What are the best AML and KYC certifications?
- azakaw
- Jul 18
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes are critical to safeguarding the global financial system, which means that demand for skilled AML and KYC professionals is high.
Obtaining one of the best AML KYC certifications is a great way to build expertise and credibility, whether you're a compliance analyst, a financial crime investigator, or just starting in risk and compliance.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
Let’s understand the importance of AML and KYC certification, explore the most recognised ones, what they cover, their requirements, and how to select the right fit for your career path.
So, if you want to discover the answer to the question "What is the best AML certification?", keep reading our article.
Top AML / KYC Certifications Key Takeaways |
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The importance of AML and KYC certifications
AML refers to regulations and procedures that prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income.
KYC, on the other hand, involves verifying the identity of customers to ensure they’re not engaged in illicit activity.
The role of AML and KYC in the financial sector
Together, AML and KYC compliance help institutions detect and deter fraud, terrorism financing, and corruption.
Regulatory bodies expect financial institutions to have trained teams capable of identifying and reporting suspicious activity.
Some examples of regulatory bodies are:
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
etc
Read also: KYC compliance in crypto
The benefits of obtaining AML and KYC certifications
The main benefits of obtaining AML and KYC certifications are:
Enhanced job prospects. Certified professionals are more attractive to employers in banking, fintech, crypto, real estate, and other regulated sectors.
Professional credibility. Certifications signal expertise and commitment to ethical compliance standards.
Regulatory readiness. Ongoing AML training keeps professionals up to date with changing AML regulations and best practices.
What are the best AML and KYC certifications?
The top certifications globally recognised by financial institutions and regulators are:
CAMS (ACAMS) – Globally recognised, covers AML regulations, CDD, KYC, EDD, and SARs.
CFCS (ACFCS) – Covers AML, fraud, sanctions, and cybercrime.
ICA Certificates & Diplomas – Modular learning aligned with FATF guidelines.
University programmes – Manchester, UCLA, Frankfurt School.
Independent providers – FINRA, Thomson Reuters, Udemy for foundational training.
1. Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) - ACAMS
Arguably the best AML certification globally, the CAMS credential is offered by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and is widely recognised across banking, insurance, and fintech entities.
What it covers:
AML regulations and typologies,
KYC and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD),
Investigations and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs),
Compliance programme design and management.
Key details:
Eligibility: based on a points-based system that factors in education and experience.
Format: both online and in-person training available.
Cost: approximately €1,450 - €1,710 (the cost varies depending on membership and region).
Renewal: every three years, with ongoing Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
Read also: KYC meaning in banking
2. Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS) - ACFCS
Offered by the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS), the CFCS goes beyond AML to cover the full spectrum of financial crime.
It's a TOP AML certification for professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of financial crime compliance across various sectors.
What it covers:
Money laundering and fraud,
Sanctions compliance,
Cybercrime and data breaches,
Global financial crime laws and investigations.
Key details:
Cost: €1,100 - €1,400.
Format: Fully online with optional live training sessions.
Read also: How to prevent money laundering
3. ICA certificates and diplomas
The International Compliance Association (ICA) offers some of the best AML and KYC certifications at different levels, making it ideal for professionals at various career stages.
These certifications feature modular learning with real-world case studies and courses tailored for specific regions (e.g., UK, EU, Asia, etc.), and they are globally recognised and aligned with FATF guidelines.
Popular ICA programmes:
Key details:
Cost: €700 - €3,450, depending on the level.
Format: online and in partnership with universities or training institutions.
4. Graduate and postgraduate programmes from universities
Widely recognized universities and business schools also provide some of the best AML/KYC-focused certifications and diplomas.
These are ideal if you're looking for an academic approach or planning to pivot into senior leadership or regulatory advisory roles.
Some of the universities and respective programmes are:
University of Manchester (UK) - financial crime and compliance courses,
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (Germany) - Certified Compliance Course.
5. Specialised AML/KYC certification providers
Several independent institutions offer online AML and KYC certification programmes, often with industry partnerships or regulatory input.
These may not carry the same weight as ACAMS or ICA, but they’re affordable and great for foundational training, practical upskilling, or to supplement major certifications.
Some of these independent institutions are:
Choosing the best AML and KYC certification for your career goals
With so many AML and KYC certification options available, it’s important to align your choice with your professional goals, current expertise, and the demands of the industry or region you work in.
Choosing the right programme is about finding a certification that equips you with the practical skills and regulatory knowledge needed to succeed in your specific role.
Assessing your current skill level and career aspirations
If you’re just starting your AML compliance journey, entry-level ICA certificates or online AML training may suffice.
If you’re looking to become a senior AML analyst or compliance officer, CAMS or the ICA Diploma in AML are great options.
If you want to move into broader financial crime or fraud prevention, consider CFCS or a university-backed course.
Related article: What are the types of fraud?
Factors to consider when selecting a certification programme
Accreditation: recognition by regulators (e.g., FATF, FCA, FinCEN) or industry leaders.
Course content: coverage of KYC, CDD, SARs, AML crypto regulations, and emerging risks.
Delivery format: online certifications, in-person workshops, or blended learning.
Cost and time: some programmes cost over €1,700 and require months of study.
Networking and alumni: access to industry professionals, job boards, and career support.
Preparing for your AML certification exam
There are a few ways you can prepare for your AML certification exam. Depending on your study approach, here are some tips:
Use official study guides, practice exams, and mock interviews.
Join LinkedIn groups and online study communities.
Attend webinars and local ACAMS or ICA chapter meetings.
Set realistic timelines and stick to a study schedule.
If you’re already enrolled in a course, let us give you a pro-tip: many companies offer reimbursement for AML and KYC training.
Check with your employer if this is the case in your company.
FAQs
Is AML certification worth it?
Yes, AML certification is worth it, especially if you work in banking, fintech, crypto, insurance, or legal services.
AML certification boosts your credibility, opens job opportunities, and shows commitment to best practices.
Does AML pay well?
Yes. AML analysts, KYC officers, and compliance managers are in high demand.
Salaries vary by country and role, but certified professionals can earn significantly more than non-certified peers.
Which AML certification is best for beginners?
ICA’s Certificate in Anti Money Laundering or an entry-level ACAMS course can be a great starting point for beginners.
These programmes introduce key AML and KYC principles and don’t typically require prior compliance experience.
Can I get an AML job without certification?
It is possible to enter the field through experience or related education. However, certifications significantly improve your job prospects and credibility, especially for roles such as AML analyst, compliance officer, or financial crime investigator.
What is the best AML KYC certification in India?
In India, CAMS (ACAMS) and ICA certifications are highly regarded.
Some Indian universities and compliance training providers also offer region-specific AML/KYC certifications tailored to the regulations of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND).
What is the best AML KYC certification in the United States?
In the US, the CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) certification from ACAMS is widely regarded as the industry standard.
It's recognised by major banks, regulators like FinCEN, and federal agencies. For broader financial crime expertise, the CFCS (Certified Financial Crime Specialist) by ACFCS is also highly respected.
What is the best AML KYC certification in Europe?
In Europe, both ACAMS’ CAMS and the International Compliance Association (ICA) certifications are highly valued.
The ICA Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering and the ICA Diploma in AML are particularly popular due to alignment with EU AML Directives and FATF guidelines.
These certifications are recognised across jurisdictions like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, among other countries.
What is the best AML and KYC certification in the Middle East?
In the Middle East, ACAMS remains the leading AML and KYC certification provider, with strong recognition in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Many professionals pursue the CAMS certification, especially those working in banks, fintech, and governmental or government-related institutions.
The ICA also offers certifications tailored to regional needs, often in partnership with local compliance training providers.
TIP: Read our guide about Anti-Money Laundering regulations in the UAE if you want to master this topic.
Key takeaways
As regulations tighten and financial systems are more and more digitised, the need for skilled AML and KYC professionals continuously grows.
Whether you're aiming to become an AML analyst or lead a compliance team, certifications like CAMS, CFCS, and ICA Diplomas offer a trusted path forward.
Investing in the best AML and KYC certification can massively help your organisation stay ahead of risk and build a safer financial ecosystem.
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