AML SmartGuard
End-to-end, done-for-you AML compliance — designed for time-poor Australian SMEs who want the program built, run, and reported on their behalf.
Product, pricing, and fit.
- Product type
- Full Suite / AML as a Service
- Pricing model
- Monthly subscription
- Sectors served
- real estateaccountinglegalprecious metals
- Best for
- I want this handled for me
- Integrations
- XeroMYOBMicrosoft 365Google WorkspaceZapier (custom workflows)
What this product actually does.
AML SmartGuard is a managed AML/CTF service rather than a self-serve tool. The team builds your program, configures your tooling, runs identity verification on your behalf, and produces the reports AUSTRAC expects — leaving you to run your business.
Where most platforms hand you a dashboard and a learning curve, SmartGuard pairs you with a named compliance specialist who acts as an outsourced AML officer for the SME tier. That specialist drafts your Part A and Part B documents, sets your risk thresholds, screens new clients, and prepares SMRs and TTRs ready for your review.
It is the most expensive class of provider on CompareAML, and deliberately so — it replaces the need for an in-house compliance hire. The most common buyer is a 2–25 person professional services firm whose principals don't have the bandwidth to learn AML themselves.
Inside the product.
A named specialist runs program governance, risk reviews and AUSTRAC-facing reporting on your behalf.
Bespoke AML/CTF program written for your firm — risk-assessed, board-ready, and revisited annually.
Identity, beneficial ownership, PEP, sanctions and adverse media screening completed for each new client by their team.
Threshold and pattern monitoring with red-flag triage. SmartGuard prepares SMRs and TTRs ready for your sign-off.
Required under the AML/CTF Rules. Included in the higher tiers and available as an add-on otherwise.
Role-based training delivered for principals, fee-earners and support staff with attendance records kept for AUSTRAC.
- You want AML done for you, not by you.
- Your firm is in legal, accounting, real estate or precious metals and onboards new clients regularly.
- You don't have an internal compliance lead and don't intend to hire one.
- You'd rather pay a flat monthly fee than risk a $22M civil penalty.
- You're a sole practitioner with very few new clients per year — a self-serve tool is likely cheaper.
- Your firm has an existing in-house compliance team that just needs tooling.
Indicative pricing.
Indicative pricing for Australian SMEs as at early 2026. Confirm during onboarding — final pricing depends on transaction volume, sectors, and risk profile.
Sole practitioners and very small firms.
- Bespoke Part A & Part B program
- Up to 25 client CDD checks/month
- Quarterly risk review
- Email & ticket support
2–10 person firms onboarding clients weekly.
- Everything in Essentials
- Up to 100 CDD checks/month
- Monthly compliance review call
- TTR and SMR drafting
- Named account manager
Multi-office or multi-entity groups.
- Unlimited CDD volume
- Group risk register
- Dedicated outsourced AML officer
- Annual independent review included
- Custom training program
Real-world deployments.
Challenge. Two principals, 14 staff, 600+ settlements per year. Zero AML capability internally and a partner retiring before 1 July 2026.
Outcome. SmartGuard built and embedded a Tranche 2-aligned program in 5 weeks, took over CDD on every new matter, and now files SMRs on the firm's behalf. Total internal time after onboarding: ~30 minutes per week.
We treated AML like another regulator we couldn't afford to staff for. SmartGuard is effectively our compliance team.
Challenge. Public practice with SMSF and trust admin. Confused about scope, no internal AML knowledge.
Outcome. Scope assessment in week one identified 60% of services as designated. Program operational in 4 weeks, including identity verification integrated with their Xero workflow.
Customer details paraphrased and anonymised at the customer's request.
About the business behind the product.
- Track record
- Australian-operated · multi-year track record in AML advisory
- Headquarters
- Sydney & Melbourne, Australia
- Team size
- 20–50 specialists across compliance, technology and customer success
- Australian support
- Sydney/Melbourne business hours · named account manager · phone, email and Teams
- AUSTRAC reporting
- Full TTR, IFTI and SMR drafting — submitted via your AUSTRAC Online account
AML SmartGuard — common questions.
Is SmartGuard really 'done-for-you'?
Yes. You sign off on policy decisions and SMRs (which by law remain your responsibility as the reporting entity), but the analyst work, drafting, screening and AUSTRAC-facing reporting is done by SmartGuard's team.
How long does onboarding take?
Most Australian SMEs are live in 2–4 weeks. Larger or multi-entity setups can take 4–8 weeks. The provider typically offers a guided onboarding call, document templates, and a structured rollout plan.
Do they handle AUSTRAC enrolment for me?
Most providers will guide you through AUSTRAC enrolment but the legal registration is done by you as the reporting entity. Templates, walkthroughs and reviewed answers are usually included.
What happens after Tranche 2 commences on 1 July 2026?
Ongoing obligations apply: continuous CDD, monitoring, suspicious matter reporting, training refreshes, and annual independent review. The provider's subscription typically covers all of this on an ongoing basis.
Can I cancel if it's not the right fit?
Most subscriptions are month-to-month or annual with a fair cancellation window. Your AML program documentation remains yours regardless. Confirm specific terms during your sales conversation.
Why AML SmartGuard is on CompareAML.
Provider's product approach mapped to current Tranche 2 reform guidance.
Pricing and onboarding suited to small and mid-sized Australian businesses.
Demonstrated experience in the sectors the provider serves.
AML SmartGuard pays a flat listing fee to appear on CompareAML. We do not earn a commission on any business you do with them. Independent matching is generated separately from sponsored placements. How we're paid →
Browse the full directory of 14 vetted Australian providers.
Open directoryAML SmartGuard serves 4 sectors. See obligations and matched providers for each: