TOP AML Training courses for accountants: the best options in 2025
- azakaw
- Sep 21
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 1
Money laundering is an issue that’s more and more important for everyone, including accountants. Regulators are holding accountants to a higher standard, expecting them to understand anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and put them into practice.
Today, we'll list to you the top AML Training for accountants that provide practical knowledge, spot potential risks, and protect their firms from penalties and reputational harm.
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of AML Training for accountants, what effective courses should cover, and the top programs available in 2025, from free introductory lessons to globally recognised certifications.
AML Training for Accountants Key Takeaways |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why AML Training is critical for accountants
Although AML frameworks were originally developed with banks in mind, accountants and auditors face similar challenges and responsibilities.
In many cases, they act as gatekeepers to the financial system, making them targets for individuals attempting to conceal illicit funds.
Authorities are now placing greater accountability on accountants, who may face consequences for failing to report or recognise suspicious activities.
Global frameworks and standards (FATF, Basel Institute, etc.)
At the international level, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) provides the blueprint for AML standards that influence regulations around the world. These include requirements for customer due diligence (CDD), transaction monitoring, and proper recordkeeping.
The Basel Institute on Governance supports this framework with additional tools, including training programs, guidelines, and global indices that help professionals compare anti-financial crime efforts across different jurisdictions.
Accountants familiar with these frameworks are better prepared to manage AML obligations, especially in cross-border engagements.
Regional regulations
AML regulations vary by region, with localised adaptations of FATF guidance:
European Union (EU): the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD) significantly increases personal liability for accountants, including potential criminal charges for negligence in AML matters.
United States (US): the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) issues AML-focused guidelines for accountants, with an emphasis on compliance with FinCEN rules.
United Kingdom (UK): AML Training must be Continuing Professional Development-certified (CPD-certified) and meet the standards outlined by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and UK accounting bodies.
Australia: accountants are subject to the regulations of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), with tailored support available through Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia training programmes.
What are the AML risks specific to accountants?
Unlike banks, accountants don’t typically process financial transactions directly. However, the services they offer can be exploited by criminals (such as business formation, tax planning, advisory support, etc).
It’s vital that accountants can recognise:
Clients with layered or opaque ownership structures,
Payments that don’t align with the business’s stated purpose,
Requests involving high-risk jurisdictions,
Clients who resist providing standard due diligence documentation.
AML Training for accountants helps them to identify these risk factors early, before they lead to compliance violations.
What should AML Training for accountants cover?
AML training for accountants should cover risk-based client assessments, KYC/CDD/EDD procedures, red flag detection, reporting obligations (SARs, STRs, FIUs), recordkeeping, firm-wide compliance policies, and the role of AML software in onboarding, monitoring, and reporting.
Understanding client risk and Due Diligence
A thorough AML program should teach accountants how to assess client risk.
This includes identifying Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), recognising income irregularities, and assessing associations with high-risk sectors or countries.
KYC, CDD, and EDD procedures
Know Your Customer (KYC) is at the core of AML compliance. Training should explain:
Customer Due Diligence (CDD), for standard, low-risk clients;
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), required when dealing with higher-risk individuals or complex business structures.
Related content:
Recognising AML red flags and suspicious activity
Courses should guide accountants in identifying:
Unusual transaction patterns,
Contradictory client behaviour,
Red flags to detect money laundering, like frequent use of cash, offshore transfers, rapid changes in ownership, etc..
Reporting obligations
Accountants must know how to file the appropriate reports:
Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in the UK,
Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) in the EU,
Notifications to Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) in relevant jurisdictions,
Understanding both when and how to report money laundering is a critical part of AML Training.
Recordkeeping and AML audit trail requirements
Strong documentation is essential for regulatory inspections.
The chosen course(s) outline how long records must be retained and how to maintain an effective audit trail for AML purposes.
Regulatory compliance for accounting firms
Firm-wide AML responsibilities, such as creating written policies, conducting regular risk assessments, and maintaining internal controls, should be covered in comprehensive training programs.
Technology and AML software in accounting
With the growing demand for automated compliance solutions, accountants need to understand the role of AML software.
These tools assist with onboarding, client screening, transaction monitoring, and report filing, which helps streamline compliance across the firm.
Read also: The best AML software in the UAE
TOP AML Training courses for accountants
The best AML courses for accountants will depend on your location, role, client risk level, and career aspirations.
ACAMS AML Foundations for Accountants
A globally respected, CPD-accredited course offered by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).
It provides accountants with a solid grounding in AML compliance and is particularly valuable for firms working with international clients.
In our experience, it's one of the best AML training courses for accountants since it's complete and widely recognised.
What it covers:
Core AML principles and regulations,
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and KYC,
Transaction monitoring basics,
Identifying and reporting suspicious activity,
Overview of international AML frameworks.
Key details:
Eligibility: open to accountants at all levels; no prior AML certification required.
Format: 100% online, self-paced modules with interactive learning.
Cost: Approximately €550 to €700, depending on membership and region.
Recognition: CPD-accredited and internationally recognised.
ICA Certificate in AML for Accountants
Offered by the International Compliance Association, this exam-based certification is tailored specifically to accountants and auditors.
It is one of the most highly regarded AML qualifications for accountants in Europe and Asia-Pacific, designed around FATF recommendations and EU AML directives.
What it covers:
Money laundering risks in accounting and audit,
FATF standards and EU AML requirements,
Client risk assessment and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD),
Red flag indicators specific to accounting services,
Roles and responsibilities in compliance frameworks.
Key details:
Eligibility: open to accountants, auditors, and finance professionals, with no strict prerequisites.
Format: online learning with an end-of-course exam.
Cost: Around €1,000 - €1,500, depending on region.
Recognition: Widely recognised across Europe and Asia-Pacific, and CPD-eligible.
AICPA AML Course
Delivered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this programme is designed for US-based Certified Public Accountants. It focuses on domestic AML compliance and equips accountants with practical tools for identifying suspicious activity.
What it covers:
US AML laws and FinCEN requirements,
Risk-based approaches to AML compliance,
Customer Identification Programmes (CIP),
Reporting obligations and suspicious activity indicators,
Case studies relevant to accountants in the US.
Key details:
Eligibility: CPAs and accounting professionals working under US regulations.
Format: online, CPD-accredited modules; flexible learning pace.
Cost: typically €300 to €600, depending on membership.
Recognition: highly relevant for US practitioners, although less recognised internationally.
Basel Institute AML eLearning
Developed by the Basel Institute on Governance, this online programme is an accessible way to build or refresh AML knowledge. It is ideal for entry-level learners, small firms, or as supplementary training.
What it covers:
Core AML concepts and regulatory frameworks,
KYC and due diligence basics,
Recognising suspicious behaviour,
Understanding the role of accountants in AML prevention.
Key details:
Eligibility: open to anyone, with no prerequisites.
Format: online, self-paced learning modules.
Cost: free or low-cost, depending on the module selected.
Recognition: it doesn’t carry the same professional weight as formal certifications, meaning it’s perhaps more useful as introductory training or a refresher.
Related content: The best AML certifications
Alison AML Fundamentals
A fully free and accessible AML course designed for beginners and small accounting practices. It provides foundational awareness of AML risks and processes but is not CPD-accredited.
What it covers:
Introduction to AML and counter-terrorist financing (CTF),
Key AML red flags and warning signs,
KYC basics,
Roles of accountants in AML monitoring.
Key details:
Eligibility: open to anyone, and suitable for beginners.
Format: 100% online, short and self-paced.
Cost: Free.
Recognition: limited recognition, meaning it’s best for awareness rather than professional advancement.
AML for Accountants: UK Chartered Accountants CPD
This CPD-certified course is the best AML training course for accountants working in the UK. It helps practitioners meet HMRC requirements and stay compliant with domestic AML obligations.
What it covers:
UK AML regulations and HMRC requirements,
Risk-based approaches for UK accountants,
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) under UK law,
Identifying suspicious activity in client transactions,
Practical compliance strategies for small and large firms.
Key details:
Eligibility: UK-based accountants and firms subject to HMRC oversight.
Format: online CPD training; available as webinars or modules.
Cost: varies by provider (~€200 to €500).
Recognition: CPD-certified and directly aligned with UK compliance standards.
CPA Australia AML/CFT Compliance
Delivered by CPA Australia, this is the greatest AML training course for accountants working under the Australian jurisdiction. It aligns with AUSTRAC’s AML/CFT expectations and ensures compliance with local legislation.
What it covers:
Australian AML/CFT laws and regulations,
Understanding AUSTRAC reporting obligations,
KYC and risk assessments under Australian frameworks,
Red flag indicators in financial and accounting contexts,
Case studies specific to Australian businesses.
Key details:
Eligibility: accountants and finance professionals in Australia or working with Australian clients.
Format: online and CPD-recognised training modules.
Cost: typically €400 to €800, depending on membership.
Recognition: highly relevant in Australia; limited recognition outside the region.
How they compare in practice
Global recognition: ACAMS and ICA stand out for their international credibility, which makes them the strongest options for accountants working with cross-border clients or in multinational firms
Local relevance: AICPA, CPA Australia, and the UK Chartered CPD courses align closely with national regulations, ensuring practitioners meet domestic compliance requirements.
Affordability: The Basel Institute and Alison offer accessible, low-cost training. While they lack the professional weight of formal certifications, they are useful for awareness as a refresher.
Career development: For long-term progression, ICA and ACAMS offer the most value through structured, exam-based certification that signals expertise to employers and regulators.
Free vs paid AML Training: what’s the difference?
Free courses are a great entry point, especially for small firms or those needing a quick refresher. However, they don’t often meet the accreditation or depth required for regulatory inspections or professional development.
Free training is ideal for staff awareness, small firms, and new entrants. Paid training offers accreditation, CPD hours, advanced content, and formal assessment.
If compliance is central to your role, certifications like ICA or ACAMS are well worth the investment.
How to choose the right course for your practice
Your decision should be guided by three main factors: role, client risk, and region and regulatory obligations:
Your role
For accountants and bookkeepers, short CPD-accredited courses usually suffice.
Compliance officers and firm partners should opt for more comprehensive programs like ICA or ACAMS.
Client risk
For those with low-risk client portfolios, a refresher or awareness course might be enough.
For those with high-risk clients, exam-based certifications and deeper regulatory knowledge are more adequate.
Region and Regulatory Obligations
Always choose training that complies with your local regulator’s requirements:
AICPA in the U.S.;
CPA Australia in Australia;
HMRC-recognised CPD courses in the UK.
FAQs
Is AML training mandatory for accountants?
Yes. Most jurisdictions require it annually or as part of ongoing CPD.
How often should AML training be completed?
At least once per year, or more frequently if there are changes in regulations.
How long does training take?
Short online courses may take 2–3 hours, whilst formal certifications can take several weeks.
What’s the best course for small firms?
Free or CPD-certified options like the Basel Institute or the UK Chartered Accountants CPD.
Does AML training count toward CPD hours?
Yes, if the course is accredited by a recognised body (e.g., ACAMS, ICA, AICPA, CPA Australia).
Are free AML certificates available?
Yes. Alison and the Basel Institute offer them, but they carry less weight with regulators.
What’s a good AML software for accountants?
Platforms like azakaw help with automated client checks, monitoring, and compliance reporting.
Conclusion
AML training courses for accountants are fundamental nowadays. Whether your focus is global certification, local compliance, or cost-effective learning, there’s a course to suit your needs.
By investing in high-quality training and staying up to date with regulatory changes, accountants can remain compliant, serve their clients with confidence, and take an active role in combating financial crime.
Related articles
