Moray & Agnew: Becomes ADRAC Registered Office Amid AML/CTF Reforms

• Moray & Agnew has been appointed as the new registered office for the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (ADRAC).
• The Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) vacated the role due to new AML/CTF reforms, creating the need for a new service provider.
• Moray & Agnew's existing robust AML/CTF compliance mechanisms and strong national pro bono practice were key factors in its selection.
• The firm's Canberra office, led by Emma Reilly and Jin Law, provides governance, executive, company secretarial, and legal support to ADRAC.
• This partnership reflects Moray & Agnew's commitment to access to justice and supporting community organizations.

The catalyst for this change in ADRAC's registered office stems directly from the implementation of new AML/CTF reforms in Australia, which prompted the Australian Government Solicitor to step down from its long-standing support role.

Moray & Agnew has recently taken on the role of registered office for the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (ADRAC), a significant development that underscores shifts in legal support for government-related bodies. This appointment came about following the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) vacating its previous position, a move necessitated by new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) reforms. The firm's involvement was initiated by a former NSW Court of Appeal judge, leading to discussions between ADRAC's chair, Ruth McColl AO SC, and Moray & Agnew's managing partner, Ian Denham.

These initial conversations focused on ADRAC's mission, the support it previously received from the AGS, and its urgent need for a new organization to provide similar assistance. Moray & Agnew successfully demonstrated its robust systems and specialized expertise, proving capable of fulfilling ADRAC's governance and operational requirements. The firm's established national pro bono practice was a key factor in its decision to accept this important role.

Currently, Moray & Agnew provides comprehensive governance, executive, company secretarial, and legal support to ADRAC. A primary focus in the early stages of this partnership involves company secretariat functions, including the preparation and filing of necessary documents with regulatory bodies, alongside the creation of board papers, agendas, and minutes for meetings. The firm's Canberra office is spearheading this relationship, with managing partner Emma Reilly and government practice associate Jin Law overseeing the efforts. Their selection was based on their relevant experience and capacity to offer responsive, tailored assistance, further bolstered by support from the firm's national pro bono team.

The catalyst for this change in ADRAC's registered office stems directly from the implementation of new AML/CTF reforms in Australia, which prompted the Australian Government Solicitor to step down from its long-standing support role. This regulatory shift highlights the increasing compliance burden on legal entities, even those providing services to advisory councils. Moray & Agnew's readiness to assume the role was significantly aided by its proactive approach to compliance. The firm had already put in place various mechanisms to ensure strict adherence to AML and CTF requirements for its existing client base, demonstrating a pre-existing capability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Furthermore, the firm's Canberra office boasts numerous staff members possessing the specific expertise required to deliver the necessary support to ADRAC. This internal capacity, combined with their established compliance framework, instilled confidence that Moray & Agnew could provide high-quality services across a range of areas. The collaborative nature of the appointment process ensured a smooth transition, with all parties focused on maintaining the high standard of support ADRAC had come to expect.

Beyond the operational and compliance requirements, Moray & Agnew's decision to partner with ADRAC is deeply rooted in its broader commitment to public service and access to justice. The firm views supporting organizations that make a meaningful contribution to the Australian community, such as the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council, as a direct fulfillment of its dedication to the communities in which its staff live and work. Managing partner Emma Reilly's extensive experience in governance and the not-for-profit sector, alongside the availability of other lawyers for specialist expertise, further strengthens this commitment.

As the partnership evolves, Moray & Agnew intends to strategically expand its support for ADRAC. This expansion will be guided by ADRAC's identified needs and will draw upon the firm's diverse expertise across various practice areas. This forward-looking approach ensures that the Moray & Agnew ADRAC registered office collaboration will continue to provide robust ADRAC governance support, adapting to future requirements and leveraging the firm's comprehensive capabilities.

This development illustrates the practical impact of AML/CTF reforms on legal entities, leading to changes in service providers for government-related bodies like ADRAC. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of how these reforms necessitate robust compliance systems, even for pro bono work, and can create new opportunities or challenges in advisory roles.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer.