In close collaboration with the industry, DSI has decided to launch a new register specifically aimed at professionals dedicated to preventing financial crime: the DSI Financial Crime Professional register. This register provides uniform quality standards for the various professionals involved in the fight against financial crimes.
Financial institutions such as banks and investment firms play a crucial role in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, often referred to as the gatekeeper function.
The number of professionals engaged in combating financial crime has significantly increased in recent years. These professionals work in areas such as Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti Money Laundering (AML), and sanctions.
An important consideration for establishing a register is that employees involved in CDD, KYC, AML, and sanctions must demonstrate competence. Regulators are paying increasing attention to this aspect. Currently, various training programs are offered in this field, varying in depth and assessment.
Our discussions with DSI member companies have revealed a need for uniform quality requirements for this professional group. These requirements should be established and monitored by an independent and expert certifying body.
DSI believes that such an initiative aligns well with its existing certifications for investment and compliance professionals. Through the new register, DSI aims to ensure a baseline level of competence and integrity for this professional group. In addition to uniform training requirements for entry into the register, there will also be an obligation to undergo continuous education. DSI’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures will also apply.
Currently, we are formulating training requirements for the new register. We have asked several training providers to provide input on existing training programs and learning objectives. We are also aligning these requirements with international standards.
The DSI Compliance Professional Advisory Committee, like the DSI Accreditation Committee, is involved in determining the final training requirements for the new register.
After the publication of learning objectives, providers of financial crime training programs will have the opportunity to apply for accreditation. The register is expected to launch in Q1 of 2024.
For questions about the new register, please contact Mark van der Lecq (Lead Legal DSI) via our contact form.