Introduction

In today's global financial landscape, robust ethics and stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) strategies are paramount for safeguarding institutional integrity, mitigating significant financial crime risks, and fostering unwavering stakeholder trust. The pervasive threat of illicit financial flows can lead to severe penalties, erode market confidence, and undermine sustainable business operations, making proactive measures essential for responsible conduct. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders and professionals with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to champion ethical conduct and implement effective AML programs within their organizations.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of financial crime typologies, master compliance management methodologies, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and transparency. You will learn to identify suspicious activities, build strong internal controls, and foster a culture of vigilance that actively deters money laundering and terrorist financing. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to navigate regulatory complexities, protect organizational assets, and drive your company towards greater resilience and a strong ethical standing in the global marketplace.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Compliance Officers and Managers
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Specialists
• Financial Crime Prevention Professionals
• Risk Management Professionals
• Legal Counsel
• Internal and External Auditors
• Senior Leaders and Executives in Financial Institutions
• Regulatory Affairs Managers
• Operations Managers in Banking and Finance
• Aspiring Professionals in financial services

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of ethics and their direct link to Anti-Money Laundering.
• Develop a strategic mindset for designing and implementing effective AML programs.
• Master techniques for identifying and assessing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
• Learn to implement robust internal controls and due diligence processes.
• Cultivate ethical leadership and decision-making to prevent financial crime.
• Enhance transparency and accountability mechanisms within the organization.
• Understand relevant international AML laws and regulations.
• Develop strategies for fostering a strong compliance culture and ethical conduct.
• Create a personalized action plan for championing AML and ethics initiatives.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Ethics and AML

• Defining ethics and its strategic importance in the financial sector.
• Understanding the concept of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and its purpose.
• Exploring the global impact of money laundering and terrorist financing.
• The link between ethical lapses, financial crime, and reputational damage.
• Case studies of AML failures and their consequences.

Module 2: International AML Laws and Regulations

• Overview of key international AML laws (e.g., Bank Secrecy Act, Patriot Act, 4th/5th AML Directives).
• Understanding the role of FATF (Financial Action Task Force) and its recommendations.
• Compliance requirements and enforcement trends globally.
• Navigating cross-border legal and ethical challenges in AML.
• The importance of international cooperation in combating financial crime.

Module 3: Money Laundering Typologies and Risk Assessment

• Understanding various money laundering stages (placement, layering, integration).
• Exploring common typologies: trade-based, real estate, virtual assets, shell companies.
• Techniques for identifying and assessing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
• Developing a robust risk-based approach to AML.
• Identifying red flags and suspicious activity indicators.

Module 4: Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

• Implementing robust Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.
• Understanding Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
• Strategies for conducting Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk customers.
• The role of beneficial ownership identification.
• Managing politically exposed persons (PEPs) and sanctions screening.

Module 5: Transaction Monitoring and Suspicious Activity Reporting (SARs)

• Designing and implementing effective transaction monitoring systems.
• Utilizing technology and data analytics for anomaly detection.
• Understanding the process of filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) or Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs).
• Best practices for internal investigations related to suspicious activities.
• The importance of timely and accurate reporting to authorities.

Module 6: Governance Oversight and Accountability for AML

• The board's role in overseeing the AML program.
• Responsibilities of audit, risk, and compliance committees.
• Integrating AML into enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks.
• Monitoring and reporting on AML program effectiveness.
• Ensuring accountability for ethical conduct and AML compliance at all levels.

Module 7: Building a Culture of AML Compliance and Ethics

• Strategies for embedding AML principles throughout the organization.
• Developing effective training and awareness programs for all employees.
• Fostering psychological safety to encourage speaking up without fear.
• Recognizing and rewarding ethical behavior and AML vigilance.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing AML and ethics in your organization.

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.