1. Nature of Service
AML Tranche (the "Platform") provides software tools, automated workflows, and AI-driven guidance designed to assist businesses ("Reporting Entities") in meeting their obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) (the "Act"), as amended by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) ("Tranche 2 Amendments"), and the associated AML/CTF Rules.
The Platform is a workflow and documentation tool only and does not replace the requirement for independent risk assessment, board oversight, or human compliance decision-making. The Platform is designed using a risk-based compliance-by-design framework aligned with AUSTRAC expectations.
2. No Legal or Professional Advice
The Platform, including its AI Knowledge Hub and vectorised AUSTRAC guidance, provides general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or compliance advice. While we strive to provide accurate summaries of AUSTRAC requirements, the User should not rely on this Platform as a substitute for professional legal advice or the full text of the Act and the AML/CTF Rules.
3. No Fiduciary Relationship
Nothing in these terms creates a fiduciary, advisory, or agency relationship between AML Tranche and the User. The User's relationship with AML Tranche is solely that of a software licensee and licensor.
4. Reporting Entity Responsibility (The "Safe Harbour" Clause)
The User acknowledges that:
- They remain the legally responsible Reporting Entity as defined by AUSTRAC.
- The use of this Platform does not automatically guarantee compliance with the Act.
- Ultimate Liability: Under Section 38 of the Act, the Reporting Entity remains legally liable for any breach of AML/CTF obligations, even when using third-party software or outsourcing arrangements.
- Where the User has designated a Compliance Officer under Section 24A of the Act, that officer's responsibilities are not diminished or transferred by virtue of using this Platform.
5. Record-Keeping Obligations (Section 104)
The Platform facilitates the 7-year record retention period required under Section 104 of the Act. However, the User acknowledges that:
- The Reporting Entity remains solely responsible for ensuring that all records are complete, accurate, and accessible to AUSTRAC upon request.
- In the event of account cancellation, the Platform will retain compliance data in read-only mode for the statutory 7-year period.
- Records generated or stored within the Platform form part of the User's obligations under the Act and must not be the User's sole record-keeping mechanism without appropriate backup procedures.
- The User is responsible for maintaining independent backups of all compliance records stored within the Platform.
6. AUSTRAC Access and Examination Powers (Section 167)
The User acknowledges that:
- AUSTRAC, pursuant to its examination and access powers under Part 15 of the Act, may require access to records held within the Platform.
- AML Tranche will cooperate with lawful requests from AUSTRAC, including producing records and providing access to stored compliance data.
- The User must promptly notify AML Tranche of any AUSTRAC access request that relates to data stored on the Platform, to the extent permitted by law.
7. Accuracy and Third-Party Data
The Platform facilitates checks against third-party databases (e.g., DFAT Consolidated Sanctions List, PEP lists, and Identity Verification providers). AML Tranche does not warrant that these external databases are 100% accurate, complete, or up-to-date at all times. Users must apply a risk-based approach to all results and exercise independent judgment.
8. AI-Generated Guidance
- Verification Required: Users must verify any AI-generated response against the cited official AUSTRAC documentation before taking regulatory action.
- Liability: AML Tranche is not liable for any regulatory fines, enforcement actions, or other consequences resulting from a User's reliance on AI-generated summaries without independent verification.
9. Tipping-Off and Confidentiality
Users are strictly responsible for ensuring that their use of the Platform does not result in a "Tipping Off" offence under Section 123 of the Act. Users must maintain the confidentiality of all Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs), Threshold Transaction Reports (TTRs), and related investigative data stored within the Platform. Unauthorised disclosure is a criminal offence.
10. Data Security, Privacy, and Data Residency (APP 11)
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP 11) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). The User is responsible for maintaining login credentials, enabling MFA, ensuring only authorised personnel access sensitive data, and notifying AML Tranche of any suspected unauthorised access.
Data Residency
All compliance data is stored on Australian-based cloud infrastructure (AWS Sydney ap-southeast-2). User data is not transferred offshore unless required by law or with the User's explicit consent.
Subprocessors
AML Tranche may engage trusted infrastructure and service providers as subprocessors for the purpose of delivering the Platform. All subprocessors are subject to appropriate security and confidentiality obligations. A list of current subprocessors is available upon request.
Data Breach Notification
In the event of an eligible data breach under Part IIIC of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), AML Tranche will notify affected Users and the OAIC as soon as practicable in accordance with legal requirements.
11. Service Availability
The Platform is provided on a reasonable-endeavours basis. AML Tranche does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Regulatory deadlines (e.g., 24-hour TTR reporting, 3-day SMR reporting) remain the User's responsibility regardless of Platform availability. The User should maintain alternative reporting procedures to AUSTRAC in the event of service disruption.
12. No Warranty and Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by Australian Consumer Law and applicable legislation, AML Tranche is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We are not liable for any loss of data, regulatory penalties, enforcement actions, or consequential damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, the Platform.
Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy conferred by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) or any other applicable law that cannot be excluded by agreement.
13. Liability Cap
To the maximum extent permitted by law, AML Tranche's total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with the Platform, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), statute, or otherwise, is limited to the total fees paid by the User to AML Tranche in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
14. Indemnity
The User indemnifies and holds harmless AML Tranche, its directors, employees, and contractors from and against any claim, penalty, loss, damage, cost (including legal costs), or regulatory enforcement action arising from or in connection with:
- The User's breach of the AML/CTF Act or associated Rules;
- The User's failure to independently verify AI-generated guidance;
- Incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information provided by the User;
- Any failure by the User to meet AUSTRAC reporting deadlines;
- Unauthorised access resulting from the User's failure to maintain adequate security.
This indemnity survives the termination or expiry of the User's subscription.
15. Suspension and Termination
AML Tranche may suspend or terminate access where reasonably necessary to protect system security, comply with legal obligations, investigate suspected unlawful activity, or address non-payment or material breach. Where practicable, prior notice will be provided.
16. Force Majeure
AML Tranche shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including cyber incidents, cloud infrastructure failures, AUSTRAC portal downtime, government actions, natural disasters, pandemics, or other force majeure events.
17. Updates to These Terms
AML Tranche reserves the right to update this Compliance Disclaimer from time to time. Material changes will be notified via email and/or in-app notification. Continued use after notification constitutes acceptance.
18. Insurance
AML Tranche maintains appropriate professional indemnity and cyber liability insurance coverage commensurate with the nature and scale of its operations.
19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.
20. Severability
If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
21. Contact
For questions regarding this Compliance Disclaimer, contact: compliance@amltranche.com.au