Postgraduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance

Course Description

This programme equips students with advanced knowledge and understanding of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Compliance practices and objectives to help them consolidate the skills required for professional practice related to AML and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT).

The course provides advanced knowledge on Money Laundering (ML) and Financing of Terrorism (FT) and how this affects the economic sectors of countries. Students will also learn how to combat Money Laundering (AML) the financing of terrorism (CFT) taking legislation and regulations into consideration.

The programme begins with addressing Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Typologies to determine whether it is possible to identify trends in the different phases of money laundering or terrorism financing.

The programme then moves on to tackle Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Threats from New Technologies; and to emphasise on an overall risk-based approach rather than a uniform wholesale approach of de-risking.

The course also addresses Risk-based approach for Financial Institutions where special emphasis is placed upon supervisors and supervised entities and their awareness regarding the money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks in their country and the implementing of effective controls.

Furthermore, the course addresses the duties of firms and their employees in relation to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. The assessment of risks relating to proliferation financing and how targeted financial sanctions diminish these risks is also explored within this programme.

The transparency of beneficial ownership and its importance in tax transparency, the integrity of the financial sector and law enforcement efforts are also tackled in this programme.

Moreover, the course addresses financial investigations and how the AML/CFT framework helps in contributing to their effectiveness.

Students will also explore what entails a strong and robust AML/CFT legislative and regulatory framework as well as the need for strong national and international cooperation for an effective implementation of anti-money laundering, counteracting funding of terrorism and targeted financial sanctions (AML/CFT/TFS) legislative framework as well as the importance of adhering to a risk-based approach.

Moreover, the course addresses financial investigations and how the AML/CFT framework helps to contribute to their effectiveness. You will also explore the need for strong national and international cooperation for an effective AML, CFT and targeted financial sanctions legislative framework.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:

• Level 6 Degree related to one of the following areas: Law, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Accounting, Insurance, Banking and Crimonology, Governance, Business and Government Policy;

OR

• Level 6 degree not related to Law, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Accounting, Governance, Business and Government Policy and a minimum of two years relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board)

OR

•  Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma and 4 years’ mandatory work experience in a supervisory or managerial role (subject to interview by admissions board).

In the case of mature students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the RPL process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

This course is targeted at people within the financial and banking sector, legal sector, gaming sector, corporate services industry, Governance sector, Business sector, Artificial Intelligence sector, and other individuals seeking for professional and academic advancement in Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance.

Career Paths

The programme prepares for positions such as and not limited to:

• Compliance Supervisor/Manager/Officers
• Anti-Money Laundering Managers
• Money Laundering Reporting Officer and their deputies
• Law enforcement agencies and supervisory and regulatory authorities
• Managers with responsibilities for internal AML controls
• Risk Managers
• Director of Compliance

Modules

You are required to complete all 5 compulsory modules (30 ECTS) to fulfil to the requirements of this postgraduate certificate.

How you’ll be assessed

The method of assessment is assignment-based.

The course comprises:

• 6 lectures per module;
• 3-hour lectures (evening);
• 12 hours of guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos;
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.