The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (“AML/CFT”) was legislation introduced to demonstrate New Zealand’s commitment to help prevent AML/CFT activities on a global scale.
From 1 July 2018 all law firms must perform customer due diligence (“CDD”) on clients, even those that are well known to the firm. This is to ascertain the risk of possible AML/CFT activity and is a this is a requirement of the AML/CFT Act.
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 or two below plus one of the proof of address documents:
One of the following:
One of the following:
AND one of the following:
that is dated less than 12 (twelve) months old, such as:
Or letter from a Government Agency, such as:
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 more than 25%, 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 or verify the identification you have provided, 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.
