BGL has partnered with OnboardMe, a client onboarding platform, to enhance AML/CTF compliance management for accounting firms. The collaboration will integrate OnboardMe’s client onboarding workflow directly with BGL Firm Verify, BGL’s dedicated AML/CTF compliance platform.
The integration aims to streamline the process for firms, allowing a seamless transition from client onboarding to compliance checks without requiring data re-entry or switching between separate tools. This development addresses the significantly widening regulatory obligations for the accounting sector in Australia.
Effective July 1, 2026, the AML/CTF Act will extend its scope to include accounting firms and other professional services businesses, marking the first such expansion in nearly two decades. This change is projected to bring an additional 80,000 businesses under the supervision of AUSTRAC, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, an increase approximately six times the number currently overseen by the regulator.
Once operational, the integrated systems are designed to support several core Tranche 2 compliance requirements. These include identity verification for individuals and businesses (Know Your Customer and Know Your Business), identification of beneficial ownership, screening for politically exposed persons (PEPs), sanctions and adverse media checks, application of customer due diligence to designated services, ongoing monitoring and alerts, and support for AML/CTF programs, firm risk assessments, and reporting to AUSTRAC.
Jeevan Tokhi, Chief Product Officer at BGL, stated, “Accounting firms shouldn’t have to bolt compliance onto the end of their onboarding process. By connecting OnboardMe with BGL Firm Verify, a firm can take a new client from engagement and onboarding straight through to AML/CTF compliance, customer due diligence and identity verification, all without re-keying data or jumping between systems. It’s onboarding and compliance working as one.”
The OnboardMe integration is part of a broader development roadmap for BGL Firm Verify throughout 2026. BGL also plans to introduce two-way syncing across its own suite of products, including BGL CAS 360, BGL Simple Fund 360, and BGL Simple Invest 360. Further connections are also planned for external platforms such as Xero Practice Manager, MYOB Practice Management, Karbon, and APS Contacts+.
Lee Williams, Co-founder of OnboardMe, commented, “Our mission has always been to remove the friction from onboarding and client engagement. This partnership with BGL means our clients will be able to meet their Tranche 2 obligations inside the same workflow they already use to bring clients on. For accounting firms, that’s one less disconnected system to manage.”
