A Guide to AML/CFT Certificates — CAMS vs regional AML certs

Is an AML/CFT certificate worth it?

• Unlike economics or accounting, a degree majoring in AML or compliance is highly uncommon. One can hardly proclaim himself/herself to be an AML expert just by academic background. That’s why a well-recognised AML/CFT certificate is important.
• If you are interested in an junior AML compliance job role, or a jump to a middle-level AML compliance job role with a few years of working experience in related functions like general compliance/ auditing/ risk management/ forensic accounting, an AML certificate could help you prove your AML knowledge and beat your competitiors.
• You can add a designation suffix on your name card or Linkedin profile (e.g. John Smith, CFA, FRM, CAMS).

Which AML certificate is the best?

Quick short answer: CAMS

• Up to this point, the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) is the only internationally recognised AML certificate. Other AML certs that I heard of (e.g. UK’s ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering, Hong Kong’s AAMLP or CAMLP) are only regionally recongised.

• The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) has now expanded its certification collection to 9 types. But still, CAMS is surely the…