ICA UK Brochure - International Compliance Association

Professional 

qualifications and 

programmes from 

the International 

Compliance 

Association 

Anti Money 

Laundering 


Financial Crime 

Prevention

International Compliance Association 








Professional Qualifications and 

Programmes from the 


The world in which we work is constantly changing. Events happen 

and circumstances change. Rules and regulations are developed and 

implemented. Fresh challenges emerge, new processes and 

procedures are created and we must all respond accordingly. 

Standing still is not an option and as the world continues to grow, 

so must we develop ourselves. 

In the financial services sector we face many threats to reputation 

and monetary loss. It is vital that professionals like you working in 

this environment understand these pressures and how they can be 

met. The emphasis on having the right knowledge and skills cannot 

be underestimated. Training and education play an important part, 

equipping you with what you need in order that you fulfill your 

responsibilities effectively and efficiently. Training and education 

enhances understanding, enabling a confident approach to roles. It 

forms a critical part of any strategy that is designed to meet the 

challenges of today and tomorrow. 

We at the ICA understand this which is why, in association with 

University of Manchester Business School, we have created a range 

of qualifications, specifically designed to provide practical skills and 

useful knowledge. All the programmes draw upon international 

best practice and are relevant to you. The training leading up to the 

award of the qualifications is delivered by International Compliance 

Training, (ICT). ICT have regional divisions in Singapore and in the 

Middle East. 

The International Compliance Association believes in supporting 

financial services professionals globally. We help you realise your 

ambitions, supporting you as you progress your career. Details of 

the programmes that are available follow. A qualification from the 

ICA can make a real difference to you and your organisation and 

your journey starts here. 

Key Features of ICA Certificates 

and Diplomas 

• Vocational programmes within an academic discipline 

• Certificated 

• Awarded in association with University of Manchester Business School* 

• Endorsed by the British Bankers’ Association 

• Comprehensive detailed course materials that can be used in 

the workplace 

• Content written by experienced industry practitioners 

• Specialist modules 

• Extensive support and resource material 

*Diploma and Advanced Certificate programmes only 

Key Benefits 

• Improved knowledge, developed skills 

• Enhanced workplace performance 

• Allows use of professional designations 

• Potential for career progression 

• Professional membership of the International Compliance Association* 

• Reduced reputation and financial risk for firms 

*Upon successful completion of an ICA Diploma programme 

ICA Qualifications and Programmes 

The ICA is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in Anti Money 

Laundering, Compliance and Financial Crime Prevention. We offer 

detailed and comprehensive education programmes. For beginners and 

experienced practitioners alike, our certificate and diploma qualifications 

increase knowledge, improve skills and enhance understanding. We 

have created a structure of learning for all to follow. Based upon your 

experience to date, you can select the most appropriate level and 

progress from there. 

Advanced 

ICA Diploma in Anti 

Money Laundering 

ICA Diploma in 


ICA Diploma in Financial 

Crime Prevention 

Intermediate 

ICA Advanced Certificate 

in Compliance 

Introductory 

ICA Certificated 

Anti Money Laundering 

Awareness 

Training 



ICA Certificated 

Financial Crime 

Awareness 

Training

Anti Money Laundering 

Professionals working in money laundering prevention already understand the benefits of, and regulatory requirements for, training in this 

area. The ICA programmes are some of the foremost available and one of the few that offers a truly contextual perspective on anti money 

laundering. Each member of staff, regardless of position, has a role to fulfil in safeguarding the reputation of their firms and minimising the 

threat. So it is vital that all be fully trained with the necessary skills and knowledge. ICA programmes can help meet that requirement. 

ICA Certificated Anti Money Laundering Awareness Training 

This programme is an excellent introduction to anti money laundering for all 

staff and covers the fundamentals of prevention. It explains to staff what they 

need to know in order to understand their responsibilities and the part they 

play in preventing money laundering. The course provides a good basis on 

which to develop further knowledge. 

The ICA Certificated Anti Money Laundering Awareness programme reflects 

the external environment today. Focusing on relevant best practice, legislation 

and regulations, it examines what constitutes money laundering activities and 

terrorist financing. Elements involved in the reporting of suspicious transactions 

are explored, including tipping off and politically exposed person risk. The 

Programme focuses on current major issues that impact upon the money 

laundering prevention role. 

Core Modules 

• Understanding Money Laundering 

• Anti Money Laundering Laws 

• Identifying Money Laundering 

Activity 

• Handling the Risk of Tipping off 

• Terrorist Financing – How does it 

differ from money laundering? 

• Politically Exposed Person Risk 

(PEP Risk) 

• UK Anti Money Laundering 

Regime 

• EU Directives 

• The Financial Action Task Force 

Specialist Modules 

• Trust and Company Module 

• Banking Module 

• Insurance and Investment 

Business Module 

• Management Module 

By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of the anti money 

laundering function and the surrounding context. A wider awareness of the 

external arena is given in readiness for future development. 

This training programme will satisfy the regulatory 

requirements for verifiable learning for all staff to 

understand their anti money laundering responsibilities, 

and it is an excellent programme to be run in-house. 

Who the course will 

Benefit 

Key Features 

• Staff with specific anti money laundering 

duties 

• All staff working in financial services and 

related industries who want an 

introduction to anti money laundering 

• Anyone who aspires to a career in anti 

money laundering or fraud prevention 

• 1 – 3 months duration 

• One hour testing session 

• 6 core modules and 4 specialist modules 

ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering 

The ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering is comprehensive and reflects the 

regulatory environment today. The programme focuses on relevant best practice, 

legislation and regulations. It examines various strategies, frameworks and 

vulnerabilities. Elements involved in the reporting of suspicious transactions are 

explored. Internal controls are considered including the design of a money 

laundering prevention framework. With course materials that are regularly 

updated, the Diploma focuses on current major issues that impact upon the 

money laundering prevention role. 

“I enjoyed the course and oddly the exam. The format of both assignments and 

exam reflect life in the AML world and take the learning away from pure theory into 

practical situations. Looking forward to the Financial Crime Diploma next year” 

James Galea, Deputy MLRO, Investec Bank (UK) Limited 

By the end of the Diploma, you will have an in-depth knowledge that can be 

drawn upon in the execution of your duties. Understanding the external arena 

will give you a perspective that will enable you to make informed decisions in the 

delivery of your money laundering prevention strategy and, knowledge gained 

can be used to measure practices and tailor them to meet future challenges. 

Core Modules 

Module 1: Anti Money Laundering Strategies, Frameworks and Vulnerabilities 

• International Anti Money Laundering and Counter-terrorist Financing 

Strategies 

• National Anti Money Laundering and Counter-terrorist Financing 

Frameworks 

• Money Laundering Techniques and the Vulnerabilities of Specific Financial 

Services Products 

Module 2: Anti Money Laundering Reporting and Dealing with the Authorities 

• Recognition, Handling and Reporting Transactions 

• Post-Reporting Considerations 

• Dealing with the Authorities 

Module 3: Designing Anti Money Laundering Frameworks, Risk Profiling 

Techniques and Customer Due Diligence 

• Designing Effective Comprehensive Anti Money Laundering Framework for 

a Financial Services Business 

• Customer Due Diligence in Practice and Risk Profiling 

Module 4: Compliance Culture 

• The Duties and Responsibilities of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer 

• Engendering an Effective Compliance Culture and Maintaining a High Level 

of Awareness 

Who the Diploma will 

Benefit 

Key Features 

• Money Laundering Reporting Officers 

and Deputies 

• Money Laundering Prevention Officers 

and Deputies 

• Managers with responsibility for internal 

anti money laundering 

• Risk Managers 

• Internal and external audit staff 

• Regulatory representatives 

• Accountants 

• Lawyers 

• Company Secretaries 

• Anyone who requires an in-depth 

knowledge of the fundamental regulatory 

principles in relation to money laundering 

reporting and prevention 

• A graduate level programme resulting in a 

professional qualification 

• 12 months duration 

• 3 pieces of assessed work, each piece 

approximately 3,000 words in length 

• A 3 hour 15 minute open-book 

examination 

• 4 core modules


The role of the compliance practitioner continues to grow in importance. The changing external environment has determined the crucial 

part compliance professionals play in the evolution of their firms. The daily challenges faced mean the importance of having the right skills 

and knowledge cannot be underestimated. Compliance is the responsibility of all staff and whether new to compliance or an experienced 

practitioner, there is an ICA Compliance programme to suit. 

The ICA Advanced Certificate in Compliance develops a good understanding of 

compliance fundamentals enabling you to fulfill you responsibilities effectively. It 

provides a useful foundation if you aspire to a career in this discipline. The 

programme is more than an introduction to compliance. As well as covering 

core elements, it tells you what you need to know in order to understand your 

responsibilities so that you may approach your role with confidence. 

The Advanced Certificate delivers comprehensive, detailed information. It 

provides useful understanding and constructive skills that can be used in the 

workplace, enhancing performance and reducing risk. By drawing upon best 

practice, it helps you prepare to adapt and change to the external environment. 

By the end of the programme you will have a good understanding of the 

regulatory environment in the UK. Details of the role of the compliance officer 

along with key issues are explored and you will have a comprehensive appreciation 

of aspects associated with financial crime and money laundering. 

Core Modules 

Module 1: The Regulatory 

• The FSA Handbook 

Environment in the UK 

• Accountability 

• The Concept of Regulation 

• The Existing Regulatory Model Module 3: The Role of the 

• The Influence of Europe 

Compliance Officer 

• International Influences 

• The Compliance Function 

Module 2: The Role of the Regulator • Internal and External 

• The Role of the FSA in UK 

Relationships 

Regulation 

• Compliance, Culture and Ethics 

• The Powers of the FSA and • Qualities required of Compliance 

Approach 

Professionals 

The ICA Diploma in Compliance is comprehensive. Issues topical to the 

compliance environment today, such as fraud prevention and risk management, 

are examined in-depth as part of the core syllabus. Legislation and regulations, 

structures and powers are explored. A focus on corporate governance and the 

impact this has on the responsibilities of the compliance officer are reviewed. It 

examines the role of key players and the importance of developing networks. 

By the end of the Diploma programme, you will have an understanding of the 

compliance function and how to apply what you have learnt to the management 

of risk. By studying best practice you can harmonise approaches benefiting from 

what has been delivered as part of the learning experience. Because of the 

practical nature of the Diploma, you will have some useful tools and skills that 

can add real value to any organisation, whatever the size. 

Core Modules 

Module 1: The Regulatory Environment 

• Understanding the Regulatory Environment 

• Regulatory Structure 

• Regulators and their Powers 

Module 2: The Compliance Function 

• The Role and Skills of the Compliance Officer 

• Risk Management 

• Designing an Internal Compliance System 

Module 3: Key Compliance Issues 

• Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 

• Fraud Prevention 

• Market Fraud, Insider Dealing and Fraud Prevention 

• Investigations, Enforcement and Production Orders 

Module 4: The Compliance Environment 

• Principles-based Regulation 

• Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 

• Promoting the Benefits of Compliance 

ICA Advanced Certificate in Compliance 

Module 4: Other Key Compliance 

Areas 

• Understanding Principles Based 

Regulation 

• The FSA’s Principles for Business 

Module 5: Understanding Financial 

Crime and Money Laundering 

• Fraud, Insider Dealing, Market 

Abuse 

Who the Advanced 

Certificate will Benefit 

Key Features 

ICA Diploma in Compliance 

“The UK Compliance Diploma course broadened my understanding of and perspective 

on all aspects of UK compliance. The tutors had a genuine commitment to compliance, 

were keen to promote a high understanding and application of the concepts involved, 

and to impress on students new and better habits of research and analysis. The tutors 

and the Association were also responsive to feedback and willing to answer any queries 

or concerns that we students had. The assignments and the exam itself were good, 

and tough exercises in thinking about compliance and writing about the issues in a 

concise and comprehensible manner. The workshops were excellent ways of discussing 

compliance issues and meeting other compliance professionals in many different areas 

of work, and not just the sector with which I am familiar, and is a good source of 

networking contacts. The course takes time and effort but I definitely enjoyed it and 

once completed, I feel that I have made real progress in my knowledge and 

understanding of compliance. As a member I have access to the ICA Website which 

is a valuable resource and knowledge base in its own right and has an active discussion 

forum which I have already found useful.” 

Miles Kelly, Compliance Department, Union Bancaire Privée 

Who the Diploma will 

Benefit 

Key Features 

• Tax Evasion 

• Terrorist Financing 

Specialist Units 

• Retail 

• Wholesale 

• All staff working in the compliance arena 


• All staff working in risk functions 




• 4 core modules 

• Compliance Officers 

• Deputy Compliance Officers 

• Managers with responsibility for internal 

compliance controls 




• Accountants 

• Lawyers 

• Company Secretaries 

• A graduate level programme resulting in a 

professional qualification 


• 3 pieces of assessed work, each approximately 

3,000 words in length 

• A 3 hour 15 minute open-book examination 

• 4 core modules

Financial Crime Prevention 

Financial crime and its prevention are key issues for industry and regulatory authorities alike. As one threat is countered, another emerges. 

A strategic approach to the management of fraud, one that involves training is essential to success. Understanding the threats, where they 

come from and what can be done to minimise their impact is fundamental to the management of risk. Identifying emerging trends, putting 

procedures and processes in place can make a significant difference and ICA programmes can make a positive contribution. 

ICA Certificated Financial Crime Awareness Training 

The ICA Certificated Financial Crime Awareness programme is unique. It is a 

comprehensive education programme that provides practical knowledge and 

useful skills that can be used in the workplace. 

It will teach staff how to identify fraud and minimise risk. Early detection can 

make a significant difference so the programme teaches what to do in the event 

of suspicion. It also highlights the consequences when suspicions are ignored. 

The various types of fraud are explored, best practice in fraud prevention is 

studied, and the characteristics of fraudsters are examined. By the end of this 

Awareness course, existing knowledge will have been enhanced considerably 

enabling improved performance in the workplace. 

Core Modules 

• An Introduction to Financial Crime 

• The Criminal Offences 

• Financial Crime Risks 

• Fraud Response Policy 

• Identity Theft, Computer Fraud and Internet Fraud 

Specialist Modules 

• Customer Account Fraud 

• Deposit Fraud 

• Lending and Credit Fraud 

Who the course will 

Benefit 

Key Features 

ICA Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention 

Management Module 

• Carrying out a Risk Assessment 

• Anti Fraud Strategies 

• Effective Control and Prevention 

Procedure 

• A Fraud Adverse Culture 

• Financial crime prevention employees 

• Fraud employees 

• All individuals engaged in financial services 

and who aspire to a career in anti money 

laundering or fraud / financial crime 

prevention 



• 4 core modules, 3 specialist modules and 

a management module 

The ICA Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention is a detailed comprehensive 

programme, drawing upon best practice. The knowledge gained enables you to 

identify risks and shows you how they can be mitigated. You will learn about 

your own regulatory environment and be asked to create and implement a fraud 

prevention policy. You will study the legal dimensions, the motivations behind 

criminal activity and how to undertake an investigation all the way through to 

prosecution. Wherever you are in the world, you can benefit from this 

programme. It will build upon your existing experience and help you stay one 

step ahead of today’s sophisticated fraudsters. 

Written by experienced industry practitioners the Diploma is a practically 

focused qualification that imparts useful skills that can be used in the workplace. 

This is not just another fraud prevention training programme. This is certificated 

learning providing a benchmark of excellence that is recognised the world over. 

“An interesting and thorough insight into financial crime prevention in the 21st 

century” 

Claire Riley, RBSG, Group Security & Fraud AML Manager 

“The UK Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention is, in my eyes, the best financial 

crime course currently available. In particular its content on internal fraud and 

investigations was very useful to me in my role and is the only course I could find 

which covered this topic with any real depth. While there is an emphasis in the 

course on the regulated sector it is still applicable to organisations and businesses in 

other sectors, such as my own, as the core principles of financial crime are relevant 

to all organisations. I would recommend this course to anyone in a role that may be 

affected by financial crime and is looking for some form of formal training” 

Ian Walker, Risk Analysis Manager, Betfair Limited 

Core Modules 

Module 1: An Introduction to Financial Crime 

• Understanding and Managing Financial Crime 

• The International Models and Influences 

Module 2: The Law and Practice relating to Financial Crime 

• Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• The Legal Framework 

• The UK’s Anti Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Framework and 

Strategy 

• Market Fraud 

Module 3: The Prevention and Detection of Specific Financial Crime Risks 

• Business Frauds 

• Financial Sector Fraud 

• Cybercrime 

Module 4: Investigation and Prosecution 

• Investigating Fraud 

• Internal Investigation 

• Asset Tracing, Recovery and Confiscation 

Who the Diploma 

will Benefit 

Key Features 

• Fraud Prevention Officers and Managers and 

Deputies 

• Money Laundering Reporting Officers and Deputies 

• Money Laundering Prevention Officers and 

Deputies 

• Managers with responsibility for internal anti money 

laundering and compliance controls 




• Fraud investigation staff 

• Representatives from the public sector and law 

enforcement 

• Graduate level programme resulting in a professional 

qualification 


• 3 pieces of assessed work, each piece approximately 

3,000 words in length 

• A 3 hour 15 minute open-book examination 

• 4 core modules

Integrated Learning 

The Integrated Learning experience is a unique combination of 

course materials, first-class website information, face-to-face 

tuition and tutor support. It offers an excellent opportunity for 

individuals wishing to participate in a highly quality programme to 

achieve success. 

The Integrated Learning approach comprises a number of learning 

methods, each designed to support the other. Each method 

should be viewed as part of the whole, mutually supportive, 

equally relevant and beneficial to you as you study the programme. 

Focus should not be in one part of the approach whilst failing to 

utilise another. To do so would be to neglect to take advantage 

of this unique, effective, tried and tested learning methodology 

that has consistently achieved robust results. 

ICA Programme Admission 

Requirements 

The admission requirements for ICA programmes vary. All require 

the ability to complete the reading and written aspects of the 

programmes in English. A sound educational background will help 

too. The Diploma programmes also call for individuals to have a 

degree or professional qualification in an appropriate discipline or 

2-3 years work experience. 

Fees 

Fees for the programmes vary depending on which you undertake. 

Course fees include all materials, workshops, support reading texts, 

website access, examination fees and certification. Payment plans to 

help spread the cost are also available. Full details are available from 

the ICA website, www.int-comp.org 

How to Apply 

You can apply on-line at www.int-comp.org or download the 

enrolment form and return it to us. 

ICA Programmes - In-house 

All of the ICA programmes can be delivered in-house. There are 

many advantages to this including a reduction in price per person 

and the option to include processes and procedures that are unique 

to your firm in workshop discussions. We can deliver the learning 

at times to suit you so your staff are not out of the office. We 

provide a full detailed report at the end of the programme including 

recommendations for further study. And the certificates that are 

awarded alongside this report provide evidence of learning for 

auditing purposes. 

Fees vary depending on the number of individuals undertaking the 

training. The minimum required varies depending on the ICA 

programme being studied in-house. For the Introductory programmes, 

a minimum number of 15 is required. For Intermediate and Advanced 

programmes, the minimum number is 10. For more information 

about ICA programmes delivered in-house, contact Helen on 

hlangton@int-comp.org

International Compliance Training 

International Compliance Training, ICT, is the exclusive training partner of the International 

Compliance Association, ICA. ICT deliver the training for all the ICA programmes, both in the UK 

and overseas. ICT has regional offices in Dubai and in Singapore. 

ICT is dedicated to supporting financial services practitioners as they study for their professional 

exams. The emphasis is on helping individuals develop their careers, and ensuring those who enrol on 

ICA qualifications succeed and reach their potential. 

Financial services professionals today face an increasingly challenging working environment. The changes in regulations, nationally and 

internationally, and ever-higher standards demanded from government and customers means undertaking training is essential. It is important 

that it is effective in transferring knowledge and skills and ICT has a proven track record in this area. 

The commitment of ICT to the learning process is illustrated by the quality materials, which are written and delivered by knowledgeable, 

industry specialists. ICT course tutors know from personal experience the importance of vocational learning in the disciplines of anti money 

laundering, compliance and financial crime prevention. 

On-line Support 

The ICA and ICT websites are an essential ingredient in the study programme framework. They provide a wealth of information for you to 

utilise before, during and after your study. The two sites should be used together. 

ICA Website 

The ICA is the library and information site. Its content includes: 

• Up to the minute news-feed 

• Resource Centre 

• Knowledge Bank 

• Useful Links 

• Discussion Forum 

• E-mail Alert Service 

• Online Member’s Directory 

• Member discounts for industry events/publications 

ICT Website 

The ICT website provides on-line access to your study programme. 

Here you will find a Study Guide to help in planning and working out 

the time needed to complete the programme and access to the 

course being studied. You will also find: 

• Assignments (where relevant) 

• Syllabus – a break down of each module 

• Self Assessment Questions 

• Specimen Exam Papers 

• Student Support 

International 


Association 

The International Compliance Association, ICA, is a professional, 

awarding body with a global membership. Since it was founded in 

2001, thousands of individuals have completed the diploma and 

certificate programmes all over the world. Recognising the need for 

professional qualifications in the realms of anti money laundering, 

compliance and financial crime prevention, the Association was 

created and programmes established to provide an international 

benchmark of excellence in these three areas. The ICA is the 

government appointed Lead Provider of Financial Industry 

Competency Standards, accredited training and assessment 

programmes in the field of compliance in Singapore. 

The ICA helps, businesses, regulatory authorities, government 

agencies and clients promote best practice through education, 

dialogue, information exchange and detailed resource material. 

Working with industry practitioners at all levels, and through alliances 

with recognised partners, the ICA aims to help improve the 

performance of individuals, firms and the industry as a whole. 

University of 

Manchester 

Business School 

MBS is the largest campus-based business management school in the 

UK. It provides business and management education to undergraduates, 

postgraduates and experienced practitioners and for those with 

serious academic ambitions. Their MBA has been ranked 22 in the 

world consecutively for 3 years. The Higher Education Funding 

Council for England ranks their teaching capabilities as “excellent”, the 

highest category. They have an active network of over 5,000 alumni 

world-wide. 

MBS is the ICA quality assurance education partner. ICA Diplomas 

and Advanced Certificates are awarded in association with MBS. This 

dynamic alliance ensures you benefit from the fusion of a vocational 

qualification set within a rigorous academic framework. It is this 

relationship that ensures unique, best-in-class qualifications that are 

second to none.

Regional Office: 

Room 2702, Level 27 

Al Attar Tower 

Sheikh Zayed Road 

PO Box 506745 

Dubai 

UAE 

Head Office: 

Wrens Court 

52-54 Victoria Road 

Sutton Coldfield 

Birmingham 

B72 1SX 

www.int-comp.org 

Regional Office: 

10 Shenton Way 

#12-01 MAS Building 

Singapore 

079117 

JLC669

ICA UK Brochure - International Compliance Association

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