DIA Steps Up AML/CFT Compliance Checks: 64 Real Estate Businesses Identified

New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is taking a more proactive approach to AML/CFT supervision. On 15 October 2026, DIA published findings from its Real Estate Know Your Population project, revealing that 156 real estate businesses received formal information requests, with 64 subsequently identified as falling within DIA's AML/CFT supervised population.

The investigation involved comparing Real Estate Authority (REA) registration records with DIA's existing supervisory database to identify businesses potentially subject to AML/CFT obligations. This highlights a more proactive regulatory approach, with DIA actively identifying businesses rather than relying solely on voluntary registration.

Having an AML Compliance Officer Is Not Enough

DIA found that 86% of assessed businesses had appointed an AML/CFT Compliance Officer, but some had not completed their risk assessments or established AML/CFT programmes. This highlights a common compliance gap: appointing a Compliance Officer or verifying customer identities alone does not fulfil all AML/CFT obligations.

Reporting entities must maintain appropriate compliance frameworks, including AML/CFT risk assessments and programmes, customer due diligence (CDD/EDD), source of funds (SOF) and source of wealth (SOW) checks where required, staff training, record keeping and independent audits.

What Should Businesses Do Now?

DIA has indicated that it will strengthen information-sharing and improve how it identifies businesses subject to AML/CFT regulation. Although this does not represent a nationwide audit campaign, businesses should review their existing compliance arrangements to ensure their risk assessments, procedures and customer due diligence processes meet applicable requirements.

Trusted AML provides AML/CFT compliance advisory, risk assessments, programme development and independent audits. We also offer flexible, case-by-case CDD/EDD outsourcing services, including identity verification, source of funds and source of wealth investigations. These services help businesses manage complex due diligence requirements without long-term commitments, while businesses retain responsibility for their statutory compliance obligations.

About Trusted AML

Trusted AML specialises in AML compliance solutions across New Zealand and Australia, providing professional compliance services and digital solutions for law firms, financial institutions and other regulated businesses.

Our professional services include Customer Due Diligence (CDD/EDD) outsourcing, identity verification, Source of Funds (SOF) and Source of Wealth (SOW) investigations, AML/CFT compliance consulting, risk assessments and independent AML audits.

Our digital AML platform supports electronic identity verification (e-KYC), facial matching and liveness detection, PEP and sanctions screening, customer record management, due diligence documentation and secure document storage, helping businesses streamline their onboarding and compliance processes.