As one of the first real estate groups in Australia to take proactive action, Professionals has partnered with AMLHUB to roll out its leading anti-money laundering (AML) software and deliver comprehensive training across its network.
Professionals’ training program kicked off in 2025 with further sessions throughout the first half of 2026 to ensure members are supported and fully prepared to meet their compliance obligations ahead of the introduction of new AML regulations on 1 July 2026.
The new regulations will require every real estate business, regardless of size, to implement robust AML programs, which includes enhanced know your customer (KYC) checks, risk assessment, and reporting requirements.
AMLHUB’s Vice President of Sales Kathrine Andersen said the shift represents one of the most significant regulatory changes the industry has seen, and one that many agencies are still underestimating.
“Real estate firms are worried about how they are going to navigate these reforms, but feeling overwhelmed, so they are putting it off,” Mrs Andersen said.
“Professionals, though, has taken the opposite approach. They’ve recognised the scale of change coming and acted early, and that is real industry leadership.”
Professionals’ CEO Sean Hanneberry said the network’s decision to secure a compliance partner and roll out early training underscores its commitment to safeguarding its members and providing the tools and technology to thrive in a competitive market.
“This legislation will affect every real estate business in the country,” Mr Hanneberry said. “Our network deserves certainty of knowing they will be compliant, trained and supported well before the deadline.
“Our partnership with AMLHUB goes far beyond ticking a box. It’s about giving our members practical tools, ongoing training, and expert guidance so they feel confident and fully equipped to meet their AML obligations.”
Ms Andersen said AMLHUB was created in consultation with real estate agents to fit seamlessly into everyday workflows.
“We’re an AML company at our core, and the technology we’ve built simply enables compliance without requiring agents to become experts in legislation,” she said.
“Common pain points we hear are we’re overwhelmed in compliance paperwork or losing sleep at night not knowing if they’ve missed something that may result in a failed audit.
“Many offices simply don’t have the time or expertise to chase documents, speak to lawyers or verify complex ownership structures. Our technology and team do this work every day, in multiple languages, and we can turn around verifications quickly and accurately.”
Professionals Principal Emma Craig recently joined the network after acquiring Professionals Edge Hill in Cairns and said having previously worked for independent agencies, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to manage complex regulations.
“When you’re independent, navigating new regulation means investing a huge amount of time, and in this case, into understanding and managing compliance yourself,’’ Ms Craig said.
“Being part of a group means that heavy lifting is done for you. There, of course, is involvement that must come from you as a business, but you’re given clear, consistent communication and the tools you need, rather than starting from scratch.
“The brand model gives me the ability to spend less time buried in setup and compliance, and more time doing the work I love – real estate.”
About Professionals Real Estate
Established in 1976 in Queensland by a group of 12 agents, Professionals Real Estate began with a vision to create a more collaborative and supportive approach to real estate with a unique membership model. In 2025, Professionals underwent a bold transformation, unveiling a modern brand and a progressive direction for the network. Today, Professionals is focused on becoming the most connected and marketing-driven real estate network in Australasia – where ambitious agents and agencies come together to achieve more than they could anywhere else. The network delivers powerful brand assets, full-service marketing support, strategic business mentoring, and innovative technology to help members grow and thrive. Professionals operates across metropolitan and regional areas of Australia, as well as internationally in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. www.professionals.com.au
