The GCAL Financial Crime
and AML Compliance Diploma

You won’t just be informed of what the rules and regulations are — you’ll learn more about how to manage risk effectively, challenge assumptions, and implement effective and efficient systems and controls with confidence.

You’ll gain critical awareness of the AML operational landscape and the practical tools required to design an effective Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) framework. Learners are encouraged to apply their knowledge through interactive case studies, enhancing personal confidence and professional effectiveness.

Unlike static training programmes, this diploma-level programme is constantly evolving — informed by the latest regulatory developments, typologies, and enforcement trends. The instructor-led, interactive content is designed to help you to act decisively and think more strategically in the face of uncertainty and complexity in your day-to-day role.

This flexible, self-study programme is delivered entirely online via the GCAL Learning Management System. You will be invited to complete four advanced-level courses at your own pace, with access to expert-led content and interactive resources. In addition, participants join three online, instructor-led masterclasses focused on practical application and peer learning.

Upon completion of the full programme, you will be able to:

• Identify, analyse, and resolve complex financial crime and AML risks
• Develop and embed structured models and frameworks to manage your firms AML and financial crime risks
• Ask the right questions and challenge assumptions with confidence
• Interpret regulatory requirements and design proportionate, defensible controls
• Make sound, auditable decisions — and support others to do the same
• Align your firm’s financial crime governance with live enforcement notifications and current typologies

This advanced-level diploma is structured around a complete programme spanning financial crime compliance and AML risks essential to building, leading, and sustaining a robust AML and financial crime compliance programme.

Delegates will complete four Advanced Compliance Certificates chosen from the following:

• FCC AML Risk Officer – GC(AdvMLRO)
  Gain a practical, strategic understanding of financial crime risk frameworks including AML, fraud, the financing of proliferation, and sanctions.
  Explore typologies, predicate offences, and global laws through real-world case studies.
  Apply the “Seven Pillars of Success” to build and assess the effectiveness of financial crime and AML controls. Perfect for MLROs, DMLRO, and those shaping firm-wide FCC strategy.
• Suspicious Activity Reporting – GC(AdvSARs)
  Report suspicion confidently and compliantly under the Proceeds Of Crime Act 2002, Terrorism Act 2000, and the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and according to regulatory requirements.
  Draft meaningful, intelligence-rich SARs and avoid tipping off.
  Understand Nominated Officer duties and post-reporting controls.
  Learn from real-life case law, regulatory actions, and NCA insights.
• Firm-Wide Risk Assessment – GC(AdvFCR)
  Master the design and execution of defensible FCRAs aligned to UK/EU/FCA standards.
  Differentiate between inherent and residual risk using GCAL’s structured methodology.
  Identify typologies and control effectiveness to inform board-level decisions. Move beyond templates to create tailored, data-driven financial crime risk assessments.
• Customer Risk & CDD – GC(AdvCDD)
  Implement risk-based CDD and EDD aligned with evolving legislation.
  Use OSINT tools and digital ID techniques to verify identity and detect undisclosed risks and red flags.
  Respond to the threat of high-risk structures like shell companies, nominees, and assess PEP relationships. Enables learners to develop effective onboarding, monitoring, and escalation processes.
• Fraud Risk Management – GC(AdvFraud)
  Stay ahead of evolving fraud typologies: APP, payroll, cyber, and insider threats.
  Understand your duties under the new corporate criminal offence of “Failing to Prevent Fraud”.
  Use structured fraud risk assessments and governance frameworks.
  Develop effective preventative controls and apply case-led learning for real impact.

Delegates will also need to attend three online Masterclasses hosted by GCAL and guest presenters.

Choose from:

• Personal Performance: Communicating AML Change and Influencing Others
• Advanced AML Investigations: Using OSINT and EDD to Identify and Manage High-Risk Clients and PEPs
• Business Wide Financial Crime Risk Assessment (BWRA): Practical Steps to Build a Compliant Control Framework
• Cybercrime & AML: Managing Converging Threats in AML Compliance

Assessment includes a multiple-choice exam at the end of each advanced course, and a 1,000-word reflective summary once you have completed all three masterclasses – demostrating what was learned, and how it benefits you and your firm.

Compliance Certificates

• Number of Questions: 20
• Question Format: Multiple Choice
• Pass Mark: 70%

Your result will appear immediately upon submitting your answers. If you meet the pass mark, a digital badge and e-certificate will be issued instantly via the GCAL LMS. You’ll also receive a secure link to share your certification on LinkedIn, with your employer, or across your professional network.

Learners who successfully complete the full diploma programme will receive the following in addition to the individual course accreditations:

• GCAL Financial Crime and AML Compliance Diploma
• The post-nominal designation GC-Dip(AML/FinCrime)
• A digital badge – shareable and verifiable via LinkedIn and other professional platforms