Grant Thornton expands risk consulting practice as AML/CTF changes loom
Grant Thornton has announced three new appointments in its risk consulting practice as new AML/CTF compliance requirements loom.
New anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) rules are set to affect a broad subset of accounting firms from mid-2026.
In preparation for the new rules, Grant Thornton has expanded its risk consulting practice to support reporting entities newly captured under the AML/CTF regime.
“Our team is working diligently to guide new and existing entrants through the AML/CTF rules and regulations,” said Jarrod Lean, partner and the firm’s national head of risk consulting.
“We’re committed to building our AML capability in-house to strengthen the breadth and depth of skills and expertise within the market, and I’m looking forward to what this specialist team can achieve for our clients.”
The new AML/CTF rules will capture businesses that offer ‘designated services’ such as assisting with the selling or buying of real estate and companies, assisting in equity or debt financing transactions and acting in the creation of a company or legal arrangement, including trusts, partnerships and joint ventures.
Lawyer and anti-money laundering specialist Fiona Halsey told Accounting Times that accounting firms offering such services would see “significant” new compliance burdens.
In an expansion of its AML/CTF advisory services ahead of the regulatory changes, Grant Thornton has welcomed three new risk consultants: Martin Stone, Annelies Homersham and Marie Virueda.
Stone has joined Grant Thornton’s Melbourne risk consulting team as a partner. He brings 20 years of experience in financial crime risk management and is accustomed to providing risk and strategic advice while guiding businesses through compliance with Australia’s AML/CTF regulations.
Annelies Homersham also joined the Melbourne risk consulting team as a principal, bringing 20 years of experience in helping clients navigate the changing financial crime landscape in Australia. She has worked with a variety of firms, including local and global teams, large corporates, government entities in financial services and professional services.
As firms face growing ESG and sustainability regulations, Marie Virueda has joined Grant Thornton’s risk consulting practice in Sydney as a director to help guide businesses through a shifting compliance environment. Her career has spanned over 10 years and she specialises in governance, risk management and controls.
The new AML/CTF rules will require reporting entities to enrol with AUSTRAC, develop an AML/CTF program, conduct ongoing customer due diligence, report suspicious activities and maintain adequate records of their compliance activities.
Civil penalties for noncompliance with new AML/CTF requirements could reach up to $20,000, while criminal penalties could climb even higher.
Grant Thornton’s expansion of its AML/CTF advisory services reflects the growing compliance burden that the emerging regulation will impose on firms.
“It’s an exciting time to be working in the risk consulting practice at Grant Thornton,” Lean said.
“With limited AML experts nationally, we’re proud to have Annelies and Martin join our highly experienced and knowledgeable advisors in the team.”
