New sector risk assessment highlights money laundering risks facing real estate agents

22 June 2026

The money laundering and terrorism financing risks for real estate agents have been published in a new Department of Internal Affairs sector risk assessment.

The Real Estate Agent Sector Risk Assessment 2026 draws on more than seven years of sector data and regulatory insights to identify key risks affecting licensed real estate agents.

“The good news is that we know AML/CFT controls are making the sector a harder criminal target,” Laura Olsen, Acting Director, AML/CFT, at the Department of Internal Affairs says.

“The sector risk assessment shows most agents now have AML/CFT programmes and conduct customer due diligence, while many larger or grouped agencies have strong governance, training, and centralised compliance systems.

“It also provides useful insights because it shows where more work is needed, for example not all suspicious activity is being identified or reported.
“Property is attractive to criminals seeking to move, disguise or legitimise illicit funds. Understanding the risks is critical to ensuring appropriate and proportionate controls are in place.

“Not all real estate agents are monitoring higher risk clients or transactions. Given the scale of real estate transactions and the risks in the sector, the overall reporting volume from real estate agents is too low.

“Real estate agents play a key role in protecting New Zealand’s financial system and while not every real estate business faces the same level of risk, every agency is an important line of defence against money laundering.

“Another key takeaway from the sector risk assessment is that agents sometimes overlook suspicious activity associated with purchasers. That means a whole category of risky behaviour may be underreported,” Laura Olsen says.

You can read The Real Estate Sector Risk Assessment 2026 in full on the website: AML-CFT Information for Real Estate Agents - dia.govt.nz