Rost van Tonningen: “It’s about having the right conversation.” Posted on March 3, 2025 at 1:35 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan Laws and regulations are constantly changing. The context is dynamic. Situations frequently arise where a careful and explainable decision must be made, considering all stakeholders. But how do you put this into practice, especially in the financial sector? By Roeland Jongejan According to Françoise Rost van Tonningen, the new chair of DSI’s Integrity Advisory Committee and former Head of the Global Ethics Office (formerly Ethics Office) at Rabobank, integrity is not just about following rules. It is primarily about having the right conversation. “Both complying with regulations and encouraging discussions about dilemmas contribute to creating more ethical organizations.” Rost van Tonningen takes over the role from Jos Hillen, who has fulfilled the position with dedication in recent years. DSI thanks Jos Hillen for his active contribution, using his knowledge and experience to help advance integrity within the sector. Françoise Rost van Tonningen, Chair of the DSI Integrity Advisory Committee The power of ethical reflection Rost van Tonningen views integrity and ethics as an ongoing process. “Integrity is about acting honestly, reliably, and responsibly. In addition to complying with laws and regulations, fostering ethical reflection is crucial. It means actively discussing dilemmas and considering moral choices. What is possible and permissible—but is it also desirable? It is precisely in gray areas that organizations have the opportunity to demonstrate their values. This also applies to new developments without a legal framework, where a position still needs to be taken.” An effective way to strengthen this culture is to encourage dialogue and awareness. “Many organizations have ethics committees and hotlines where employees can seek advice. Additionally, structured approaches, such as dilemma training and case discussions, help employees develop ethical decision-making skills. Prior ethical deliberation, or moral consultation, creates ‘moresprudence’—a valuable collection of insights that guide future decisions on similar issues.” According to Rost van Tonningen, this approach fosters a more ethical organization. “Not by dictating what is right or wrong, but by facilitating conversations. It is through these discussions that the best course of action becomes clear. By first making all perspectives and arguments explicit, well-considered decisions can be made. Sometimes, this process also reveals that certain policies or procedures are difficult to implement in practice. These conversations help find workable solutions.” Current challenges: responsible AI and geopolitics The challenges facing the financial sector have evolved significantly in recent years. Digitalization and responsible AI introduce new ethical questions. “If an investment fund is fully managed by an algorithm, who holds the responsibility? Who asks the ethical questions?” Geopolitics also plays an increasingly significant role. “Ten years ago, the ethical implications of investments or business presence in certain countries were barely discussed. Now, these issues are firmly on the boardroom agenda. Banks and investment funds must not only consider what is legally possible and permissible, but also what is ethically desirable. This is an ongoing ethical conversation that organizations must engage in.” Where is the biggest resistance? Although more companies recognize the importance of integrity, real-world practice remains challenging. “Pressure to meet targets, high workloads, and the drive for commercial success often make it difficult to address ethical dilemmas. If employees are only required to tick boxes, there is little room for reflection. Yet, reflection is essential for making well-informed decisions that can provide financial benefits or positively impact an organization’s reputation.” Collaboration across departments is crucial. “Different perspectives and responsibilities must be considered. The key is to ensure there are no silos, allowing for a holistic approach to ethical conduct. This is also essential for the organization’s long-term success. To inspire employees, it helps to share best practices.” DSI’s role: dialogue as the key Rost van Tonningen sees a vital role for DSI in facilitating discussions on integrity within the financial sector. “DSI is uniquely positioned to bring the industry together. Certification and professional competence provide the foundation, but the real impact comes from creating space for honest conversations about integrity in daily work.” How does DSI contribute? “What I appreciate about DSI is that they go beyond certification. Professionals affiliated with DSI are required to complete an integrity module as part of their certification. This ensures that knowledge and experience with integrity dilemmas are not just part of professional competence but also a structured topic of discussion within the industry. That is essential because ‘one individual may be certified and motivated to act with integrity, but if the organizational culture does not support this, it becomes much more difficult,’ says Rost van Tonningen. Addressing current integrity challenges She notes that DSI has become increasingly active in facilitating discussions on pressing integrity issues. “Last year, DSI focused on greenwashing, allowing professionals from various sectors to share their experiences and dilemmas. This year, the focus is on sustainable finance and digitalization—topics that are becoming more relevant to financial professionals. I see this as a positive development. There is a lot of discussion about the technology behind digitalization and responsible AI, but ‘there should be more dialogue on the integrity and ethical dilemmas involved. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to implement new technologies responsibly.'” What should professionals do when they encounteriIntegrity issues? According to Rost van Tonningen, it is essential for financial professionals to not only know the rules but also understand where to turn when they encounter integrity concerns. “Ideally, ethical dilemmas should be discussed early within an organization, so that a well-reasoned and explainable position can be reached. Prevention is better than cure, and integrity should be a regular topic of discussion within teams and at the board level.” However, if a situation goes beyond an internal dilemma and may constitute a breach of integrity, financial professionals can report it to DSI. This process follows the DSI Code of Conduct and can lead to disciplinary proceedings. “This not only helps to address misconduct but also strengthens the financial sector as a whole,” says Rost van Tonningen. A call to action for the sector Rules and oversight alone are not enough to ensure a sustainable and ethical sector. Rost van Tonningen sees integrity as a shared responsibility between companies, regulators, and organizations like DSI. “We must move beyond simply checking boxes. Integrity is strengthened through open discussions. What seems obvious to you may not be obvious to your colleague. What do we truly value? And how do we ensure we are not just compliant, but also acting ethically?” Her message to professionals in the sector is clear: “Dare to engage in these conversations. Discuss difficult issues early on, ask questions, and challenge each other to think beyond the letter of the law—if one even exists. Only then can we earn the trust of society as a sector.” DSI thanks Jos Hillen With the appointment of Françoise Rost van Tonningen as the new Chair of the Integrity Advisory Committee, DSI bids farewell to Jos Hillen in this role. DSI is grateful for his dedication and active contribution to the work of DSI over the past years, both as a member of the Integrity Advisory Committee and previously as Chair of the DSI Disciplinary Committee. His knowledge and experience have played a key role in strengthening the dialogue on integrity within the financial sector.
New rulings by the DSI Disciplinary Committee Posted on March 3, 2025 at 1:17 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan DSI has recently published two disciplinary rulings. In one case, the DSI Disciplinary Committee upheld a complaint about a conflict of interest involving a Senior Investment Manager but did not impose a sanction. DSI has appealed this decision. In another case, a complaint against an investment advisor for not adhering to the investment policy was dismissed. Read the full article for more details. DSI complaint on (apparent) conflict of interest upheld, other allegations dismissed On August 27, 2024, the DSI Disciplinary Committee issued a ruling in a case against a Senior Investment Manager employed by an investment firm. In its complaint, DSI argued that the certified professional had failed to comply with the internal investment policy of their employer. Additionally, DSI alleged that the respondent had provided investment services through their own company without an AFM license. Finally, DSI pointed out that the respondent had not properly separated their business and personal interests. The Disciplinary Committee upheld DSI’s complaint regarding the conflict of interest but dismissed the other allegations. The committee decided not to impose a sanction on the certified professional. DSI has filed an appeal with the DSI Appeals Committee against this ruling. View the ruling DSI complaint on non-compliance with investment policy dismissed On August 27, 2024, the DSI Disciplinary Committee issued a ruling in a case against an investment advisor working as a tied agent for an investment firm. DSI argued in its complaint that the certified professional had failed to comply with the firm’s internal investment policy. The Disciplinary Committee dismissed DSI’s complaint. View the ruling Report integrity issues confidentially to DSI Do you have an integrity-related question or want to report a possible violation of the DSI Code of Conduct? You can confidentially submit a report to DSI regarding integrity matters. This not only helps to address misconduct but also contributes to a stronger and more ethical financial sector. Reporting can also have a preventive effect. Report Integrity Issues
Partner in Compliance accredited for the AML Register. Posted on February 5, 2025 at 1:24 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan The DSI Accreditation Committee has officially accredited the KYC Analyst Program by Partner in Compliance for the DSI AML Register. This accreditation confirms that the program meets the quality standards set by DSI for professionals in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD). With this recognition, Partner in Compliance joins ACAMS, VU, the Netherlands Compliance Institute, and The Ministry of Compliance as an accredited training provider for the register. More information about the program The DSI AML Register was established to recognize professionals with proven expertise in an independent register. Employers and clients can trust that registered professionals meet high standards of quality and integrity. More information about the register can be found at www.dsi.nl/aml. The KYC Analyst Program is taught by experienced specialists and offers professionals the opportunity to further develop their expertise in this field. For more details or to register, click here. An overview of all accredited training providers can be found here. For questions or additional information, please contact DSI or Partner in Compliance.
Happy holidays and a healthy 2025 Posted on December 19, 2024 at 11:24 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan 2024 was a year where, together with our partners, we took concrete steps towards an ethical and professional financial sector with skilled professionals. As we look forward to new opportunities in 2025, we wish you and your colleagues happy holidays and a successful start to the new year. 𝗗𝗦𝗜 in 2024: From a new register to our 25th anniversary 2024 was a year full of milestones. We reflect on a period where we further strengthened our mission—an ethical and professional financial sector. Through collaborations with various organizations, we demonstrated that integrity and expertise are the foundation of a strong and trustworthy industry. We thank all partners and stakeholders who contributed their efforts and cooperation to the success of our activities this year. Watch our film, read the highlights below, and discover what made 2024 special for us: Certification and Expertise Updated DSI Public Register with more transparency and reliability Launch of the first national AML register for the financial sector Updated PE-program with relevant learning objectives Social Impact Publication of the whitepaper Greenwashing, let’s be real! Webinars on ethics and sustainability in the sector Active participation in the International Week of Integrity Strategic Collaborations Extension of collaboration with the AFM New partnerships with EY and the CISI Participation in sector-wide events such as the Fund Seminar Anniversary Activities Anniversary event: 25 years of DSI, with forward-looking insights on sustainability and digitalization Unveiling of AI art as part of our anniversary celebrations Launch of an interactive timeline showcasing 25 years of DSI Stay up to date on all of DSI’s activities in 2025 through our website, and sign up for our newsletter. Happy holidays and a healthy 2025
AFM and DSI extend competency agreement Posted on December 4, 2024 at 10:54 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan The AFM and DSI have extended their agreement on professional competency. This agreement, in place since 2018, focuses on employees who provide investment advice or information. The extension is tacit and valid for two years, with no changes to the content. Floris Mreijen – Director DSI “The extension of this agreement highlights the importance of professional competency in the investment sector,” says Floris Mreijen, Managing Director of Stichting DSI. “It reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring quality service in the sector. By joining DSI, organizations can rely on us to take care of compliance requirements.” DSI-Certified professionals are demonstrably competent The agreement aligns with MiFID II requirements and guidelines from the European regulator ESMA. These standards stipulate that relevant persons—employees who inform or advise on investments—must be demonstrably and continuously competent. The AFM views competent personnel as essential for careful customer treatment and high-quality services in the investment sector. “We are very pleased with the continuation of this agreement,” Mreijen continues. “DSI certifications are an industry initiative aimed at building trust. The AFM’s recognition confirms the quality and added value of DSI registration.” Always up-to-date with ‘Continuing Professional Education’ Under the agreement, the AFM and DSI have stipulated that only individuals meeting ESMA guidelines are eligible for inclusion in the DSI ESMA registers. After registration, professionals are required to maintain their knowledge. DSI supports this through the ‘Continuing Professional Education’ program, based on annually updated learning objectives. Training providers develop their programs based on these objectives, ensuring that certified professionals continuously meet the required standards. The AFM acknowledges that professionals listed in the DSI ESMA registers meet competency requirements. Currently, approximately 4,100 professionals are certified in one of DSI’s seven ESMA registers. Broad responsibility for organizations For financial institutions, DSI registration demonstrates that their employees are competent. However, ESMA guidelines also impose broader organizational requirements, such as implementing internal policies and procedures and ensuring employees adhere to them. DSI registration is not mandatory. Organizations opting not to register with DSI can demonstrate their employees’ competency directly to the AFM. However, the DSI-AFM agreement simplifies compliance with ESMA guidelines for businesses in the sector. Most organizations subject to ESMA guidelines are affiliated with DSI. Additional Information AFM Press Release – click here AFM-DSI Agreement – click here ESMA Guidelines – click here MiFID II – click here
The DSI Public Register has been updated Posted on November 28, 2024 at 11:36 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan The DSI Public Register website is now faster, more user-friendly, and features improved search functionalities. You can easily find the registration number, certification status, PE-status, and the organization of DSI-registered professionals. Explore all updates through the DSI Public Register. In the DSI Public Register, you can check if a professional is DSI-certified. This allows you to easily verify if a professional who works in the financial sector meets our standards in terms of knowledge, competence and integrity. You can also see the organisation they work for and if any disciplinary actions have been taken against them. In this way, the register contributes to a transparent, trustworthy and competent financial sector. In collaboration with the sector The Public Register has been developed in close cooperation with businesses and trade associations within the financial industry. Since 1999, DSI has listed professionals across various registers, which are frequently updated to meet the shifting demands of the market and new regulatory standards. This ensures the register is a trusted and up-to-date resource for both professionals and consumers. Who can be found in the register? The register includes both certified and candidate-certified professionals. Both groups comply with the DSI Code of Conduct, committing themselves to the highest standards of integrity and competence. What does a DSI certification involve? A DSI-certified professional meets the entry requirements of one or more DSI registers. DSI maintains a total of 12 registers, each focused on specific disciplines within the financial sector. Certified individuals are always up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations, are equipped to handle integrity issues and possess the required education and work experience. To keep their knowledge current, they participate in the annual DSI Continuing Professional Education program. What is a candidate-certified professional? A candidate-certified professional adheres to the DSI Code of Conduct but may still need to complete (part of) the educational and/or experience requirements necessary for a full DSI certification. Why work with a DSI professional? Choosing a DSI-certified professional means working with someone who meets the highest standards in knowledge, skills and integrity. These professionals undergo thorough screening, have the necessary work experience and complete mandatory training to keep their expertise up to date. Any sanctions imposed by the DSI Disciplinary Committee are also listed in the register, ensuring you are always fully informed and can trust a professional who operates with integrity and expertise.
Interview with DSI in Het Financieele Dagblad Posted on October 22, 2024 at 2:36 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan DSI in Het Financieele Dagblad: ‘A Completely Different Investment Sector Has Changed the Role of the Professional Institute’ On Friday, 4 October, a comprehensive article on DSI was published in Het Financieele Dagblad, focusing on the transformation of the investment world and DSI’s evolving role within it. The article, titled “DSI: The Investment World Has Completely Changed in 25 Years,” offers an in-depth look at the significant changes the sector has undergone over the past 25 years. In the interview, Floris Mreijen, Managing Director of DSI, discusses the founding of DSI following the notorious Operation Clickfonds in 1997 and how the organisation has since evolved. “At that time, we were more focused on setting the standards that professionals involved in advising clients had to meet. But now, there is much more regulation, including international regulations, and we ensure that if you complete our accredited courses and work for a DSI-affiliated employer, you are certified by us and automatically meet those regulatory requirements,” Mreijen explains. The article also highlights DSI’s collaboration with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the benefits of DSI certification for financial institutions. “We have an agreement with the AFM that specifically addresses these requirements. That agreement states: if you are registered with DSI, we assume everything is in order,” Mreijen adds. Additionally, the article touches on societal trends and challenges facing DSI, such as the rise of financial influencers (finfluencers) and the ongoing need for education and disciplinary measures for certified professionals. Read the full article in Het Financieele Dagblad for more insights and details about the evolution of the investment world and DSI’s crucial role in it (note: the article may only be accessible to FD subscribers).
Celebrating 25 Years of DSI Posted on October 22, 2024 at 2:18 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan 25 Years of DSI: An afternoon of inspiring talks and innovative (AI) art On Friday, 4 October, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Stichting DSI, and we proudly look back on an inspiring day filled with insights, engaging discussions, and meaningful encounters. The event, held at the Beursgebouw in Amsterdam, focused on two key themes: the rise of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the important role of the investment industry in sustainability. With insightful contributions from renowned speakers and experts, we explored the latest trends and discussed the challenges facing the financial sector. Inspiring Keynotes Keynote speakers such as Jos Heuvelman (AFM), Jorissa Neutelings (ABN AMRO), and Erik van Houwelingen (Van Lanschot Kempen) shared their insights with the audience. Jos Heuvelman congratulated us on our 25th anniversary and thanked us for the close collaboration with the AFM, particularly in the area of professional competence and integrity in the financial sector. He discussed new challenges such as digitalisation and the role of AI in finance. Heuvelman warned about the risks of AI, such as bias in algorithms, but also acknowledged the opportunities for fraud detection and improving efficiency. He stressed the importance of skilled and ethical advisors, especially in an increasingly digital world, and praised DSI’s role in promoting quality and trust in the sector. Jos Heuvelman’s full speech can be read here. Erik van Houwelingen shared his personal journey in thinking and acting on sustainability, providing concrete examples of how Van Lanschot Kempen addresses this, such as by working with a fully regenerative agricultural company that produces olive oil. He challenged the audience to reflect on what personally drives them, considering the importance of future generations, and to act on that. This could also be on a small scale, within one’s personal sphere of influence. Jorissa Neutelings engaged the audience in a discussion about the major trends that everyone in the financial sector should follow to remain successful in serving clients. The development of AI plays a key role here, from conversational AI to generative AI. Automation must be central in service models, where clients increasingly demand hyper-personalised service, based on experiences from other digital services. Security is paramount, with the bank as a vault for all your data offering opportunities. Finally, the sector needs to think more in terms of ecosystems, where parts of the service can be integrated in collaboration with third parties. In a time of increasing polarisation and decreasing trust in large institutions, integrity and a spotless track record are crucial. Panel Discussion on Sustainability At the anniversary event, an inspiring panel discussion on sustainability in the financial sector was held, based on the recently published DSI whitepaper “Greenwashing: Let’s be Real”, released in October this year. An expert panel, consisting of Harald Walkate (Route 17 / University of Zurich), Carola van Lamoen (Robeco / Eumedion), and Erik van Houwelingen (Van Lanschot Kempen), explored some thought-provoking questions: What exactly do we mean by greenwashing? How can we effectively integrate elements such as “additionality” into labels or disclosure regulations? And how do we create an honest dialogue with consumers about what they can expect from the financial sector in addressing societal issues? Event Highlights For those who missed the event or wish to revisit it: presentations and photos are now available on our website www.dsi.nl/jubileumevent. We also presented three fantastic AI artworks from the AI Gallery in Amsterdam, creatively portraying our themes: integrity, sustainability, and digitalisation in the financial sector. Explanations of these works can be found at www.dsi.nl/ai-artworks.
Interview with Edwin de Heij about the DSI AML Register Posted on October 22, 2024 at 2:04 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan Meet Edwin de Heij, Senior Analyst and Quality Checker Client Lifecycle Management at InsingerGilissen, a Quintet Private Bank S.A. On 1 July, he received his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert course at VU Amsterdam and became the first person to register for the new DSI AML Register. We spoke with Edwin about his experiences, motivation, and vision for the future of compliance in the financial sector, as well as his registration in the DSI AML Register. My role at InsingerGilissen “At InsingerGilissen, I safeguard the quality of client investigations as a Quality Checker in Client Lifecycle Management. My role involves ensuring that client files comply with all laws and regulations, and I work closely with Client Advisors and CDD analysts to make sure of this. My approval is essential before files are further reviewed by compliance and ultimately submitted to the Client Acceptance Committee for final approval,” explains Edwin. InsingerGilissen approached Edwin to help out due to his experience at the front of the chain. “As a private banker, I have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to ask sensitive questions, such as asking an 85-year-old widow about her late husband’s fortune. That experience enables me to empathise with bankers’ situations and support them with compliance questions. My experience helps me ask the right questions and ensure everything is compliant.” After 26 years at ABN AMRO, Edwin discovered his passion for client integrity. “As a Private Banker at ABN AMRO, I was responsible for the integrity of my client portfolio, among other things. This led me to make the switch to this field,” says Edwin. Why did I certify for the DSI AML Register? Edwin explains why he chose to become certified in the DSI AML Register: “It’s not just a badge to say, ‘look how much I know.’ It’s about demonstrating my professional competence and showing my peers that I am certified. What sets me apart from others is that I am registered with DSI.” Edwin believes the DSI Register helps highlight the value of expertise in the field and distinguishes professionals in an increasingly complex financial world. “The great thing about DSI is that it separates the wheat from the chaff,” he adds. The added value of the FEC-Risk Expert course 1 July 2024 – Edwin de Heij receives his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert course at VU Amsterdam, presented by course director Tom Loonen. “The FEC-Risk Expert course at VU Amsterdam deepened my understanding of the entire CDD chain,” says Edwin. “It helped me become a serious discussion partner, and I use the knowledge I gained directly to assess risks more effectively and thoroughly review client files. The talks with guest speakers such as the Public Prosecution Service, DNB, FIU, FATF, and AFM helped me connect the WWFT regulations even better to practice.” Client contact and collaboration in KYC and CDD Edwin emphasises the crucial importance of personal client contact in KYC and CDD, even in an era of increasing digitalisation. “A personal conversation with the client can make all the difference when assessing their risk profile. This direct contact helps to get a complete and accurate picture.” Additionally, Edwin highlights the need for cooperation between CDD analysts and bankers. “Collaboration is essential for accurate and complete client information. CDD analysts and bankers need to combine their knowledge and insights to ensure that all information is correct and meets regulatory requirements. We are a special group of people who must bridge the commercial and risk sides.” Tips for future AML professionals Edwin advises future AML professionals to invest in education, gain experience, and always remain curious and critical. “Ask questions and dig deeper to truly understand your client,” he says. According to Edwin, DSI certification is crucial: “It not only demonstrates your personal expertise but also shows that your organisation has senior professionals who stand out. This is especially important for senior roles aiming for a competitive advantage.” The future of compliance Edwin views the future of compliance as a dynamic field with increasing influence from new legislation and international developments. “It’s essential to stay informed about these changes and understand the reasoning behind certain procedures. The DSI AML Register provides the necessary clarity and helps professionals and organisations distinguish themselves in a complex landscape.” More about the DSI AML Register Do you work in the financial sector and focus on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing? The DSI AML Register offers independent recognition as an expert in this area. Certification and registration in the DSI Public Register confirm your knowledge and skills, enhance your career opportunities, and demonstrate your commitment to integrity. For details and registration, visit www.dsi.nl/aml.
Meet Edwin de Heij, Senior Analyst and Quality Checker Client Lifecycle Management at InsingerGilissen, a Quintet Private Bank S.A. On 1 July, he received his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert course at VU Amsterdam and became the first person to register for the new DSI AML Register. We spoke with Edwin about his experiences, motivation, and vision for the future of compliance in the financial sector, as well as his registration in the DSI AML Register. My role at InsingerGilissen “At InsingerGilissen, I safeguard the quality of client investigations as a Quality Checker in Client Lifecycle Management. My role involves ensuring that client files comply with all laws and regulations, and I work closely with Client Advisors and CDD analysts to make sure of this. My approval is essential before files are further reviewed by compliance and ultimately submitted to the Client Acceptance Committee for final approval,” explains Edwin. InsingerGilissen approached Edwin to help out due to his experience at the front of the chain. “As a private banker, I have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to ask sensitive questions, such as asking an 85-year-old widow about her late husband’s fortune. That experience enables me to empathise with bankers’ situations and support them with compliance questions. My experience helps me ask the right questions and ensure everything is compliant.” After 26 years at ABN AMRO, Edwin discovered his passion for client integrity. “As a Private Banker at ABN AMRO, I was responsible for the integrity of my client portfolio, among other things. This led me to make the switch to this field,” says Edwin. Why did I certify for the DSI AML Register? Edwin explains why he chose to become certified in the DSI AML Register: “It’s not just a badge to say, ‘look how much I know.’ It’s about demonstrating my professional competence and showing my peers that I am certified. What sets me apart from others is that I am registered with DSI.” Edwin believes the DSI Register helps highlight the value of expertise in the field and distinguishes professionals in an increasingly complex financial world. “The great thing about DSI is that it separates the wheat from the chaff,” he adds. The added value of the FEC-Risk Expert course 1 July 2024 – Edwin de Heij receives his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert course at VU Amsterdam, presented by course director Tom Loonen. “The FEC-Risk Expert course at VU Amsterdam deepened my understanding of the entire CDD chain,” says Edwin. “It helped me become a serious discussion partner, and I use the knowledge I gained directly to assess risks more effectively and thoroughly review client files. The talks with guest speakers such as the Public Prosecution Service, DNB, FIU, FATF, and AFM helped me connect the WWFT regulations even better to practice.” Client contact and collaboration in KYC and CDD Edwin emphasises the crucial importance of personal client contact in KYC and CDD, even in an era of increasing digitalisation. “A personal conversation with the client can make all the difference when assessing their risk profile. This direct contact helps to get a complete and accurate picture.” Additionally, Edwin highlights the need for cooperation between CDD analysts and bankers. “Collaboration is essential for accurate and complete client information. CDD analysts and bankers need to combine their knowledge and insights to ensure that all information is correct and meets regulatory requirements. We are a special group of people who must bridge the commercial and risk sides.” Tips for future AML professionals Edwin advises future AML professionals to invest in education, gain experience, and always remain curious and critical. “Ask questions and dig deeper to truly understand your client,” he says. According to Edwin, DSI certification is crucial: “It not only demonstrates your personal expertise but also shows that your organisation has senior professionals who stand out. This is especially important for senior roles aiming for a competitive advantage.” The future of compliance Edwin views the future of compliance as a dynamic field with increasing influence from new legislation and international developments. “It’s essential to stay informed about these changes and understand the reasoning behind certain procedures. The DSI AML Register provides the necessary clarity and helps professionals and organisations distinguish themselves in a complex landscape.” More about the DSI AML Register Do you work in the financial sector and focus on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing? The DSI AML Register offers independent recognition as an expert in this area. Certification and registration in the DSI Public Register confirm your knowledge and skills, enhance your career opportunities, and demonstrate your commitment to integrity. For details and registration, visit www.dsi.nl/aml.
Interview with Edwin de Heij about his registration in the DSI AML Register Posted on September 24, 2024 at 12:44 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan Meet Edwin de Heij, Senior Analyst and Quality Checker for Client Lifecycle Management at InsingerGilissen, a Quintet Private Bank S.A. On 1 July, he received his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert programme at VU and was the first to register for the new DSI AML Register. We spoke with Edwin about his experiences, motivation, and vision for the future of compliance in the financial sector, as well as his registration in the DSI AML Register. My role at InsingerGilissen “At InsingerGilissen, I oversee the quality of client investigations as a Quality Checker for Client Lifecycle Management. My role involves checking whether client files comply with all laws and regulations, and I work closely with Client Advisors and CDD analysts to ensure this. My approval is essential before files are further assessed by compliance and ultimately by the Client Acceptance Committee for final approval,” Edwin explains. InsingerGilissen asked Edwin to join due to his front-line experience. “As a private banker, I have personally experienced how difficult it can be to ask sensitive questions, such as asking an 85-year-old widow about her deceased husband’s fortune. That experience enables me to empathise with the bankers’ situation and support them with compliance questions. My background helps me ask the right questions and ensure everything is compliant.” After working for 26 years at ABN AMRO, Edwin discovered his passion for client integrity. “As a Private Banker at ABN AMRO, I was responsible for the integrity of my client portfolio, which led me to transition into this field,” says Edwin. Why I certified in the DSI AML Register Edwin explains why he chose to certify in the DSI AML Register: “It’s not just a badge I can show off to say, ‘Look how knowledgeable I am.’ It’s about demonstrating my professional competence and being able to show that you are certified as a peer. What sets me apart from others is that I am indeed in the DSI Register.” Edwin believes that the DSI Register helps highlight the value of expertise in the field and distinguishes professionals in an increasingly complex financial world. “The great thing about DSI is that it allows you to separate the wheat from the chaff,” he adds. The added value of the FEC-Risk Expert programme 1 July 2024 – Edwin de Heij receives his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert programme at VU Amsterdam from Programme Director Tom Loonen. On 1 July 2024, Edwin de Heij receives his diploma for the FEC-Risk Expert programme at VU Amsterdam from Programme Director Tom Loonen. “The FEC-Risk Expert programme at VU Amsterdam deepened my understanding of the entire CDD chain,” says Edwin. “It has helped me become a serious discussion partner, and I apply the knowledge I gained directly to better assess risks and thoroughly review client files. The discussions with guest speakers such as the Public Prosecution Service, DNB, FIU, FATF, and AFM have helped me better connect the WWFT regulations to practice.” Client contact and collaboration in KYC and CDD Edwin emphasises the crucial importance of personal client contact in KYC and CDD, even in an age of increasing digitalisation. “A personal conversation with the client can make all the difference in assessing their risk profile. This direct contact helps create a complete and accurate picture.” Additionally, Edwin underscores the need for collaboration between CDD analysts and bankers. “Collaboration is essential for accurate and comprehensive client information. CDD analysts and bankers need to combine their knowledge and insights to ensure all information is correct and compliant with regulations. We are a unique group of people who must bridge the commercial and risk sides.” Tips for future AML professionals Edwin advises future AML professionals to invest in education, gain experience, and remain curious and critical. “Ask questions and dig deeper to truly understand your client,” he says. Certification with DSI is crucial, according to Edwin: “It not only demonstrates your personal expertise but also shows that your organisation has senior professionals who stand out. This is especially important for senior positions that want to gain a competitive advantage.” The future of compliance Edwin sees the future of compliance as a dynamic field with increasing influence from new legislation and international developments. “It’s essential to stay updated on these changes and understand the reasons behind certain procedures. The DSI AML Register provides the necessary clarity and helps professionals and organisations stand out in a complex landscape.” More About the DSI AML Register Are you working in the financial sector and focused on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing? The DSI AML Register offers you independent recognition as an expert in this field. Certification and registration in the DSI Public Register confirm your knowledge and skills, enhance your career opportunities, and highlight your commitment to integrity. For details and registration, visit www.dsi.nl/en/aml.