Key takeaway
These are not competing products. They solve different parts of the compliance obligation.
PEXA Clear is a per-transaction AML screening tool built into PEXA's settlement workflow. Pricing is $40 per AU/NZ individual and $65 per AU/NZ business verification (based on publicly announced pricing at the time of writing). It is built with FrankieOne for identity verification, KYB and risk orchestration, and has a training partnership with REIQ. Registrations open 31 March 2026, with the product aligned to the July 2026 Tranche 2 compliance deadline (early access and demonstrations are available earlier). It targets real estate agents, conveyancers and lawyers. Based on publicly available information at the time of writing, the product focuses on transaction-level checks, risk assessment and audit trails; no public mention of standalone AML/CTF program documentation generation.
HeadStart Docs provides program documents and a free AML portal: sector-specific program documentation, CDD at $35 per customer, ongoing monitoring, transaction monitoring, reporting and an immutable audit log. It is available now. Program documentation is available for 10+ Tranche 2 sectors, not just property.
Availability
PEXA Clear registrations open 31 March 2026, with the product aligned to the July 2026 Tranche 2 compliance deadline. Early access and product demonstrations are available earlier. HeadStart Docs is available now. AUSTRAC enrolment opens 31 March, and AUSTRAC expects reporting entities to have an AML/CTF program in place. Check AUSTRAC's requirements directly for details.
What each tool does
Based on publicly available information at the time of writing. PEXA Clear has not yet launched; features are based on announced information and may change. Confirm current features directly with each provider.
PEXA Clear
AML screening embedded in the PEXA settlement workflow for real estate agents, conveyancers and lawyers
- CDD, identity verification and risk orchestration (via FrankieOne)
- PEP, Sanctions and Adverse Media screening
- KYB (company verification)
- Embedded in PEXA settlement platform
- REIQ training partnership
- Cancel anytime (pay-per-use)
HeadStart Docs
Program documentation and AML portal
- Sector-specific AML/CTF program documentation
- Risk assessment frameworks
- Governance and policy documentation
- Free AML portal with CDD ($35/customer)
- Transaction monitoring and SMR reporting
- Ongoing monitoring (included in CDD)
- Immutable audit log
- Client-Pays CDD option
- 10+ Tranche 2 sectors (not property-only)
Per-verification cost comparison
Both HeadStart and PEXA Clear use a per-transaction model with no subscription. The pricing differs:
PEXA Clear pricing is based on publicly announced figures at the time of writing. PEXA Clear has not yet launched and pricing may change before launch. Confirm current pricing directly with each provider.
| Cost item | HeadStart Docs | PEXA Clear |
|---|---|---|
| Individual verification | $35 | $40 (announced pricing) |
| Business/company verification | $35 | $65 (announced pricing) |
| Can client pay the CDD cost? | Yes, via Client-Pays link | Not confirmed |
| Ongoing monitoring included? | Yes, up to 3 re-screens per CDD | Not confirmed |
| Platform subscription | Free. No subscription. | No subscription |
Note: This pricing comparison covers CDD/screening costs only. HeadStart also provides program documents and free portal access. Based on publicly available information, PEXA Clear focuses on transaction-level checks, risk assessment and audit trails. Confirm the full scope of each product directly with each provider.
Do you need one or both?
Many conveyancing firms may use both. They solve different problems:
- HeadStart Docs = your AML/CTF program documentation, governance, risk assessment, policies, portal, monitoring and reporting
- PEXA Clear = AML screening embedded in your PEXA settlement workflow
If you use PEXA for settlements (and most conveyancers do), having screening embedded in that workflow can be genuinely convenient. But you still need the program layer — the documented policies, risk assessments and governance framework that sit behind those checks. That is what HeadStart provides.
Summary
HeadStart Docs provides:
- Program documentation and screening in one place
- Available now (before PEXA Clear launches)
- CDD at $35 per verification (individual or business)
- Client-Pays CDD (disbursement-friendly)
- Coverage for non-property work as well
- Up to 3 ongoing re-screens included in every CDD
PEXA Clear provides:
- Screening inside your PEXA settlement workflow
- FrankieOne identity verification
- REIQ training partnership
- No new login required if you use PEXA
HeadStart program documents and portal access are free. You only pay $35 per CDD. Your client can pay the CDD cost directly via Client-Pays.
Ready to get started?
Program documents and AML portal included. Available now. $35 per customer CDD. No subscription. Cancel anytime. Subject to licence terms.
Disclaimer
Based on publicly available data as at 4 March 2026. Information may have changed after this date. PEXA Clear has not yet launched; features and pricing are based on announced information and may change before launch. Confirm current pricing and inclusions directly with each provider. This page is general information only and not legal advice. HeadStart Docs™ sells digital products, not legal services. We do not guarantee the accuracy of information provided. Always seek advice specific to your circumstances from a qualified professional.
* Program documents and portal access are free. You only pay $35 per CDD (which can be passed to the client via Client-Pays). Optional PDD searches (Police checks $55, Bankruptcy and credit checks $20) and any independent review costs are additional.
All product names, logos and brands mentioned on this page are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names is for identification and comparison purposes only and does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the respective trade mark owners. HeadStart Docs Pty Ltd is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with any of the providers listed.
Read our complete Tranche 2 Guide
Key dates, affected sectors, obligations and how to prepare