Changes to bank services can leave a law firm without a way to send money overseas, sometimes at short notice. One major Australian bank has told its law firm clients that it will stop processing their international payments from 20 November 2026.
For firms with estate distributions, settlements or other client funds due to go overseas, a change like this isn’t just admin. It can delay matters, frustrate clients and create risk if transfers are rushed through an unfamiliar process.
Why international payments matter for law firms
Cross-border transfers are common in legal practice. Examples include:
- paying an estate to beneficiaries in the UK
- sending settlement proceeds to a client who has moved overseas
- releasing property sale funds to a buyer or seller who lives abroad.
Each one involves trust money, compliance obligations and a client who expects the full amount to arrive safely and on time.
What to look for in an international payments provider
Regulation and compliance: The provider should be regulated by ASIC and AUSTRAC, hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and belong to AFCA. Your firm’s trust account obligations still apply, so choose a provider that understands them.
Error prevention: A mistyped IBAN or SWIFT code can delay funds for weeks. Look for a provider that checks overseas account details before funds are sent, and confirms payment instructions verbally, which also helps protect against payment redirection fraud.
Cost transparency: The exchange rate margin often costs far more than the transfer fee. Small differences in the rate can mean thousands of dollars on large settlements, and that money belongs to the client.
Speed and certainty: Clients want to know how much will arrive and when. Specialist providers can usually tell you both before the transfer is made.
Support that understands legal work: Estates, settlements and family law matters have deadlines and approvals that general banking support isn’t set up for.
Avoiding gaps in client transfers
If your bank is changing its service:
- List upcoming transfers for the next three to six months, by matter and currency.
- Set up a new provider early. Account checks (KYC) take time, so don’t wait until a payment is due.
- Update your internal procedures for trust account payments and approvals.
- Tell affected clients that the process is changing, so verification calls don’t catch them off guard.
How Law In Order clients can get started
Through our partnership with Send Payments, Law In Order clients can use a specialist international payments provider that works with law firms and conveyancers across Australia. Send provides a dedicated Australian-based account manager, handles transfers from the PEXA workspace and offers competitive exchange rates.
This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Figures accurate as of January 2026. Timeframes are indicative and may vary depending on destination, cut-off times and compliance checks.
This service is provided to Law In Order clients by SendFX Limited ACN 617 647 220, which is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), is a registered remittance provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), is a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) (number 509635). This information is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please review the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide before making a decision.
For further information, please contact:
Murali Baddula, Chief Digital Officer, Law In Order
sydney@lawinorder.com
