In November 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is conducting a Mutual Evaluation of Canada’s technical compliance with the FATF recommendations on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing (AMLTF). As part of this evaluation, the Canadian legal profession’s role in preventing financial crime will be coming under scrutiny. Therefore, it is more important than ever to ensure all lawyers understand and are complying with AMLTF obligations.
National Rules related to AMLTF have been in place for more than 20 years, with the current rules in force since 2020. During this time, the Society has sought to provide guidance, toolkits, and regular check-ins to support lawyers in understanding their responsibilities. While many lawyers have already completed the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s online course, and compliance is strong in many areas, we continue to see inaccuracies and inconsistent application of rules across the province.
To address this, and in line with the Federation’s recommendation, the Society is now implementing a mandatory requirement for lawyers who handle client funds to complete the Federation’s online course:
All lawyers who expect to be retained by a client for legal services involving the handling of money—such as receiving, paying, or transferring funds—must complete the Federation’s online course on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the Canadian Legal Profession.
This five-module program covers:
- The risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in legal practice
- Due diligence obligations under client identification and verification rules
- Proper use of trust accounts
- Restrictions on cash transactions
- How to comply with AMLTF rules set by law societies
The course can be included in your CPD Plan and takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to complete. A certificate will be issued once the course has been completed—this can be kept for your annual CPD records.
Deadline for Completion:
Lawyers who fall under this requirement must complete the course before submitting their June 2026 Annual Report. You will be asked to confirm completion as part of that process.
We recognize the efforts many have already made and appreciate your continued commitment to upholding the integrity of the profession. Our team is available to support you with any questions or assistance you may need.
If you have any question, please reach out to AML@NSBS.org.
Access the Federation’s Online Learning Program at “Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the Canadian Legal Profession”