Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) are critical components of financial sector compliance, risk management, and national security. As financial crimes grow in scale and sophistication, institutions must adopt robust frameworks to detect, prevent, and report suspicious transactions. This comprehensive AML & CTF training course is designed to empower professionals in banking, fintech, and financial services with the knowledge and practical skills required to comply with global regulations and mitigate exposure to illicit financial flows. It highlights the evolving regulatory landscape, real-world case studies, and proactive compliance tools to strengthen defenses against financial crime.

With increasing global enforcement of AML and CTF regulations such as the FATF Recommendations, EU AML Directives, FinCEN rules, and local frameworks like NDPR, financial institutions must ensure strict adherence to reporting obligations, enhanced due diligence, and risk-based approaches. This course guides participants through key elements of AML compliance including customer due diligence (CDD), suspicious transaction reporting (STR), transaction monitoring systems, sanctions screening, and regulatory audits. Through the integration of case-based learning and technology-driven strategies, learners gain expertise in strengthening their institution’s financial crime risk management posture.

The training emphasizes the application of cutting-edge technologies such as RegTech, AI, and machine learning in AML/CTF monitoring. Participants will explore how digital identity verification, biometric KYC, blockchain analytics, and advanced analytics are transforming compliance operations across banking and fintech ecosystems. A risk-based approach to AML and CTF is reinforced, supporting decision-makers in building resilient compliance frameworks that withstand audits, reputational risks, and legal consequences.

This globally relevant AML & CTF training course is essential for professionals seeking to build compliance capacity, meet evolving global expectations, and reduce institutional risk. Designed with international best practices, cross-border regulatory considerations, and practical implementation insights, the course positions your team to lead with integrity, transparency, and strategic foresight in combating financial crime.

Course Objectives

1. Understand international AML and CTF frameworks, obligations, and regulatory bodies.
2. Apply the risk-based approach to AML/CTF compliance implementation and monitoring.
3. Design and assess customer due diligence (CDD), KYC, and enhanced due diligence programs.
4. Detect and report suspicious activities using effective internal controls and STR processes.
5. Implement sanctions screening and politically exposed persons (PEP) monitoring protocols.
6. Use technology such as AI and RegTech to enhance AML monitoring and investigation.
7. Assess the impact of terrorist financing trends and methods on the financial sector.
8. Prepare for audits, regulatory inspections, and compliance reporting.
9. Mitigate reputational, operational, and legal risks through robust AML frameworks.
10. Evaluate institutional readiness for compliance with FATF, FinCEN, GDPR, and NDPR requirements.

Organizational Benefits

1. Strengthened compliance and risk management culture across departments.
2. Reduced exposure to financial crime, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
3. Enhanced ability to detect and report suspicious or unusual transactions in real time.
4. Greater alignment with global AML/CTF laws and standards for cross-border operations.
5. Improved efficiency of AML/CTF operations through technology integration.
6. Enhanced audit readiness and response capability for inspections and reviews.
7. Increased customer trust and confidence in institutional integrity and controls.
8. Accelerated response to emerging money laundering and terrorist financing threats.
9. Customized compliance frameworks adapted to your risk profile and operational model.
10. Boosted staff competency in interpreting, implementing, and maintaining AML/CTF policies.

Target Participants

• Compliance Officers and Managers
• Risk Management Professionals
• Internal Auditors and Legal Advisors
• AML Analysts and Investigators
• Operations and Branch Managers
• Fintech and Digital Banking Executives
• Regulatory and Policy Advisors
• Law Enforcement Liaison Officers
• Financial Crime Consultants
• Senior Management in Financial Institutions

Course Outline (12 Modules with 6 Topics Each)

Module 1: Introduction to AML and CTF

• Definition and history of money laundering and terrorist financing
• Three stages of money laundering: placement, layering, integration
• Global regulatory landscape: FATF, Basel, EU Directives
• The role of financial institutions in preventing financial crime
• Legal obligations and ethical imperatives
• General case study: Global banking scandal due to weak AML controls

Module 2: Risk-Based Approach to AML/CTF

• Core principles of the risk-based approach
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating AML/CTF risks
• Risk categorization of customers and products
• Regulatory expectations for proportional controls
• AML/CTF policy framework design
• General case study: Regional bank implements RBA across branches

Module 3: Know Your Customer (KYC) and Due Diligence

• KYC process and verification standards
• Customer due diligence (CDD) lifecycle
• Enhanced due diligence for high-risk clients
• Ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews
• Beneficial ownership identification
• General case study: EDD applied to foreign politically exposed persons

Module 4: Transaction Monitoring and Suspicious Activity Reporting

• Automated transaction monitoring systems
• Identifying suspicious activity indicators
• Filing suspicious transaction reports (STRs)
• Recordkeeping and documentation requirements
• Case escalation and internal reporting structures
• General case study: Detection of structured transactions to avoid reporting thresholds

Module 5: Sanctions Screening and PEP Controls

• Understanding financial sanctions and embargoes
• UN, OFAC, EU, and national sanctions lists
• Screening for politically exposed persons (PEPs)
• Real-time sanctions alert systems
• Handling false positives and de-risking concerns
• General case study: Institution fined for missing OFAC alerts

Module 6: Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) Strategies

• CTF-specific risks and typologies
• Use of NGOs and informal value transfer systems
• Detecting links between financial flows and terrorism
• Legal framework for CTF controls
• Information-sharing and national cooperation
• General case study: Monitoring wire transfers in high-risk corridors

Module 7: Use of Technology in AML/CTF (RegTech & AI)

• Introduction to regulatory technology (RegTech)
• Machine learning in suspicious pattern detection
• Biometrics and digital onboarding for AML
• Blockchain analytics and crypto compliance
• Integration of RegTech into legacy systems
• General case study: AI-enabled detection of mule accounts

Module 8: Institutional Governance and Compliance Culture

• Roles and responsibilities of the Board and Senior Management
• Establishing effective AML/CTF governance frameworks
• Culture of compliance and employee training
• Whistleblower protection and ethics programs
• Periodic internal reviews and third-party audits
• General case study: Governance overhaul after regulatory sanction

Module 9: AML/CTF in Fintech and Digital Payments

• AML/CTF risks in mobile money and e-wallets
• Regulatory expectations for digital payment platforms
• KYC in agent banking models
• Digital identity verification best practices
• Collaboration with regulators and third parties
• General case study: Fintech AML breach due to agent fraud

Module 10: Cross-Border Transactions and Correspondent Banking

• AML/CTF risks in cross-border finance
• Responsibilities in correspondent banking relationships
• Documentation and monitoring requirements
• Global wire transfers and FATF Travel Rule
• De-risking and access to global banking
• General case study: Correspondent bank faces scrutiny over AML lapses

Module 11: Audit, Investigation, and Reporting

• Preparing for internal and external audits
• Key AML/CTF documentation requirements
• Internal investigation procedures
• Cooperation with law enforcement and regulators
• Corrective action planning and implementation
• General case study: AML audit reveals gaps in CDD enforcement

Module 12: Future Trends and Global Developments in AML/CTF

• Emerging typologies in money laundering and terrorism financing
• Role of  crypto assets and decentralized finance (DeFi)
• Strengthening public-private partnerships
• Convergence of AML with data privacy and cybersecurity
• Preparing for future compliance trends
• General case study: Strategic AML transformation in multinational bank

Essential Information

1. Our courses are customizable to suit the specific needs of participants.
2. Participants are required to have proficiency in the English language.
3. Our training sessions feature comprehensive guidance through presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group activities. Our facilitators boast extensive expertise, each with over a decade of experience.
4. Upon fulfilling the training requirements, participants will receive a prestigious Global King Project Management certificate.
5. Training sessions are conducted at various Global King Project Management Centers, including locations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kigali, Dubai, Lagos, and others.
6. Organizations sending more than two participants from the same entity are eligible for a generous 20% discount.
7. The duration of our courses is adaptable, and the curriculum can be adjusted to accommodate any number of days.
8. To ensure seamless preparation, payment is expected before the commencement of training, facilitated through the Global King Project Management account.
9. For inquiries, reach out to us via email at training@globalkingprojectmanagement.org or by phone at +254 114 830 889.
10. Additional amenities such as tablets and laptops are available upon request for an extra fee. The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a certificate of successful completion. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their travel expenses, including airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health insurance, and any other personal expenses.