may need information about the organisation, how it is owned and controlled, and the people connected with it. This can include directors, trustees, shareholders, beneficial owners and authorised representatives. We may also need information about the organisation’s funds or wealth.
Please provide the requested information as early as you can. To comply with the Department of Internal Affairs AML requirements we need to complete our checks before we can start or continue the relevant work, receive or pay money, or complete a transaction. If we cannot complete the checks, we may be unable to act for you on that work.
Possibly. Our obligations continue while we act for you. We may need to update your details, repeat an identity check, confirm a change in ownership or control, or ask about a particular transaction.
We handle your personal information in accordance with our professional obligations, the Privacy Act 2020 and other applicable laws. We are required to keep certain records and may have to provide information to a government agency. In some circumstances, the law may prevent us from telling you that a report has been made or an enquiry received.
We understand that these checks can feel unfamiliar or time-consuming. Our team will tell you what is required, why we need it and the easiest way to provide it. If you have any questions, please contact the person handling your matter.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature, is based on New Zealand law, and is intended for clients and prospective clients dealing with legal services in New Zealand. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice about your particular circumstances. AML/CFT requirements may vary depending on the work, the people and entities involved, and any overseas connection. Please contact us for advice specific to your matter.
