From 1 June 2025, every reporting entity under the AML/CFT Act must assign and record a customer-specific risk rating for all clients—both new and existing. This is a significant change to the compliance landscape, requiring updates to your AML/CFT documentation, internal processes, and staff training.
To support reporting entities with this change, Strategi has developed the AML/CFT risk rating tool kit. It’s a practical resource designed to help you meet your new obligations efficiently and with confidence.
The tool kit includes:
- A user guide to provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the tool kit.
- Templates and sample wording to update your AML/CFT programme and risk assessment.
- A step-by-step guide and checklist to integrate customer risk rating into onboarding and review processes.
- A risk rating calculator in Excel format, using dropdown menus and built-in formulas to ensure consistent, auditable results.
- A comprehensive guidance note outlining broader consideration regarding customer risk rating, intended to assist reporting entities in navigating the relevant requirements.
At $449 + GST, the tool kit is a cost-effective way to save hours of work and reduce the risk of non-compliance.
Why this matters now
The deadline has passed, and customer-specific risk ratings are now a legal requirement. That means reporting entities must be able to show that:
- Their AML/CFT programme and risk assessment have been updated
- Their staff know how to apply risk ratings in day-to-day work
- Risk ratings are being recorded consistently and can be audited
At a glance: how the Strategi tool kit helps you meet AML/CFT obligations
| Requirement | What’s needed | How the tool kit helps |
| Update your AML/CFT programme and risk assessment | You must now include customer-specific risk ratings | Provides modular wording and templates ready to drop in |
| Train staff and update your client processes | Teams need to apply risk ratings consistently across all clients | Includes a clear user guide, practical checklist, and staff-friendly tools |
| Record and evidence risk ratings | Each customer must have a documented, auditable risk rating | The calculator ensures consistency, accuracy, and easy reporting |
This change is not just a tick-box exercise—it requires a clear, embedded approach to customer risk rating throughout your compliance framework. The Strategi tool kit was created with this in mind, helping you move from awareness to action.
Keen to learn more? Visit strategi.co.nz/tool-kit. Or, if you’d like a quick look at how it works, you can book a free 15-minute, no-obligation demo—just contact Ant Alder at [email protected] to make a booking.