Accreditation and MQF level
The accreditation status of this programme is a Higher Education Programme. The programme is accredited with 5 ECTS credits at MQF/EQF Level 6 by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). The CPD Award Certificate will be presented to delegates who obtain a minimum pass in the relative assignment.
The award is a professional development programme, which does not, in itself, confer a warrant, licence or statutory authorisation to practise in a regulated profession.
Target Audience
This course is designed for compliance professionals, Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs), risk managers, and operational staff working in Malta’s financial services sector.
It is also suitable for professionals aspiring to enter compliance roles or to enhance their understanding of regulatory obligations, AML/CFT practices, corporate governance, and sector-specific compliance requirements.
The course benefits staff from banking, investment services, insurance, pensions, and payment services, as well as auditors, legal advisors, and consultants seeking practical knowledge of Maltese and EU financial services compliance frameworks.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for this programme are:
- 5 O-levels and 2 A-Levels
OR
- A minimum of 3 years working experience within business administration environment.
Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language. A minimum O-Level English or equivalent qualification.
As this is an online programme, applicants are also expected to demonstrate basic digital literacy.
Duration & Mode of Attendance
This part-time course is made up of 10 LIVE online evening webinar session which are spread over a period of 10 weeks.
Course Delivery Mode
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.
Online recordings or videos of the webinars are not available for this course.
Short 10 minute breaks will be given during the webinar.
Method of Assessment
At the end of the course, students will be presented with a home assignment, with theoretical and practical case study questions covering all modules.
The word count for the assignment will be 3,000 words and the pass mark is set at 50%.
Language of course instruction & course materials
The course will be delivered in the English language. All course materials provided will also be in English.
Course Dates
| Modules |
Dates |
Time |
Module 1 : Regulatory Framework and Supervisory Landscape
(MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS) |
25/11, 02/12 |
17:30 – 20:30 |
Module 2: Risk-Based Compliance and AML/CFT Principles
(MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS) |
09/12, 16/12 |
17:30 – 20:30 |
Module 3: Sector Specific Compliance Requirements
(MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS) |
13/01, 20/01 |
17:30 – 20:30 |
Module 4: Corporate Governance, Internal Controls and Oversights
(MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS) |
27/01, 03/02 |
17:30 – 20:30 |
Module 5: Practical MLRO Responsibilities and Compliance Reporting
(MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS) |
11/02, 17/02 |
17:30 – 20:30 |
Please note that as per terms and conditions, LEAD Training Services reserves the right to alter course dates and times 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-study and to the preparation of the final written assignment.
Total Course Contact Hours
(Live Online Webinars)
There are a total of 5 modules, each carrying 6 contact hours. |
30 |
Total Course Suggested Self-Study Hours
(reading for interest & further knowledge)
There are a total of 5 modules, each carrying 14 suggested self-study hours. |
70 |
Total Course Supervised Placement and Practice Hours
(Work placement supervision) |
0 |
Total Course Suggested Assessment Hours
(Take home assignment)
There are a total of 5 modules, each carrying 5 suggested assessment hours |
25 |
Course Outline
Module 1 : Regulatory Framework and Supervisory Landscape (MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS)
Trainer: Mr. John Caruana
ECTS credits: 1
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Critically explain the structure and significance of the Maltese financial services sector
- Analyse the roles and functions of key regulatory authorities, including the Malta Financial Services Authority, Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, and European supervisory bodies
- Explain the role of the European Central Bank and the wider EU regulatory framework in financial services supervision
- Critically discuss the key legislation governing financial services in Malta
- Analyse high-level regulatory obligations, including prudential, conduct of business, and AML/CFT requirements
- Evaluate the interaction between local, EU, and international standards, including the Financial Action Task Force framework
- Explain licensing, authorisation, and supervisory processes within financial services regulation
- Assess the implications of regulatory enforcement, inspections, and penalties for financial services firms
- Evaluate emerging regulatory trends in FinTech, digital assets, and innovation
Module 2: Risk-Based Compliance and AML/CFT Principles (MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS)
Trainer: Dr Rakele Cini
ECTS credits: 1
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and structure of AML/CFT frameworks and their regulatory objectives
- Critically explain the Risk-Based Approach (RBA) and its regulatory importance in AML/CFT compliance
- Analyse money laundering and terrorist financing risk factors across customers, products, geographies, and delivery channels
- Differentiate between Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), Simplified Due Diligence (SDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) requirements
- Explain the application of Simplified Due Diligence (SDD) in lower-risk scenarios
- Assess the regulatory treatment of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and high-risk jurisdictions
- Explain the purpose and operation of ongoing monitoring and transaction monitoring systems
- Explain the identification and reporting of suspicious activity, including Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs)
- Explain sanctions screening obligations and related compliance requirements
- Analyse the roles of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) in shaping AML/CFT obligations
Module 3: Sector Specific Compliance Requirements (MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS)
Trainer: Mr. John Caruana
ECTS credits: 1
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this module, students will be exposed to:
- Explain the regulatory characteristics of key financial services sectors, including banking, investment services, insurance, pensions, and payment institutions
- Analyse sector-specific regulatory frameworks and associated compliance obligations
- Explain prudential requirements and capital adequacy considerations in relevant sectors
- Critically discuss conduct of business rules across sectors, including MiFID II and the Insurance Distribution Directive
- Analyse AML/CFT obligations within different financial services sectors
- Explain licensing, authorisation, and reporting requirements across sectoral contexts
- Assess sector-specific risk factors and compliance challenges affecting regulated entities
- Evaluate sectoral compliance failures and recognised best practices through case-based analysis
Module 4: Corporate Governance, Internal Controls and Oversights (MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS)
Trainer: Ms. Sharon Cilia Tortell
ECTS credits: 1
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Explain the principles of corporate governance in financial services institutions
- Analyse the roles and responsibilities of boards, senior management, compliance functions, and MLROs within governance frameworks
- Explain governance frameworks and organisational accountability structures
- Critically discuss the design, implementation, and monitoring of internal controls
- Analyse the integration of risk management systems with compliance functions
- Explain oversight mechanisms, including internal audit, compliance monitoring, and reporting lines
- Assess regulatory expectations and supervisory guidance issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit
- Evaluate governance failures and their regulatory consequences within financial services organisations
Module 5: Practical MLRO Responsibilities and Compliance Reporting (MQF/EQF Level 6, 1 ECTS)
Trainer: Mr. Silvio Chetcuti
ECTS credits: 1
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role, legal responsibilities, and regulatory significance of the MLRO
- Explain internal reporting procedures for suspicious activity within financial institutions
- Analyse escalation processes and decision-making pathways in AML/CFT reporting
- Explain the preparation and submission of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit
- Explain record-keeping and audit trail requirements in AML/CFT compliance
- Analyse the interaction of the MLRO with compliance, internal audit, and senior management functions
- Explain the monitoring and oversight of AML/CFT policies and controls
- Assess case management approaches for investigating alerts and red flags
- Explain coordination requirements with regulators and supervisory authorities
- Critically discuss ethical considerations, independence, and accountability in MLRO functions
Trainers
Mr. John Caruana
John Caruana is the Co-Founder of A2CO Compliance in Malta and a senior compliance professional with over 15 years’ experience across the financial services, CSPs, Trust & Trustees and iGaming industries. He has held a range of key compliance, AML/CFT and data protection roles, and is approved by the Malta Gaming Authority as a key function holder for AML, in the capacity of MLRO, and for data protection, in the capacity of DPO. John is also PQ’d and approved by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Compliance Officer and MLRO, and is registered with the Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner in Malta as a Data Protection Officer. In addition to his executive and advisory responsibilities, John serves as an independent member of the Compliance Committee of one of Malta’s largest gaming companies, acts as Compliance Officer for various regulatedentities, and is the Group MLRO of the A2CO Group.
Dr. Rakele Cini
Dr Rakele Cini is an independent legal advisor with many years of experience in regulatory and compliance advisory. She set up rklAdvisory which primarily supports local & international firms / practitioners operating within the regulated industries on matters relating to the prevention of money laundering & funding of terrorism, due diligence, risk management, good governance, and other compliance areas. She is invited to lecture regularly by private institutions and regulatory bodies on these topics. She was previously head of Risk & Compliance at BDO Malta and, prior to that, formed part of the practice protection group at Deloitte Malta for numerous years. Rakele is an active member within the AML Committees of the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners and the Malta Institute of Accountants.
Ms. Sharon Cilia Tortell
Sharon M. Cilia Tortell is a Certified Public Accountant and Auditor, a FERMA RIMAP Certified Risk Professional, and a Senior Visiting Lecturer at the University of Malta with extensive experience across the financial services sector. Her career has included senior leadership, regulatory function-holder, advisory, assurance, and supervisory roles spanning insurance, banking, payments, investment services, and related financial services activities.
Her professional expertise covers enterprise risk management, governance, regulatory compliance, internal audit, AML/CFT, accounting, auditing, sustainability and ESG, operational resilience, and financial services regulation. She has held high-level responsibilities for risk and compliance frameworks, board and committee reporting, regulatory engagement, internal control systems, audit planning, governance processes, and the oversight of key regulatory obligations. Her work has also included Solvency II, ORSA, risk appetite, stress testing, scenario analysis, business continuity, conduct risk, GDPR, outsourcing, and emerging technology risks.
As a lecturer and professional trainer, Sharon combines academic knowledge with practical industry insight. She delivers teaching and training to students, professionals, senior management, and boards, using case studies, regulatory examples, and applied exercises to make complex technical subjects accessible and relevant. Her teaching areas include risk management, governance, compliance, accounting, auditing, financial services, sustainability, ESG, business ethics, and digital transformation.
Sharon holds an Executive MBA with Distinction and degrees in Accountancy and Commerce, alongside specialist qualifications in ESG, sustainability, compliance, and risk management. Her current academic research explores artificial intelligence, risk management, and ESG-oriented digital transformation within the EU financial services sector. She also contributes to professional bodies and industry working groups focused on risk, accountancy, insurance, and digitalisation.
Mr. Silvio Chetcuti
Silvio Chetcuti is a seasoned senior banker with over 37 years of experience in the financial services field. During his career, he has cultivated significant knowledge in banking strategy, risk management, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation.
Known for his industry knowledge and experience, Silvio frequently speaks and moderates at international banking and financial services conferences. He engages in discussions on various important topics, such as banking transformation, governance, ethics, customer-centric banking, digital innovation, and risk management, sharing his practical insights with senior banking executives and leaders throughout.
Silvio is also recognized as writing articles on current issues impacting the banking industry. His writings concentrate on governance, data accountability, operational resilience, risk management, and the strategic challenges that financial institutions face in the digital age. His publications underscore a commitment to promoting effective governance, responsible innovation, and sustainable banking practices.
Beyond his banking career, Silvio participates in executive education and professional development by providing training programs and mentoring individuals across the financial services sector. He is dedicated to promoting ethical leadership, lifelong learning, and the development of the next generation of banking professionals.
Testimonials for Compliance-related courses offered by LEAD Training Services
- I’d like to express my gratitude towards the course organisers, lecturers and the entire staff for their assistance, support and the professional manner whereby the lectures were delivered. I can confirm that it was a very positive learning experience and would highly recommend it to all those wishing to deepen their knowledge on financial services and related matters whilst achieving academic qualification and recognition.
B. Spiteri, July 2026
- A very interesting course. This is was refresher on AML however other topics were delivered in relation to the FS space. Highly recommended to those who want to learn more in this space and start seeking interest in AML and Compliance.
D. Cassar, February 2026
- This course provided me not only with a solid academic foundation but also with practical insights that I can apply directly in my role as Compliance Manager. The training combined theory with real-life cases, and I left feeling confident and better prepared to lead compliance and AML initiatives in my organization.
A. Psaila, August 2025
- Attending this course was an enriching experience. The sessions were clear, practical, and engaging, with valuable insights I can immediately apply in my work. The lecturers were knowledgeable and supportive, making the learning process both enjoyable and impactful. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to quickly upskill and gain confidence in the subject.
D. Farrugia, August 2025
- A well balanced course, adapted to the students who took it and time oriented. The lecturers knew what they were talking about and integrated their experience into their lecturing. I appreciated the fact that i could turn back to the slides as the material used was also uploaded which made it easier to revise and build my notes.
A. Calleja, February 2024
- The course was well-organised, with regular communication regarding the upcoming classes and study materials available for downloading. Extremely informative sessions with well-versed and experienced lecturers.
K. Bisset-Jackson, June 2022
- It was a very interesting and relevant course. The tutors were very knowledgeable and helpful. There was plenty of time was to complete the assignment, and the course was just the right duration. I would highly recommend LEAD Training Services and this course.
C. Gauci, February 2022
Course Funding Options
For Individuals
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GET QUALIFIED (2026)
This course is eligible for funding under the Get Qualified (2026) scheme. Get Qualified supports the personal and professional development of individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge through certifications and qualifications required by Industry.
Learn more about this scheme »
LEAD Training Services is a Higher Education Institute, licenced by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), having licence number 2013-FHI-021.
