AML/CTF Compliance — Pubs & Clubs
New AML/CTF rules are in force. Is your venue ready?
For 20 years, Elite Legal has helped pubs, clubs and hospitality venues stay ahead of AUSTRAC. Take the free 2-minute compliance check to see exactly where your venue stands under the 2026 reforms.
Why us
Why venues choose Elite Legal
A law firm, not a consultancy
Legal rigour on every evaluation — findings anchored to the exact section, Rule and AUSTRAC guidance.
We know you, and talk your language
We understand how your pub or club works, we know how cash moves, what staffing limitations you have, what your different systems do, and your competing and complementary regulatory obligations.
Pubs & clubs in our DNA
ClubsNSW Silver Corporate Partner and CMAA Silver Partner. We know the Registered Clubs Act, Liquor Act and Gaming Machines Act as deeply as the AML/CTF Act.
ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
Our principal Michael Anderson, in recognition of the successful completion of certification testing requirements, has been certified by ACAMS as a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.
We speak venue, not just statute
We know pubs and clubs from the gaming floor up — the products, the systems and the people:
Your AML/CTF team
Meet the team
Michael Anderson
CEO & Legal Director
ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
With 28+ years advising pubs, clubs and hospitality groups, Michael Anderson leads Elite Legal’s AML/CTF practice — from tailored risk assessments and programs to independent evaluations and AUSTRAC engagement. Trusted by boards across NSW.
Costa Bakoulis
Lawyer
Costa combines a Bachelor of Laws with more than a decade in executive management of hospitality venues within pubs, registered clubs and hotels. He assists pub and club clients with licensing, commercial, corporate, governance, compliance and regulatory matters — advice that is legally robust and commercially pragmatic.
Natalie Michels
Executive Assistant / Paralegal
With more than 23 years of comprehensive legal experience across commercial law, litigation and conveyancing, Natalie supports pubs and clubs on amalgamations, catering agreements, leases, loan documentation, licensing and constitutional matters.
Ruby Easton
Legal Support
Currently completing her Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies at UTS, Ruby provides legal support across the practice, bringing analytical skill, attention to detail and a background in commercial operations and compliance.
In their words
Client testimonials
“Michael is a master of his craft, his expert advice and flawless execution were invaluable to our much-loved community club throughout a demanding, at times emotional, amalgamation process. From the start, Michael was clear, patient, supportive and committed to ensuring our Board was fully informed and compliant at every step. His driven dedication throughout, and his exceptional performance at our general meeting, were critical to the comprehensively successful outcome.”
“Our club engaged Michael and the Elite team to undertake a number of routine and complex projects, including the legal environment of registered clubs, commercial leases, complex development projects and commercial advisory. The Elite team are knowledgeable, professional and can clearly articulate complex documents and processes in an easy-to-understand way.”
“Michael and the Elite team apply themselves diligently and expertly to get things done, adapting quickly to challenging situations with high integrity and trust.”
“I will add my thanks and appreciation, Michael. Your attention to detail is fantastic and your constant effort to ensure that we understood not just the words but the intent and the risks is exactly the kind of exceptional performance that a business owner wants from their lawyer. You have been a great professional and a good friend to us. We look forward to many more successful negotiations in the future.”
Request an Independent Evaluation
Talk to us before AUSTRAC talks to you.
Send us your details and we’ll be in touch about an Independent Evaluation — a confidential, no-obligation conversation about where your venue stands. In our Sydney office or at your venue.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.