Problem
Three prior meetings with a licensee were deferred for “missing source-of-funds evidence.” The client had sale contracts in Mandarin, bank SWIFT records, and Australian conveyancer correspondence but no indexed pack or timeline narrative. Bank had flagged a large transfer while TFN was still pending. Frustration led the client to consider non-bank channels marketed on social media — we advised pause and structured presentation instead.
Our approach
- Translated document inventory (client-provided translations; we do not certify translations legally).
- One-page source-of-funds timeline linking sale date, settlement, FX transfer, and Australian deposit timing.
- Certified copy guidance aligned to bank and licensee checklists.
- Meeting agenda limiting discussion to protection needs, not investment property finance (out of licensee scope for that AR).
- Rehearsal call on how to answer AML questions factually without over-explaining.
Measures implemented
- Indexed PDF under 40 pages with cover sheet
- Conveyancer letter request template approved by client’s solicitor
- TFN completion confirmed before transfer narrative sent
Outcome
Fourth licensee meeting completed; life and TPD recommendations issued via SOA. Bank accepted revised pack for ongoing relationship (bank decisions independent of us). Client declined social media transfer channel. Total delay reduced by an estimated four to six weeks compared with prior ad hoc submissions.
Difficulties encountered
Licensee deferred meetings three times citing incomplete chains of title for offshore property sale. Client frustration peaked; social media suggested “alternative” transfer channels. Conveyancer was slow to issue letter confirming deposit source.
Resolution techniques
We built chronological sale-to-deposit narrative, obtained conveyancer letter template via client’s solicitor, and limited fourth meeting agenda to agreed protection topics. Rehearsal prevented client from volunteering unrelated offshore account details that would have triggered expanded AML review.