On January 22, 2026, an Australian regulator announced that it was reviewing whether payment platform Airwallex Designated Business Group is in compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (“AML/CTF”) Act of 2006. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (“AUSTRAC”), Australia’s financial intelligence agency, ordered the appointment of an external auditor to assess whether the company was meeting key AML/CFT obligations, including requirements to maintain and implement an AML/CTF program; operate an ongoing customer due diligence program and report suspicious matters. AUSTRAC indicated that the auditor’s report, which is due within 180 days of appointment, will be conducted at Airwallex’s expense.
According to AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas, an auditor was ordered over concerns that Airwallex’s transaction monitoring program did not adequately address the full range of risks that the company faces. Thomas also indicated that there were concerns about the company’s oversight of suspicious matters and how they were identified and reported.
AUSTRAC Media Release | Notice to Appoint an External Auditor to Conduct Compliance Audit