Top 5 best AML certifications 2025

In 2025, the financial sector faces constant pressure — sanctions, suspicious transactions, and attempts to launder money through legal structures require companies to exercise careful control and employ competent personnel. Businesses increasingly need professionals who can identify risks in a timely manner and find effective solutions, otherwise they may face fines, reputational damage, or even closure.

The demand for specialists with certified AML knowledge is growing rapidly in banks, fintech companies, crypto platforms, and accounting firms. For those who are starting or already working in this field, certification is becoming almost mandatory. Universities do not cover this topic well, so specialized training gives a significant competitive advantage — companies save time and money on additional training, and employees adapt more quickly to new positions.

Certification is an official way to prove knowledge of international rules and their application in different jurisdictions.

According to FATF recommendations, staff training and continuous professional development are an integral part of an effective AML program. Regulators in many countries also require mandatory professional development.

Why is AML certification important?

Tighter financial regulation in all countries, especially in the fintech sector, makes AML training essential for companies dealing with cash flows, digital assets, and legal support for transactions. Every business must combat money laundering.

AML is a set of rules and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the illegal use of the financial system for criminal activities. This refers not only to the direct laundering of “dirty” money through banks, but also to the prevention of tax evasion, corruption, and illegal trade through legal companies and structures.

The fight against money laundering began in the United States in 1970 with the adoption of the Bank Secrecy Act, which laid the foundations for financial transparency. Later, international standards appeared — the FATF's 40 Recommendations of 1989, which became the basis for national AML legislation. In the European Union, regulation began with the first AML directive in 1991, and by 2025, the sixth AMLD6 directive will be actively applied, tightening control and introducing criminal liability.

Working within these requirements requires structural thinking and preparation: from knowledge of due diligence and types of financial crimes to the tools for detecting them. Without training, specialists will not be able to effectively protect organizations. Therefore, the demand for the best AML certifications is steadily growing in banks, brokerage companies, crypto exchanges, law firms, and auditing firms.

Top 5 best AML certifications in 2025

Among the many programs available, only a few meet international standards and are recognized by employers. We have selected five optimal options based on relevance, training format, international coverage, and authority.

1. CASS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Senior Specialist) — AML Certification Centre

The CASS program from the AML Certification Centre is the most practical and modern. It is based on FATF international standards, FinCEN guidelines, and European regulations. The training is completely online and covers traditional compliance, cryptocurrency AML, high-risk clients, and transaction monitoring.

Format: 100% online with animated videos and diagrams

Duration: 4–5 weeks

Knowledge level: basic AML knowledge recommended

Recognition: international, including the EU, UK, UAE, Latin America, Africa and the US

2. International AML Diploma from the ICA (International Compliance Association)

This program is designed for experienced professionals who are ready to delve deeper into risk assessment, auditing, and sanctions compliance. Suitable for the UK and actively regulated jurisdictions (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE).

Format: online with assignments and tests

Duration: approximately 6 months

Level: advanced

Recognition: UK, Asia, UAE

3. CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) — ACAMS

The most popular international certification developed by ACAMS, widely used in the US and other countries. Focus on financial monitoring with a risk-based approach and reporting on suspicious transactions. To obtain it, you need work experience and to pass an exam at an official center.

Format: textbook + exam

Duration: 3–6 months

Level: advanced

Recognition: international, especially in the banking sector

4. AML 360° — ACFCS (Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists) Certification

The program covers AML, fraud prevention, and cybercrime. Suitable for compliance, security, and operations professionals.

Format: online

Duration: 1–3 months

Level: intermediate

Recognition: US, Canada, Latin America

5. CAFP (Certified AML and Fraud Professional) — American Bankers Association

Certification for employees of US banks and financial institutions. Covers risk management, auditing, internal control, and financial crimes.

Format: online + exam

Duration: 2–4 months

Level: advanced

Recognition: US

Benefits of AML certification

For employers, it is a guarantee that the employee understands international standards and is able to comply with regulatory requirements. For professionals, it is a sign of professional competence that opens doors to banks, audit companies, and fintech structures around the world.

Key benefits:

• International recognition — certificates comply with FATF, BSA, and European directives and are suitable for work in different countries.
• Access to the global labor market — companies prefer certified professionals with experience and knowledge of modern approaches.
• Career growth and specialization — many employers value having a diploma for promotion.
• Risk awareness and reduced liability — specialists know how to identify suspicious transactions and document them correctly.
• Practical skills — the best programs use real-life cases and provide tools for solving them, not just theory.

Conclusion

When choosing a certification, focus not only on the brand, but also on your goals and objectives. Academic and recognized programs are suitable for a career in international banks. For fintech and practical application, flexibility, relevance of materials, and real skills are important. The main thing is that training should go beyond theory and provide tools for effective work in the field of AML.

If you need brief advice or help in choosing, professional courses and certifications remain a reliable beacon in a world of constantly changing financial rules and threats.