AML/CFT levy

The AML/CFT (Levy) Regulations 2026 establish a levy to part-fund New Zealand's AML/CFT system. 

The levy will help fund the functions of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Ministry of Justice under the AML/CFT Act 2009 and the delivery of the AML/CFT National Strategy 2026–2030 (Ministry of Justice).

Who pays the levy?

The levy will be paid by reporting entities in three groups: 

• Banks and deposit takers will contribute 85.25% of total levy costs.

• The gambling sector, including casinos, online casinos and TAB/Entain, will contribute 9.25%.

• Non-bank financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) will contribute the remaining 5.5%. 

For more information about how levy costs are distributed, monitored and reviewed, see the Ministry of Justice AML/CFT levy information.

How much will the levy be? 

The levy rates are set out in the AML/CFT levy regulations and relevant notice (legislation.govt.nz).

The average costs that the levy will recover is $22.75 million per annum from 2026/27 to 2029/30. The annual levy collection is $27.33 million per annum. 

As discussed at public consultation, with collection of the levy starting from 1 July 2027, a likely of deficit of $22.55 million will accrue from 2026/27. The levy rates will recover this deficit over a five-year period.  

The amount payable by a reporting entity depends on the sector it operates in, and the information used to calculate the levy for that sector.

This includes:

• Banks and deposit takers: reported asset value

• Casinos and Entain (previously TAB): player/loss data

• Law firms and trust and company service providers: number of customers for whom customer due diligence is performed

• Real estate businesses: reported transaction value

• Other financial institutions and DNFBPs: [insert calculation basis]

If your sector is not listed in the regulations, you do not have to pay the levy for this levy period.

How will the levy be collected?

DIA will collect the AML/CFT levy annually, with collection commencing after 1 July 2027. The current levy period is from 2026/27 to 2029/30.

Further information about how the levy will be collected, including invoicing, payment arrangements and key dates, will be provided by DIA ahead of the first levy collection.

What do I need to do now?

If your business is liable to pay the levy, you do not need to make a payment until you receive an invoice from DIA

DIA will provide further information about your levy amount, payment arrangements and key dates before collection begins.

We recommend keeping your contact and business information up to date with DIA so we can contact you about your levy where required. 

Levy monitoring and review

The levy will be monitored to ensure it continues to support the AML/CFT regulatory work programme and that levy funding is used appropriately. 

The levy will also be reviewed in accordance with the requirements of the AML/CFT Act. 

Questions about the levy 

If you have questions about the AML/CFT levy or how it will be collected, email aml@justice.govt.nz