Course Description
Early detection can make a significant difference so the course provides practical advice on what to do in the event of suspicion. The course also highlights the consequences when suspicions are ignored. The various types of financial crime are explored, best practice in financial crime and fraud prevention is studied, and the characteristics of fraudsters are examined.
By the end of the course, existing knowledge will have been enhanced considerably enabling improved performance in the workplace.
Accreditation and MQF level
The accreditation status of this programme is a ‘‘Higher Education Programme’’. A CPD Award accredited with 8 ECTS credits (MQF/EQF Level 5) by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) will be presented to delegates who obtain a minimum pass in the relative assignment.
Target Audience
- C-Level, Senior and Middle Managers
- Company Directors
- Information Security Professionals
- Accountants, Internal and External Auditors
- Members of Audit/IT Security Committees
- MLROs and Compliance Officers
- Professionals engaged in financial services and who aspire to a career in Anti Money Laundering or fraud / financial crime prevention
Entry requirements
5 O-Levels and 2 A-Levels AND a minimum of 3 years working experience in Business Administration.
Duration & Mode of Attendance
This part-time course is made up of 10 live online evening webinar sessions which are spread over a period of 12 weeks.
Maximum Number of Participants
Places for this course are limited to 20 delegates on first come first serve basis.
Course Delivery Mode – Live Webinars
This course will be delivered via live online webinars. The course trainers will be visible on screen via a professional webinar platform through which students can follow the trainer presenting live whilst also using a powerpoint presentation and sharing other resources as necessary. Students will be able to interact with the trainer by sending questions or comments through the same webinar platform. Our student support team will assist all students with simple instructions on how to access the webinar online. A support line will also be made available to communicate with a student support officer in case of technical difficulties encountered during the live webinar.
All webinars – except for module 3, will also be recorded and uploaded on the student online resources portal for future reference during home study. Trainers will also dedicate very regular Q & A times during the webinar to ensure all students can have the chance to ask questions and reach the intended learning objectives. The email and contact details of the trainer will also be made available in case students would wish to get in touch with the trainer throughout the course period.
Short 10 minute breaks will be given during the webinar.
How You’ll Learn
This course will be delivered via live online webinars. The course trainers will be visible on screen via a professional webinar platform, through which students can follow the trainer presenting live, whilst also using a PowerPoint presentation and sharing other resources as necessary.
Students will be able to interact with the trainer by sending questions or comments through the same webinar platform.
The course will also make use of:
- Online Presentations
- Video Lecturing;
- Q&A via online course forum;
- Online Q&A with Educator (Trainer).
The above are considered to be contact hours as all of the above will be under control of the instructor.
Method of Assessment
At the end of the course, students will be presented with the assignment questions, where students have four or five questions and need to choose three. The total word count for the total assignment is 3,000 words. Students need to submit the assignment as per the submission date on the assignment questions document provided.
Grading: The assignment questions will be corrected and students must achieve a pass mark of at least 50 marks, in order to be given a certification.
Language of Course Instruction & Course Materials
The course materials and the live webinars are in English.
Course Dates
| Modules |
Dates |
Time |
Module 1: Introduction to Financial Crime
(MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS) |
TBC |
1730-2030 |
Module 2: Fraud and Corruption
(MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS) |
TBC |
1730-2030 |
Module 3: Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism
(MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS) |
TBC |
1730-2030 |
Module 4: Cyber crime and Cyber Terrorism
(MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS) |
TBC |
1730-2030 |
Please note that as per terms and conditions, LEAD Training Services reserves the right to alter course dates, times and venue in exceptional circumstances beyond its control.
Total Hours of Learning
This is an accredited course, which requires students to commit themselves and to be responsible for their own studies. Below is a suggested guideline of the number of hours each student should dedicate to self-studying and preparing for the final written assignment.
Total Course Contact Hours
(Live Online Webinars) |
40 |
Total Course Suggested Self-Study Hours
(reading for interest & further knowledge) |
152 |
Total Course Supervised Placement and Practice Hours
(Work placement supervision) |
0 |
Total Course Suggested Assessment Hours
(Take home assignment) |
8 |
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Financial Crime (MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS)
Trainer: James Grech, John Scicluna
ECTS credits: 2
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
- Understand Financial Crime,
- Corporate Governance and the Management of Financial Crime;
- Defining Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism;
- Defining Fraud and Corruption;
- The roles of the main international agencies and standard setters in combating financial crime, including those within the industry;
- Relevant Maltese laws and Regulations and EU Directives;
Module 2: Fraud and Corruption (MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS)
Trainer: James Grech
ECTS credits: 2
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
- Describe different forms of Fraud
- Investigate Fraud Internally
- Describe the corporate governance models and requirements
- Understand the responsibilities of directors and non-executive directors
- Understand the nature and importance of physical security, access controls and information security procedures
- Understand the different elements of a multidisciplinary approach in establishing a fraud averse culture
- Understand and have an overview of relevant legislation in relation to bribery and corruption
- Understand and have an overview of Investigation, Prosecution and Recovery
- Understand and have an overview of The purpose of international conventions on Bribery and Corruption
- Recognise risk indicators of bribery and corruption.
- Explain how an organisation can implement adequate procedures to prevent bribery.
- Understand and have an overview of how to respond to suspected cases of bribery and corruption.
- Review and develop new strategies to counter bribery and corrupt practices.
Module 3: Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism (MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS)
Trainer: Dr. Rakele Cini
ECTS credits: 2
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
- Understand the regulatory framework that is in place.
- Understand the role of the main international bodies.
- Understand the role of the FIAU both as a financial intelligence unit and as a supervisory authority.
- Comprehend to a larger extent the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, including those related to provisional court orders and the main definitions under the Act.
- Have a deeper understanding of the relevant provision of the Criminal Code, particularly those relating to the offence of funding of terrorism.
- Understand the requirements of the CDD procedures.
- Understand how identification and verification of an applicant for business and a beneficial owner is to be carried out, and the resources which can be used.
- Gain awareness of what constitutes a reputable jurisdiction and Politically Exposed Persons.
- Describe the Regulations around escalating and reporting suspicious activity.
- Understand the role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer within the organisation, the duties and obligations in terms of record keeping, vetting of employees, and training.
- Understand the recent developments in relation to the 4th EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive.
- Understand the FATF Recommendations and Methodology.
- Become aware of what is needed in the AML/CFT framework and what responsibilities will rest with which functions in the organisation.
- Gain awareness and knowledge of how to assess and audit the AML/CFT structure.
- Become aware of common weaknesses in typical AML frameworks.
- Gain awareness of the compliance and risk management function within your organisation.
- Appreciate how supervision is carried out and how the various supervisory authorities interact in carrying out AML/CFT regulation both through on-site and off-site work.
Module 4: Cybercrime and Cyber Terrorism (MQF/EQF Level 5, 2 ECTS)
Trainer: Attila Hetey
ECTS credits: 2
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Understand the background of the cyber-criminal and the cyber-terrorist;
- Have a basic understanding from a high-level the attitude and techniques used by the cyber-criminal/terrorist to undertake the attack;
- Understand what motivates an individual to commit malicious acts;
- Learn about what resources are available to both malicious individuals and also good guys;
- Learn how local organisations are being targeted by such malicious activities;
- Understand the real value of Digital Forensics expertise;
- Being pro-active is better than handling the incident;
- Understand the principles, practices, techniques and limitations of information security;
Trainers
Dr. Rakele Cini
Dr. Rakele Cini graduated Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2010 and was admitted to the Maltese Bar in the subsequent year.
Rakele joined BDO Malta in August 2016 and currently heads the Risk and Compliance Department which is responsible for the areas of risk management, prevention of money laundering & financing of terrorism and conflict checks, amongst others. She has acquired years of experience within these fields as lawyer to the practice protection group of one of the local big four accounting firms.
John Scicluna
John Scicluna, a career banker for 38 years, has held posts in many areas of one of the largest banks in Malta, 17 of which were as Head of Financial Crime – Money Laundering Reporting Officer. He formed part of the European Banking Federation Prevention of Money Laundering and Fraud Committee on behalf of the Malta Bankers’ Association. He was also assigned roles within the Internal Audit Department managing investigative and analytical assignments. During his term as MLRO, John formed part of the interviewee teams during MONEYVAL’s national assessments.
He is currently the Head of Compliance of WH Partners, a leading Malta based law firm providing professional advice in various areas such as AI, banking and finance, blockchain and crypto, gaming, investment management and funds and other regulatory affairs.
John is a visiting speaker in a number of local and international seminars and training events covering AMLCFT and financial crime related topics.
James Grech
James Grech graduated with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce Degree in 2001 and later on obtained the Accountancy (Honours) degree from the University of Malta in 2003. James is Certified Public Accountant and holds a Practising Certificate in Auditing issued by the Ministry of Finance in Malta. He is also qualified as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and member of ISACA. James is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditing (US), and is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). The CIA is the only internationally accepted certification designation for internal auditors and is the standard by which individuals demonstrate their competence and professionalism in the internal auditing and Management Consultancy field.
James is a renowned Business Consultant and Management/Business trainer and conference speaker in Malta and is also founder and Managing Director of LEAD Training Services, one of Malta’s largest professional training Institute licensed by the Malta Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).
Attila Hetey
Attila is a CISA and CISM certified professional in the field of information security. He has worked in various roles across various industries and has multi-national experience in information security.
At D4n6 he heads the technical arm of the company and focuses on the technical deliverables and analysis required by clients to ensure that we always deliver to the highest standard.
Testimonials
- Excellent delivery and professional tuition. I will be attending additional intakes in the near future!
R. Buttigieg (June 2022)
- Very professional, explained in detail with a knowledgeable pace to student. Given the fact it was my first experience and doing my secondary course (Anti Financial Crime), I would recommend LEAD training service without hesitation since all content was explained and introduced gradually.
R. Buttigieg (March 2022)
- The course in question was delivered in a very professional manner. It consisted of a very detailed introduction to the subject matter by a qualified professional within the industry, followed by a breakdown of the subject into modules, each with its own professional tutor. The institute provides ample knowledge for any aspiring professional and thus the material provided can be used very proficiently within various fields on professional platforms. The course is well suited for all aspiring professionals to hit the ground running in their respective field.
K. Manicolo (June 2021)
- This course was very interesting ! The lecturers are very knowledgeable and very helpful . I am glad to say that I have learned a lot and I know for sure that it will help at my workplace.
S. Grech (October 2020)
Course Funding Options
For Individuals
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GET QUALIFIED SCHEME
Candidates can benefit from a 70% rebate of the course fee via tax credit. Get Qualified is an initiative that supports the personal development of individuals for the achievement of qualifications and certifications required by industry.
Learn more about this scheme »
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TRAINING PAYS SCHEME (TPS)
Eligible candidates satisyfing a list of criteria can benefit from a 75% rebate on direct training cost.
Learn more about this scheme »
