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New Anti-Money Laundering Legislation

From 1 July 2018 the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 was extended in its application to include all law firms.  The extension of the Act’s application was to better protect New Zealand against criminal activity and enhance our international reputation as a safe place to do business. As a result we, along with all other law firms, are now subject to a compliance regime.  We are required to carry out what is known as Customer Due Diligence.  To do that we have an obligation to obtain from both new and existing clients personal information and to verify identity and address. The manner in which we are able to do that is prescribed by the Act. We will send you an email with simple instructions on what is required.  At will include provision to us of your full name, date of birth and residential address.  For verification purposes we will need, in your presence, to sight documents verifying your identity and address.  Where it is not going to be practical for you to come to our office we have alternative arrangements available .  The Act requires that due diligence be carried out at the outset before we commence work for you.

If you would like a greater understanding of the Anti Money laundering legislation  please visit the MBIE website