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InFocus February 2026 - Volume 35 Issue 1

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New sustainability reporting form – now available

Further to our November 2025 update, the new sustainability reporting Form 398 Copy of sustainability report and auditor’s report is now available for lodgement.

If you need help to understand which entities need to prepare and lodge a sustainability report, including information on how and when, view for preparers of sustainability reports.

For additional support, on sustainability reporting, along with educational modules visit sustainability reporting and educational modules.

ASIC updates information available through purchased extracts 

Company extracts purchased through the ASIC website will no longer contain the residential addresses of company officeholders.

ASIC implemented this change in response to broader privacy and safety concerns including the potential to access personal information, heightened concerns around personal safety and to reduce the risk of identity theft and cyber-crime.

For more information visit the ASIC Newsroom.

Changes to Anti-money laundering and Counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws - AUSTRAC

Changes to Australia’s anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws will affect some businesses from 1 July 2026. These changes apply to certain services commonly provided by legal practitioners, accountants, conveyancers, real estate agents and jewellers (known as Tranche 2 sectors).

AUSTRAC is Australia’s AML/CTF regulator, using financial intelligence to disrupt serious crime for more than 30 years. It has released information and practical resources to help businesses understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

What businesses need to know

From 1 July 2026, businesses providing Tranche 2 services must have an AML/CTF program in place. These programs help identify and manage money‑laundering, terrorism‑financing and proliferation‑financing risks. Extending AML/CTF obligations to these sectors helps close gaps in Australia’s financial system that criminals exploit to hide illicit funds and support serious crime such as child exploitation and drug trafficking.

How to get ready

AUSTRAC encourages businesses to start preparing now by:

Step 1: Check whether your services will be regulated

Step 2: Visit the Reforms Hub on the AUSTRAC website

Step 3: Watch introductory webinars

Step 4: Read the reforms guidance and learn how to use this guidance

New AML/CTF program starter kits

AUSTRAC has released AML/CTF program starter kits for typical small Tranche 2 businesses (not current reporting entities).

These kits provide step‑by‑step guidance to help reduce the time, cost and effort involved in building an AML/CTF program. This is the first time globally that an AML/CTF regulator has provided this level of practical support to businesses in these sectors.

  • Check if your business will be regulated
  • Start preparing your AML/CTF program by 1 July 2026
  • New AML/CTF obligations commence for Tranche 2 services on 1 July 2026

Stay informed

To keep up to date with the latest AUSTRAC news, subscribe to the InBrief quarterly newsletter.

More information and resources are available on the AUSTRAC website. For any other queries not found on AUSTRAC’s website please contact our contact centre.

Strengthening payment security – Protecting your business from fraud

If your business accepts credit card payments, staying alert to payment fraud is essential. Criminals increasingly target both in-person and transactions. Without the right safeguards, businesses can face costly chargebacks and financial loss.

Strong authentication, staff awareness and reputable payment systems help reduce risk. For online (card‑not‑present) transactions, tools like multi‑factor authentication (3D Secure/3DS), helps verify a customer’s identity with a password, one‑time code, or biometric check.

Customers may already be familiar with the 3DS security upgrades introduced across our systems late last year. These enhancements provide a more secure experience when using services such as:

  • Business name registration and renewals
  • Paid search products through ASIC Connect
  • Business name registration and company incorporations via the Business Registration Service

Proactive security measures and ongoing vigilance remain essential. For more information on emerging identity-crime methods and scams, visit Home | Scamwatch

Why you receive a late fee: A simple explanation

Late fees are like a parking fine - annoying and avoidable. We explain the steps you can take to avoid late fees.

Late fees apply when information we need is not lodged on time, or an annual review fee is paid late.

To avoid paying late fees:

  • Understand when you need to notify of changes to your company and the lodgement periods for different documents.
  • Keep your details up to date to ensure you don’t miss any correspondence from us.
  • Ensure you pay your annual review fees by the due date. You can check the annual review date for a company or scheme from our Organisation and Business Names search.

Find out more about late fees. 

Have you set up a company alert?

A company alert is a free and simple way to stay updated on changes to a company.

You can set up and manage alerts for companies that you want to track. Alerts can cover updates like internal administration (including change of company name and registered office), buy backs, debt, deregistration, disclosure notices, financial reports, fundraising and takeovers

Set up is quick – simply follow the steps on our website.

Natural disaster support for small businesses from the ATO

Natural disasters can have a major and lasting impact on businesses and communities. If your small business has been impacted by a natural disaster, the ATO can provide necessary support to get you back on track.

Download a copy of the ATO’s natural disaster support factsheet for small businesses.