Free resources for a small-business learning sequence
Start with service scope, then risk, customer checks, monitoring and staff responsibilities. This page organises free reading and suggested exercises for Australian small businesses.
It is a set of learning resources, not an accredited course or a certification. Reading the sequence does not confirm compliance or replace role-specific training, current policies or professional review.
Source: AUSTRAC: Education resources.
- Service scope
List the services the business provides and record unresolved scope questions.
- Risk
Separate business exposure from the risk of an individual customer.
- Customer checks
Practise with a fictional file. Record what the evidence establishes and what remains missing.
- Monitoring
Examine a fictional change in activity. Keep the referral separate from the legal reporting decision.
- People and records
Connect learning to staff responsibilities and keep a record of further work.
A suggested order for learning
This is a suggested learning sequence, not a legal order of operations or an accredited course. Reading it does not confirm compliance.
Follow the process from top to bottom.
1. Identify your services
List the services the business actually provides. Read the scope guides, then record the facts, guidance and any unresolved questions for professional review.
This is a suggested learning task. Adapt the exercise to the work each person performs; it is not a prescribed legal form.
2. Connect services to risks
Use one real service as a worked exercise. Record the customers, countries, delivery channels and transaction features that matter. Separate the business assessment from the rating of an individual customer.
This is a suggested learning task. Adapt the exercise to the work each person performs; it is not a prescribed legal form.
3. Practise a customer file
Use a fictional customer file for practice. Identify the customer, representatives, beneficial owners and purpose. List what the evidence establishes and what remains missing. Choose the customer-type guide that fits.
This is a suggested learning task. Adapt the exercise to the work each person performs; it is not a prescribed legal form.
Source: AUSTRAC: Overview of initial customer due diligence.
4. Follow an unusual transaction
Work through a fictional change in activity. Note the indicator, examine the evidence and explain the referral. Keep the monitoring review separate from the legal decision about an SMR.
This is a suggested learning task. Adapt the exercise to the work each person performs; it is not a prescribed legal form.
Sources: AUSTRAC: Ongoing customer due diligence; AUSTRAC: When to submit.
5. Connect learning to your workplace
Identify who makes each decision and who receives a referral. Use the training guide to plan role-specific practice. Keep a record of questions and further work. Review learning when duties, policies or work tasks change.
This is a suggested learning task. Adapt the exercise to the work each person performs; it is not a prescribed legal form.
Source: Federal Register of Legislation: Rule 5-9: AML/CTF training.
Use official resources alongside the articles
AUSTRAC’s education page links resources for understanding obligations, building a program, applying controls and maintaining it. It also links webinars and e-learning.
The program starter kits provide sector-specific resources for accountants, conveyancers, jewellers, legal professionals and real estate businesses. Check the kit’s suitability and customise it for the business. Using a kit does not confirm compliance.
AUSTRAC e-learning requires an account to access its resources. Its homepage warns that modules are being updated for the 2026 changes. Check the date and applicable duties before relying on a module.
Sources: AUSTRAC: Education resources; AUSTRAC: Sector-specific program starter kits; AUSTRAC: Homepage transition notice and account access.