AML/CTF In Banking - Essentials

In this lecture, we’ll explore what financial crime really means — from fraud and money laundering to terrorist financing — and why it poses such a serious risk to the stability of the financial system.

Learn about Anti-Money Laundering (AML) as we uncover its purpose and structure.

Find out how Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) works.

We’ll look at how AML and CTF obligations affect banks — from compliance costs and regulatory expectations to reputational and operational risks.

Explore the classic typologies of money laundering and terrorist financing, including structuring, smurfing, and trade-based schemes that continue to challenge banks today.

Learn about how technology is reshaping financial crime as we examine new typologies involving cryptocurrencies, fintech platforms, and digital payment ecosystems.

In this lecture, we’ll explore the key global frameworks — FATF, Basel, and the Wolfsberg Group — and how they shape international AML/CTF compliance expectations.

Discover how national regulators enforce AML/CTF laws and the major legislation governing financial institutions around the world.

Find out how the risk-based approach (RBA) helps banks allocate resources intelligently by focusing on higher-risk customers, products, and geographies.

Learn how banks verify a customer’s identity under the CIP framework, and why strong identification controls are the first line of defence against financial crime.

Explore how banks perform Customer Due Diligence to understand who their customers are, what they do, and the nature of their financial activities.

In this lecture, we’ll take a closer look at Enhanced Due Diligence — when and why it’s required, and how it helps banks mitigate higher risks.

Find out how ongoing due diligence ensures that risk assessments stay up to date and suspicious activity is detected throughout the customer lifecycle.

Learn about Politically Exposed Persons and why their positions of influence require banks and fintechs to apply stronger scrutiny and ongoing monitoring.

In this lecture, we’ll explore how sanctions regimes work, who enforces them, and why screening for sanctions exposure is essential for global compliance.

Discover how customer risk assessments help banks evaluate and manage financial crime risks by scoring customers based on activity, geography, and exposure.

Learn how to recognise common red flags and early warning signs that indicate potential money laundering or terrorist financing activity within banking transactions.

In this lecture, we’ll explore how banks and fintech use transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious behaviour, identify anomalies, and support timely investigations.

Find out what happens behind the scenes in an AML operations team — from initial alerts and reviews to escalations, investigations, and documentation.

Learn how and when to file Suspicious Activity Reports as we walk through the reporting process, the importance of timeliness, and how these reports help law enforcement disrupt financial crime.

As we get into the tail end of the course, let's take an opportunity to reflect on what you've learned in this course.