Introduction

The integrity of the global financial system depends on robust defenses against fraud and financial crime. In an era of rapid digital transformation, central banks and regulatory bodies face the critical challenge of staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats like money laundering and emerging forms of fraud. This training course is specifically designed to empower regulators with the advanced knowledge and technological tools necessary to safeguard financial integrity and ensure a secure banking environment.

This training course focuses on leveraging technology for effective supervision. You'll explore how advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can be applied to detect suspicious activities and enhance regulatory oversight. The course provides a deep dive into the latest AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Counter-Financing of Terrorism) frameworks, enabling you to build a proactive and resilient regulatory ecosystem that protects financial institutions and the public from exploitation.

Duration

10 days

Target Audience

• Central bank and financial sector regulators
• AML and CFT compliance officers
• Financial intelligence unit (FIU) analysts
• Bank supervisory and examination staff
• Legal and enforcement officers
• Risk management professionals
• Cybersecurity and fraud investigation teams
• Public policy officials in finance
• Financial auditors and internal controls staff
• Data scientists in the financial sector

Objectives

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of financial crime typologies.
• Identify and mitigate emerging fraud and money laundering risks.
• Utilize advanced analytics and AI for proactive risk-based supervision.
• Enhance skills in AML and CFT compliance and enforcement.
• Implement effective frameworks for transaction monitoring.
• Conduct robust due diligence and enhanced scrutiny of entities.
• Navigate international cooperation and information-sharing protocols.
• Strengthen regulatory oversight using technology.
• Build resilient and secure financial systems.
• Design and execute effective regulatory stress tests.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Evolving Landscape of Financial Crime

• Modern fraud schemes and their typologies.
• The global threat of money laundering and terrorist financing.
• New vulnerabilities in digital banking and payment systems.
• The role of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies in illicit finance.
• Case studies of major financial crime incidents.

Module 2: The Regulatory Framework for Financial Integrity

• International standards (e.g., FATF recommendations).
• National legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Risk-based approach to financial supervision.
• Sanctions screening and compliance.
• Regulatory reporting requirements and best practices.

Module 3: Advanced AML & CFT Compliance

• Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).
• Transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting (SAR).
• Beneficial ownership and corporate transparency.
• Managing high-risk sectors and politically exposed persons (PEPs).
• Building a culture of compliance within institutions.

Module 4: Leveraging Technology for Financial Crime Prevention

• Overview of RegTech and FinTech solutions.
• The use of AI and machine learning in fraud detection.
• Big data analytics for anomaly detection.
• The potential of blockchain for supply chain and finance transparency.
• Practical implementation of new technologies in a regulatory context.

Module 5: AI-Driven Fraud Detection

• How AI models identify unusual behavior.
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning for fraud.
• Implementing real-time transaction monitoring systems.
• The use of neural networks and predictive analytics.
• Managing false positives and model tuning.

Module 6: Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

• Common cyber threats and attack vectors.
• Secure network infrastructure and data protection.
• Incident response and crisis management.
• The basics of digital forensics for fraud investigations.
• Threat intelligence and information-sharing protocols.

Module 7: The Role of a Central Bank in Supervision

• Proactive vs. reactive supervisory models.
• The power of onsite and offsite examinations.
• Regulatory stress testing and financial stability.
• Sanctions enforcement and asset freezing.
• Inter-agency collaboration and partnerships.

Module 8: Investigative Techniques and Evidence Gathering

• Financial statement analysis for red flags.
• Tracing illicit funds and complex ownership structures.
• Interview and interrogation techniques.
• Building a legal case and preparing for prosecution.
• The importance of a clear audit trail.

Module 9: Public-Private Partnerships

• Collaborative models between regulators and financial institutions.
• Information sharing frameworks and challenges.
• Joint initiatives for threat intelligence.
• Building trust and overcoming data privacy concerns.
• The future of public-private cooperation.

Module 10: Legal & Enforcement Powers

• The legal basis for regulatory action.
• Issuing penalties and enforcement orders.
• Seizure of assets and criminal prosecution.
• Navigating international law and extradition.
• The role of international bodies like INTERPOL and UNODC.

Module 11: Case Studies of Global Financial Crime

• Analysis of major international fraud cases.
• Lessons learned from the Panama Papers and other leaks.
• A deep dive into recent crypto-related fraud.
• Examination of regulatory failures and successes.
• Group discussion and analysis of real-world scenarios.

Module 12: Building a Resilient Regulatory Framework

• Designing regulations that are adaptable and future-proof.
• The importance of continuous learning and policy updates.
• Implementing a holistic risk-based approach.
• Fostering innovation while maintaining security.
• Strategic planning for future financial threats.

Module 13: Supervising FinTech and Digital Payments

• Regulation of mobile money and digital wallets.
• The challenges of cross-border digital payments.
• Licensing and supervision of virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
• Sandboxes and regulatory experimentation.
• Ensuring consumer protection in the digital space.

Module 14: Data Governance and Security

• Data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Secure data storage and transmission.
• Data integrity and quality control.
• The use of encrypted data and secure APIs.
• Auditing data systems for vulnerabilities.

Module 15: AI-Powered Supervision

• Automated document analysis and review.
• Using AI to monitor financial institution behavior.
• Predictive analytics for systemic risk.
• The development of "smart" regulatory compliance checks.
• The future of AI in enhancing regulatory efficiency.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.