Introduction

In an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, sanctions compliance has become a non-negotiable imperative for organizations operating internationally. The rapid proliferation of complex sanctions regimes, coupled with the sophisticated evasion tactics employed by illicit actors, demands a proactive and technologically advanced approach to risk management. This essential training course focuses on Sanctions Compliance and Screening Technologies Audit, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to rigorously assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and robustness of an organization's sanctions compliance program, with a particular emphasis on the deployment and auditing of cutting-edge screening technologies. You will learn to navigate the intricacies of global sanctions lists, evaluate automated screening solutions, and ensure that your organization maintains an impenetrable defense against financial crime and reputational damage.

This intensive training course delves into the core components of a best-in-class sanctions compliance framework, including risk assessment, policy development, third-party due diligence, and the crucial role of screening technologies. We will explore various audit methodologies specifically tailored for sanctions compliance, examining the configuration and performance of automated screening systems, the management of false positives and negatives, and the integration of AI and Machine Learning for enhanced detection. Participants will gain hands-on experience in evaluating sanctions screening efficacy, assessing the integrity of data feeds, and preparing comprehensive compliance audit reports that meet the stringent expectations of global regulators such as OFAC, UN, and EU bodies. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to confidently lead sanctions compliance audit engagements, providing critical assurance that your organization is effectively mitigating sanctions risk and upholding its ethical and legal obligations.

Target Audience

• Sanctions Compliance Officers
• Internal & External Auditors
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Professionals
• Financial Crime Analysts
• Risk Management Professionals
• Trade Finance Professionals
• Legal Counsel (focused on sanctions)
• IT Professionals supporting compliance systems

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of international sanctions and their geopolitical context.
• Learn about major sanctions regimes (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU, UK) and their extraterritorial reach.
• Master methodologies for conducting a sanctions risk assessment for diverse business operations.
• Develop skills in auditing sanctions compliance policies, procedures, and governance.
• Understand the role of sanctions screening technologies in proactive compliance.
• Learn about techniques for auditing customer, transaction, and trade screening processes.
• Explore best practices for managing sanctions lists, updates, and data quality.
• Master techniques for assessing the performance and calibration of automated screening tools.
• Understand the challenges of false positives and false negatives in screening and their mitigation.
• Learn about the use of AI and Machine Learning to enhance sanctions screening capabilities.
• Apply practical Sanctions Compliance and Screening Technologies Audit strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Global Sanctions & Compliance

• Defining international sanctions and their objectives (e.g., targeted, comprehensive, sectoral).
• Exploring the impact of sanctions on financial institutions and global trade.
• Understanding key sanctions regimes (OFAC, UN, EU, UK) and their legal bases.
• Overview of the consequences of sanctions violations (fines, reputational damage).
• The evolving landscape of sanctions compliance.

Module 2: Sanctions Risk Assessment & Program Governance

• Learning methodologies for conducting a robust sanctions risk assessment.
• Identifying high-risk jurisdictions, products, services, and customer segments.
• Mastering techniques for auditing sanctions compliance program governance and oversight.
• Developing clear sanctions policies and procedures.
• Ensuring management commitment and adequate resourcing for sanctions compliance.

Module 3: Sanctions Lists & Data Management

• Understanding the various types of sanctions lists (e.g., SDN, consolidated lists, sectoral lists).
• Learning best practices for sourcing, managing, and updating sanctions data.
• Exploring the challenges of name variations, transliterations, and aliases in sanctions screening.
• Ensuring data quality and integrity for effective sanctions screening.
• The role of internal lists and watchlists in addition to official sanctions lists.

Module 4: Sanctions Screening Technologies & Implementation

• Introduction to various sanctions screening technologies (e.g., name screening, payment screening, trade screening).
• Understanding the capabilities and limitations of automated screening solutions.
• Mastering techniques for auditing the implementation and configuration of screening systems.
• Assessing the calibration of matching algorithms and scoring thresholds.
• The importance of a risk-based approach to technology selection.

Module 5: Auditing Screening Performance & Alert Management

• Learning how to audit the effectiveness of sanctions screening processes.
• Techniques for analyzing false positives and developing strategies for their reduction.
• Understanding the risks of false negatives and methods for detection.
• Mastering the audit of alert management workflows and escalation procedures.
• Evaluating the quality of investigations into potential sanctions matches.

Module 6: AI, Machine Learning & Future of Sanctions Screening

• Exploring the application of AI and Machine Learning in sanctions screening.
• Understanding how AI can enhance accuracy, reduce manual effort, and detect complex evasion.
• Techniques for auditing AI-powered screening models for bias and explainability.
• Assessing the integration of big data analytics into sanctions compliance.
• Emerging trends in sanctions evasion and counter-measures.

Module 7: Audit Reporting, Regulatory Expectations & Investigations

• Strategies for preparing clear, concise, and defensible sanctions compliance audit reports.
• Communicating sanctions risks and control deficiencies to management and the board.
• Understanding regulatory expectations for sanctions compliance programs (e.g., OFAC's Framework for Compliance Commitments).
• Learning about internal and external sanctions investigations.
• Best practices for continuous monitoring and improvement of sanctions compliance programs.

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 10 working days before commencement of the training.