Australia Country Summary

FATF Status

Australia is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Australia was undertaken in 2024. According to that Evaluation, Australia was deemed Compliant for 18 and Largely Compliant for 12 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 1 and Substantially Effective for 4 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Australia has established a comprehensive legal framework to combat corruption, characterized by transparent government procurement systems and active participation in international anti-corruption initiatives. While the country faces challenges from various criminal markets, including human trafficking, drug trade, and cybercrime, it maintains a resilient governance structure with robust law enforcement and support for victims of organized crime.

Australia maintains a generally favorable environment for foreign investment, viewing it as a crucial driver of economic growth and productivity. The United States is the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Australia, with a stock valued at USD 174 billion in 2022, and the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) facilitates this investment by establishing higher thresholds for screening U.S. investments. Despite recent enhancements to foreign investment regulations aimed at bolstering national security, the country continues to welcome foreign investments, particularly in priority sectors such as clean technology, and the government has indicated plans to streamline investment processes for trusted partners in the near future.