Anna Stylianou’s Post

What differentiates a good from an exceptional AML training? Ever heard someone saying: “Oh no! Not another training session”!? Yes, many people hate it when it’s time for the company’s periodical Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training - whether conducted in-house or is outsourced. 😖 Why? Because often training is performed simply for the sake of complying with the regulatory requirement. A good training: 👉 Fulfills the regulator’s requirements. 👉 Covers the recent regulatory updates. 👉 Is performed by a qualified trainer. An exceptional training, in addition to the above: ✅ Creates an enjoyable experience ✅ Is interactive and interesting ✅ Boosts participant energy and makes people want more. This requires extra effort on the part of the trainer. Simply creating a presentation is not enough. It’s about how you present the information! I love it when people say: 😊 Love your trainings! 😊 Didn’t realize how time flied! 😊 One of the best trainings I ever attended! 😊 I didn’t get bored at all! The secret to exceptional training isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about creating an experience that's informative, engaging, and makes participants want more. I am not saying I am the best trainer out there! There are many fantastic trainers who can transform dry topics into captivating journeys. So, next time you choose a training program, make it a pleasant experience for your employees. Make it worth! Your employees deserve it! 😊

CBN-licensed financial institutions must implement a robust AML/CFT training program every quarter. Start by collaborating with compliance officers, HR, and other departments to align the training objectives, topics, frequency, and audience with regulatory requirements. Document the program with a clear cover memo highlighting its importance, key elements, and alignment with compliance goals, backed by regulatory guidelines or audit feedback. Present the plan to the compliance committee or executive leadership for feedback, then secure formal approval at the board meeting. Once approved, distribute the schedule, ensure its implementation, and monitor progress. Regularly update the board on the program’s effectiveness as part of your compliance strategy.

⏰ 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁! 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗠𝗟/𝗖𝗙𝗧 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝟯𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿!⏰   Caught up in the Christmas shopping rush and worried you won't complete your annual AML/CFT training? 🎁    Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 e-learning courses are the perfect solution for meeting your last-minute compliance requirements.  💡𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗘-𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴?  𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Learn through well-presented, structured and interactive content.   𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲: Study at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.   𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲: Packed with practical and useful information.  Remember: It’s a legal requirement for everyone, including board members, to complete AML/CFT training annually. Don’t miss the deadline!  👉 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁@𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟯𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿! #AML #CFT #OnlineTraining #Compliance #Elearning #Deadline #SignUpNow 

I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: Anti Money Laundering Training from SafetyCulture! Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training offers several crucial advantages for compliance within organizations. Firstly, it enhances awareness among employees about the risks and consequences associated with money laundering activities, thereby fostering a culture of vigilance and ethical behavior. Secondly, it equips staff with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize suspicious transactions and behaviors, enabling early detection and prevention of financial crimes. Thirdly, compliance with AML regulations not only mitigates legal and regulatory risks but also protects the organization's reputation and financial integrity. Overall, AML training is instrumental in ensuring regulatory compliance, safeguarding assets, and maintaining trust with stakeholders in today's complex financial landscape. I'm continuously learning fosters adaptability and resilience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, contributing to long-term career growth and leadership opportunities. Ultimately, investing in compliance education not only strengthens individual competencies but also enhances organizational compliance culture and reputation. Special Thank to #SafetyCulture for such an explanatory course.

I’m back from what was a lovely Easter break with the family 🐣 The kids were spoilt rotten 🪺 (as you can see) I’ve been thinking about the Q&A panel I sat on at the Law Society’s Annual Compliance Conference. There were some interesting questions one of which was something along the lines ….. Are we all at risk of death by training? ☠️ Now there was a slight difference of opinion from those on the panel about this, however the answer from the majority (including me) was simply no! You don’t know what you don’t know, do you? So how will you know what you are doing is right, if you haven’t had any training 🤔 And don’t forget the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRAs) current thematic review is focusing on AML Training. The SRA will probably expect to see annual training, however if your annual training is a “one size fits all” training session, you may want to consider some more bespoke training for your higher risk departments. I’ve always found it more beneficial to staff if it is relevant to the work they actually do. Tell them horror stories about how others have gotten it wrong. Try and make it fun and engaging, ask questions, add quizzes, hand out sweets and chocolates to those who get it right. But training isn’t about just doing that once a year “formal” training session. Keep staff engaged by sending news articles and SRA and Law Society updates. Get them to sign up to free webinars, put posters up in the office. Keep them informed about any internal issues you’ve had, explain how it happened, how you resolved it and what people can do to avoid it happening. I could go on ….. And don’t forget to keep a record of this on your training record. Don’t sell yourself short! #AML #Training #YouDontKnowWhatYouDontKnow

Your staff onboarding process is key to keeping your business complaint. So here’s how you integrate compliance into it in the right way ⬇️ You need to do both online and in-person training where possible Online training isn’t enough on its own to integrate a good compliance culture with new starters. That’s why if you can, you need to be utilising in- person training. The online training is there to educate in areas such as the company’s policies on: - Anti-money laundering. - Vulnerable customers. - Anti bribery. Where as the in-person training is there to: - Put a face to a name. - Explain your touch points as a business. - Explain why you need them to come to you. Mixing the two together will help you strengthen your compliance culture from the offset and make sure new starters are aware of they compliance obligations at your firm.

What’s have you learnt this year? As a bookkeeper, I have a professional duty to stay up to date and refresh my knowledge with 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. Trying new things and continuing to learn matters so much to me, so here’s just some of the training I’ve completed this year. 6FB Success Course ICB Training AML training Client Engager How about you?

📢 Calling all professionals dealing with the challenges of compliance! Looking to level up your compliance knowledge and skills? Look no further than Compliance Caribbean's variety of Compliance & Integrity related trainings! Led by industry seniors, our trainings offer a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of compliance and integrity topics, tailored to the challenges faced in today's ever-evolving landscape. On Friday, April 19th, join us as we dive deep into the core aspects of the recent AML/CFT National Ordinance, ensuring you stay on top of the latest regulations and best practices. 💼 Why choose Compliance Caribbean? 👇 ✅ Stay compliant and avoid penalties: By keeping up with the latest regulations, you'll be equipped to ensure your organization's compliance program is up to scratch, minimizing the risk of penalties and reputational damage. 💪 ✅ Practical Application: We go beyond theoretical knowledge and focus on practical application. Our trainings provide actionable insights and strategies that can be immediately implemented in your compliance role. We believe in equipping participants with the tools and skills necessary to navigate real-world compliance challenges effectively. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your compliance expertise! Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today. Click the link below to learn more about our training program and reserve your seat. 🎟️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_2ZR9zj Take your compliance career to new heights with Compliance Caribbean! 🌟 #compliance #integrity #training #professionaldevelopment #AML #CFT #knowledgeispower

Are you planning compliance and anti-financial crime training for 2025? 🚧 We are seeing an increased focus on the people and cultural aspects of compliance and anti-financial crime. These have prominently featured in recent high profile enforcement actions including TD Bank and Starling Bank, and regulators are likely to be looking more closely at how firms approach these in 2025. 🔎 I had the opportunity to briefly discuss the people side of fighting financial crime at a Transform Finance event last week in London and discussed how firms can actually start to change culture and conduct through the simplest of changes without spending more on their programmes. 💰 Why not check out our free and easy to read articles that practically explain some of the common challenges firms may encounter in compliance and anti-financial crime training and how to navigate them? No matter how big, small or complex your firm or programme it is 15 minutes well spent https://lnkd.in/eTtAj9Wf. ⏰ If you need any advice with your related programme, frameworks, methodology, training or in remediating past challenges in any jurisdiction, this is what we specialise in at ComplianceLnD. Email us at contact@compliancelnd.com for a free and confidential chat or visit us at www.compliancelnd.com. Fiona Hanlon Michael Kavanagh Deirdre McDonnell Dermot Kennedy MBA, BFRCP Andrew Quinn Ian Mynot Seán Wade Peter Kiernan Louie Vargas Sinead English Brian Weiss Samantha Martin-Woodgate Sinead Halhed-Moran Walsh Elliott Turner Jacquie Ryan, CFRCP James Treacy Stephen Rae Claire Schlag 

What value do we get from Mandatory Compliance and AML eLearning courses? 🚨 For many employees, this is the only form of Compliance and AML training they receive yet its content is generally designed to address the needs of the firm rather than those of its employees.  Many of us have developed so little faith in the value and relevance of such courses that we immediately focus on the ‘next’ button in a race to the end of the course and a return to our work. ⏩ ⛔ Despite having many benefits, Mandatory eLearning courses present many challenges that are less about what they are capable of doing and more about WHY and HOW many firms are choosing to use them. 💰 With rising cost pressures, many programmes are increasingly using eLearning as a way of ticking a box with the least amount of cost and effort and with little regard for what learners actually need. Mandatory Compliance and AML eLearning can work well but we must AVOID: ❌ Basing Compliance and AML training on what the business wants rather than what it needs.  ❌ Defaulting to the use of eLearning over all other and perhaps more suitable and impactful ways of learning.  ❌ Trying to cover all employees in one-size-fits-all courses where the content has to be so high level, to be applicable to everyone, that it loses any practical value.  ❌ Making course content all about the risks, issues and needs of the firm rather than those of the employee.  ❌ Simply regurgitating the laws, rules and regulations and using the same old content and boiler plate language to save time and effort. If you have any interest or involvement in Compliance and AML training, we have seven free articles on how to get it right available at https://lnkd.in/euHuBMGf. Follow us at ComplianceLnD for regular updates, articles and events. Louie Vargas Ian Mynot Samantha Martin-Woodgate Andrew Quinn Jacquie Ryan, CFRCP Seán Wade Peter Kiernan Elliott Turner Brian Weiss Sinead English Fiona Hanlon Michael Kavanagh James Treacy Stephen Rae #compliancetraining #antifinancialcrime