Case Study:

How Owen Hodge Lawyers Got AML Ready with My Databoss

Preparing for Tranche 2 with Compliance, Confidence and Control

As Tranche 2 AML/CTF legislation approaches, legal professionals across Australia are facing increasing pressure to modernise how they manage identity verification, client onboarding and data governance.

Owen Hodge Lawyers didn’t wait for the mandate.

They proactively adopted My Databoss in early 2025 to strengthen their compliance workflows, reduce risk and enhance client trust — all while improving operational efficiency.

Here’s how they did it and what other firms can learn from their approach.

Why Owen Hodge Took AML Seriously — Before It Was Mandated

As a respected mid-sized law firm with deep expertise in commercial litigation, Owen Hodge is no stranger to risk. But as Managing Partner Rolf Howard saw the regulatory momentum building around Tranche 2, it was clear that relying on traditional VOI processes as legacy onboarding methods wouldn’t be enough.

They needed a system that could:

  • Meet AML/KYC obligations

  • Handle sensitive data securely

  • Minimise manual admin and human error

  • Offer an auditable trail of client interactions

  • Respect client privacy and ensure data expiry controls

In short: they needed a platform that didn’t just tick compliance boxes but actually made them safer and more efficient.

The Shift: From Email Attachments to Encrypted Identity Workflows

Before My Databoss, onboarding at Owen Hodge involved a mix of:

  • Emailing documents

  • Digital VOI tools that weren’t integrated into internal systems

  • Manual tracking of document expiry and follow-up

  • A lack of visibility over where client data lived once it was received

With My Databoss, they transitioned to:

✅ A centralised, secure portal for all identity verification
✅ Encrypted client data intake through the My Databoss mobile app
✅ Built-in expiry controls and audit trails
✅ Role-based access for internal teams
✅ Automatic logging of client interactions, form submissions, and approvals

More Than ID Checks — Securing All Sensitive Client Data

My Databoss doesn’t just help law firms collect and verify identity documents — it provides a secure digital channel where any type of client information can be requested, submitted and stored with confidence.

One of the biggest pain points for firms like Owen Hodge?
Securely collecting client bank details.

Before My Databoss, this was often handled manually — via phone calls, emails, or PDF forms — all vulnerable to email compromise scams and human error.

Now, clients can submit banking details (and other critical financial information) through the same encrypted channel they used to verify ID — with:

✅ Client-side consent
✅ Audit trails
✅ Expiry controls
✅ No reliance on email or risky workarounds

This dramatically reduces exposure to payment redirection scams, while streamlining admin and improving the client experience.

“My Databoss has transformed how we handle client identity verification and compliance.
It gives us the confidence that we're meeting AML/KYC obligations while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data protection.”
— Rolf Howard, Managing Partner & Commercial Litigation Lawyer, Owen Hodge Lawyers

What It Unlocked

For Owen Hodge, adopting My Databoss wasn’t just about compliance — it created tangible, daily improvements across their operations.

Better Client Experience

Clients can now securely verify their identity from their phone in minutes — no email chains, no printing, no back-and-forth. It’s streamlined and intuitive.

Reduced Admin Time

Staff no longer need to manually request, chase, file or track ID documents. The platform automates expiry notifications and stores everything in one place.

Compliance Peace of Mind

With detailed logs, field-level data retention rules, and structured workflows, the team is confident they’re not just compliant — they’re audit-ready.

Stronger Data Security & Risk Reduction

By shifting sensitive data exchanges — like ID and bank details — away from email and into a secure, auditable platform, Owen Hodge has significantly reduced the volume of unstructured data in circulation. This lowers their exposure to fraud, phishing, and human error — and strengthens client trust in how their information is handled.

Future-Proofing Before the Deadline

By implementing My Databoss ahead of the final Tranche 2 requirements from AUSTRAC, Owen Hodge has positioned itself ahead of the curve — not waiting for legislation to hit but proactively building the systems and workflows it will need.

Instead of scrambling in response to regulatory deadlines, the firm now has time to fine-tune, scale confidently, and focus on what matters most: delivering value to clients, not reacting to compliance pressure.

How Other Law Firms Can Follow Suit

Owen Hodge's success isn’t just about their size or resources — it’s about a mindset.. taking compliance seriously and future-proofing early.

With My Databoss, firms of all sizes can:

  • Launch in days — no developers required

  • Roll out Tranche 2-ready workflows tailored to their practice areas

  • Protect sensitive data from day one

  • Reduce exposure and increase client trust

Whether you’re a sole practitioner or a national firm, getting AML ready doesn’t need to be complex. It just needs to be deliberate.

In Summary

Owen Hodge Lawyers has shown what’s possible when a firm leads with foresight, not fear.

They’ve reduced friction, increased security, and laid the groundwork for Tranche 2 — long before it becomes mandatory.

And with My Databoss, they did it without slowing down or hiring a compliance team.