AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) is the Australian Government agency responsible for detecting, deterring and disrupting criminal abuse of the financial system to protect the community from serious and organised crime.

Through strong regulation, and enhanced intelligence capabilities, AUSTRAC collects and analyses financial reports and information to generate financial intelligence. This vital information about potential criminals and criminal activity contributes to our national security and law enforcement investigations.

For more than 30 years, AUSTRAC has been evolving to address the challenges in a financial system that is rapidly changing and targeted by criminals in complex ways. 

Today, AUSTRAC finds itself working in a disrupted financial landscape, with new and emerging technologies changing the way financial services are delivered, in an increasingly globalised economy. These disruptions have created significant changes in the sector and AUSTRAC has adapted to these shifts in how it regulates businesses to disrupt financial crime to protect the community. 

As criminals become more sophisticated and develop new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in the Australian financial system, we will continue to evolve and deepen how we work with our reporting population and partners. This is enabled by our highly collaborative approach and specialist work force.

In addition, the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry highlighted the importance of agencies such as AUSTRAC in providing oversight of the financial sector, and supporting entities in meeting their regulatory obligations.

Vision

A financial system free from criminal abuse.

Purpose

To build resilience in the financial system and use financial intelligence and regulation to disrupt money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crime.