The Anti-Money Laundering and
Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009

The legislation introduced to show New Zealand’s
commitment to help prevent AML/CFT activities on a global scale.

Why do we need your personal information?

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (“AML/CFT”) is legislation introduced to show New Zealand’s commitment to help prevent AML/CFT activities on a global scale.

From 1 July 2018 all law firms need to perform customer due diligence (“CDD”) on clients, even those that are well known to the firm, to ascertain the risk level to the firm for possible AML/CFT activity. This is a requirement of the AML/CFT Act.

What do we need from you?

In order for us to act for you we must complete CDD on you before we can act for you. This is a legislative requirement for us and is not optional.

This information includes your full name, date of birth, and address. To confirm these details, we need to see the original (or an original certified copy) of the documents in either option one, two, or three as shown below:

Option One

One of the following:

  • NZ Passport (current or expired within the last 12 months), or
  • Current Overseas Passport,
  • NZ Firearms Licence, or
  • National Identity Card

Option Two

NZ Driver’s licence

AND one of the following:

  • Bank statement less than 12 months old from a NZ bank, or
  • Signed NZ debit/credit card, or
  • NZ SuperGold card

Option Three

Birth Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship

AND one of the following:

  • NZ Driver’s licence
  • 18+ Card
  • NZ SuperGold Card

AND proof of address that is less than 6 months old, such as:

  • Rates Bill
  • Utility Bill
  • Council Letter
  • Bank Statement
  • Insurance document
  • Letter from a Government Agency, such as:
    • Car registration notice from NZTA
    • Tax notice/statement from Inland Revenue
    • Letter from Work & Income NZ
    • Letter from ACC
    • Court documents/notice from the Ministry of Justice

If you are coming to see us about a company or trust then we will require the above information and identification for all trustees, directors, and shareholders with a shareholding of 25% or more, as well as the company identifier or registration number.  We also need to understand the purpose of the proposed work you are asking us to undertake for you.

We may from time to time require information about the source of funds used in any given transaction.

If we cannot complete CDD on you, or cannot verify the identification you have provided, then we are not permitted to act for you. Because the law applies to everyone, we need to ask for the information even if you have been a client of ours for a long time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the lawyer who will be dealing with your work.