Strengthening the Effectiveness of AML/CFT Frameworks - Compliance

This one-day intensive course emphasises the knowledge, techniques, and practical skills required to strengthen the effectiveness of AML/CFT frameworks within banks and financial institutions.

It will be delivered in a workshop format—combining lectures (to cover theory and substance), active interaction through Q&A sessions, and workshop-style activities such as group discussions, presentations, and analysis.

The main takeaway from this course is that participants will be equipped with the necessary skills to apply what they have learned, enabling them to implement and manage AML compliance programmes within their respective organisations.

Programme Outline

Learning Objectives

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

Comprehend the requirements of the revised international AML/CFT standards and how to implement and manage the legal and regulatory requirements in order to meet those standards
Outline in greater detail and depth, the FATF, their updated recommendations and the application of international standards and challenges posed
Analyse the new Methodology for Assessing Compliance and the steps and processes required
Explain practical skills and know-how to ensure effectiveness of AML/CFT Systems and frameworks and to meet the compliance elements and regulatory expectations required

Programme Outline

Overview and Requirements of the Revised International AML/CFT Standard
Overview of AML/CFT
Importance of effective AML/CFT frameworks
Requirements of the revised international AML/CFT standards
Overview of the FATF recommendations
Key changes in the revised standards (2025 updates)
Implementation challenges and best practices
Understanding Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Role and objectives of the FATF
FATF's global network and its impact on AML/CFT efforts
FATF's mutual evaluation process and its significance
New Methodology for Assessing Compliance
Introduction to the 2022 FATF methodology
Technical compliance vs. effectiveness assessments
Key components of the new methodology
Case studies and practical examples
Effectiveness of AML/CFT Systems
Defining effectiveness in AML/CFT frameworks
Immediate outcomes for effective AML/CFT systems
Elements needed to ensure effectiveness:
Risk assessment and management
Legal and regulatory framework
Institutional measures and coordination
Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms
Measuring and improving effectiveness—group discussions and presentations on implementation and management challenges and solutions
Q&A session and conclusion

METHODOLOGY

The course will be delivered in a workshop-style format, combining lectures (to cover theoretical and substantive aspects), active interaction through Q&A sessions, and workshop-based discussions including group work, presentations, and analytical exercises.

Assessment will be conducted via a pre- and post-course test comprising 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Participant profile

Compliance Officers: Especially those involved in AML/CFT compliance or regulatory
Risk Management Officers/Managers: Particularly those handling operational or financial crime risks
Internal Auditors: Who assess the adequacy and effectiveness of AML/CFT controls and processes
Branch Managers & Operations Managers: Responsible for ensuring compliance at the branch or operations level
Financial Crime Analysts or Investigators: Involved in detecting and investigating suspicious transactions or patterns
Legal & Regulatory Affairs Personnel: Who advise on compliance with AML/CFT laws and regulatory expectations
AML/CFT Team Members: Who support implementation and monitoring of AML programmes
Professionals from DNFBPs: Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions such as legal firms, accounting firms, and real estate agencies that are subject to AML regulations reporting within banks and financial institutions

Trainer

Datin Dr Lee Mei Pheng

Senior partner, banking law consultant & practitioner, Detta Samen & Co Advocates

Found a programme that you think would be suitable for your organisation?

Many of our courses can be customised and delivered in-house. We also provide consultancy services to create tailor-made training programmes that are specifically aligned with your organisation’s strategic learning requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your team’s development by completing the In-House Request Form here or Emailing Us here.

Other programmes

Invest in a lifelong learning journey

As the industry’s preferred partner in learning and development, ABS offers customised and open enrolment training programmes that cover a comprehensive list of banking areas.

Need help? Ask ABBY

Digital Banking

6/30/2025 12:00:00 AM

Machine Learning for Credit Scoring and Risk Management

Compliance

5/7/2024 12:00:00 AM

Foreign Exchange Policy (FEP) Workshop: Enhancing FEP Compliance Culture

Digital Banking

12/10/2024 12:00:00 AM

Explainable AI in Banking and Finance

Finance / Audit

1/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Agile Internal Auditors in a VUCA Environment

Sustainable Finance

9/17/2025 12:00:00 AM

ESG Disclosure, Reporting and Compliance

Datin Dr Lee Mei Pheng

Senior partner, banking law consultant & practitioner, Detta Samen & Co Advocates

Datin Dr Lee Mei Pheng is a senior partner, banking law consultant and practitioner at Detta Samen & Co Advocates, one of the most established law firms in Sarawak. She is an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court in Malaya and an Advocate of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak.

She had previously served at OCBC Bank in Malaysia as Head of the Legal department and Assistant Vice President of the Kuching Branch in Sarawak for ten years and since 1984, been a leading consultant and lecturer for international financial institutions and large corporations. She is also a course director for Euromoney Training in Hong Kong. Her other professional contributions include being a consultant, commissioned author, editorial reviewer and specialist for LexisNexis, AICB and Oxford publications, an external assessor for business and company Law at Wawasan Open University, Penang and author of many publications.

Datin Dr Lee holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Laws) from the University of Liverpool, England, specialising in Banking and Finance Law, with her PHD research on banking fraud. She also holds an LLB First Class Honours degree from the University of Malaya and was a Fellow of the Faculty of Law. She resides on the Gold Coast, Australia and since 2000, has been an Adjunct Associate Professor with the Faculty of Law at Bond University, Queensland, Australia. She is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and Tim Fischer Centre for Global Trade and Finance, as well as a Member of the Law Advisory Board, Bond University, Australia. She is also an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, Malaysia (now known as Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers or AICB).

Presently, she is also a member of the Institute of Company Directors Malaysia and the Singapore Institute of Directors.