Foundational learning

Build the essentials
of AML.

Start here if you are new to financial crime compliance, or want to refresh the core concepts. Learning on this track is free.

  • Free
  • Self-paced, about 3 to 4 hours
  • Beginner level, no prior knowledge needed
  • Certificate of completion
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After this track you can

  • Explain the basics of money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Describe KYC and customer due diligence
  • Explain the role of the FATF and other international bodies
  • Show how the risk-based approach shapes controls

The core course

One structured course covers the whole foundation, with a knowledge check at the end of every lesson.

FreeBeginnerSelf-paced

AML Foundations & Core Concepts

A practical introduction to AML/CFT: purpose, how money laundering and terrorist financing work, the risk-based approach, harm, programme controls, ethics and evidence. Seven lessons, each with a knowledge check, then a final assessment.

7 lessons42 topics7 knowledge checksFinal assessment

For: newcomers to AML, and professionals refreshing the essentials.

Author: Dr Imran Rasool Khan, CAMS, CGSS. Reviewed against the FATF Recommendations.

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Lessons

  1. AML/CFT: purpose, scope and the financial-crime system
  2. Money laundering and terrorist financing: core concepts and how they work
  3. The risk-based approach: from risk to proportionate controls
  4. Why AML/CFT matters: economic and social harm
  5. Building an AML programme: controls, governance and accountability
  6. Ethics, culture, accountability and escalation
  7. Evidence, confidentiality and inspection readiness

What comes after the core course

Planned short courses, each on one control or decision area. Names, order and release dates will be confirmed as each course is completed. Nothing here is for sale yet.

  • FoundationalShort courseCDD and KYCIdentification, verification, beneficial ownership and ongoing due diligence.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseCustomer risk ratingRisk factors, defensible assessment and proportionate treatment.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseTransaction monitoringUnderstanding unusual activity, contextual review and escalation.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseSTR and SAR reportingDecision processes, clear narratives, confidentiality and local reporting rules.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseSanctions and targeted financial sanctionsScreening concepts, true matches, restrictions and escalation.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseDNFBPsSector-specific risks and proportionate controls for designated non-financial businesses.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseTrade-based money launderingTrade relationships, documents, value movement and indicators.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseCorrespondent bankingRelationship risk, due diligence and transaction context.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseVirtual assetsBusiness models, financial-crime risk and applicable controls.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseLEA and FIU interactionRoles, lawful cooperation and handling requests.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseGovernanceOwnership, management information, challenge and assurance.After the core coursePlanned
  • FoundationalShort courseInternational cooperationExchange of information and cooperation pathways.After the core coursePlanned

Ready to go further?

When you have the essentials, the professional track takes you into CDD, monitoring, investigations and sanctions.

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