TOP AML Training courses for accountants: the best options in 2025
- azakaw
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
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.
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 that offers a solid introduction to AML principles.
Delivered online, it’s ideal for firms handling international clients. While it’s more expensive, its global recognition makes it a worthwhile investment.
ICA Certificate in AML for Accountants
Offered by the International Compliance Association, this exam-based certification is tailored specifically to accountants and auditors.
It's one of the best AML trainings for accountants because it's aligned with FATF and EU guidance and is widely recognised across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
AICPA AML Course
Designed for US-based CPAs, this course focuses on domestic compliance, offering CPD credits and practical tools.
It is one of the best AML training courses for accountants, suited for professionals working under US regulations.
Basel Institute AML eLearning
This is a flexible, online resource offering foundational AML training at no or low cost. It’s a great refresher or starting point, though it doesn’t carry the same professional weight as formal certifications.
Related content: The best AML certifications
Alison AML Fundamentals
A fully free and accessible course for entry-level learners or small firms.
While it helps build awareness, it lacks CPD accreditation and is less recognised by authorities.
AML for Accountants: UK Chartered Accountants CPD
Tailored to the UK accounting profession, this CPD-certified course helps practitioners meet HMRC training standards and stay compliant with domestic rules.
This is one of the best anti-money laundering training courses for accountants working under UK legislation.
CPA Australia AML/CFT Compliance
A Top AML training course for accountants working with the Australian jurisdiction, this course aligns with AUSTRAC expectations and offers CPD recognition.
It’s best for those working in Australian compliance environments.
How they compare in practice
Global recognition: ACAMS and ICA are ideal for international work.
Local relevance: AICPA, CPA Australia, and UK Chartered CPD align closely with national regulations.
Affordability: Basel Institute and Alison offer accessible training, though with limited certification value.
Career development: ICA and ACAMS offer the most return through structured, exam-based certification.
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
