How to hire an AML Compliance Officer (AMLCO)

Hiring your first AML Compliance Officer (AMLCO)? Start here.

Hiring the wrong AMLCO can put your firm at risk. This isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about hiring someone who can lead and build a strong culture of compliance.

As Australia’s Tranche 2 AML reforms come into effect, legal, accounting and real estate firms are facing a first: appointing a dedicated AML Compliance Officer (AMLCO).

But how do you hire for a role that hasn’t existed in your sector before?

This free guide walks you through everything you need to know to make a confident, compliant and well-informed hire - from understanding the role, to spotting red flags and knowing what questions to ask.

In this practical guide, you'll learn:

• What the AMLCO really does and why the role matters
• How to assess if someone is “fit and proper” under AUSTRAC
• Why mindset can matter more than experience
• Traits of a strong AMLCO, and what to avoid
• Interview questions that reveal judgement and risk awareness
• Sample job description with responsibilities, skills and KPIs
• Real-world examples from law, real estate and accounting
• How other firms are building their compliance teams

This guide gives you the insights, language and structure to get it right.