AML/Compliance/KYC professionals come in!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Oops missed this, I prefer a generalist role in a smaller setup and some recruiters might tell you the same thing as well.

- for big banks, the role alot of the time is very specialized (e.g. sanctions) which means it's harder to move to other FIs.
- compliance is a huge cost centre and roles can get offshored or cut.
- you can learn more in a smaller FI which translates to many different skillsets. Some might think specializing is good but I feel someone who has a wide spectrum of knowledge in compliance is more valuable than someone who just specializes in one area.

With the above being said some people do like working in big companies where you have more structure, maybe more prestige and benefits etc.

Thanks for sharing - this is very insightful. Are you yourself in a generalist role in a smaller setup or a specialist in a larger setup now?
What factors would make it or break it for you - in terms of swaying your decision to move from a generalist to a specialist (as you mentioned you prefer the former)?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Oops missed this, I prefer a generalist role in a smaller setup and some recruiters might tell you the same thing as well.

- for big banks, the role alot of the time is very specialized (e.g. sanctions) which means it's harder to move to other FIs.
- compliance is a huge cost centre and roles can get offshored or cut.
- you can learn more in a smaller FI which translates to many different skillsets. Some might think specializing is good but I feel someone who has a wide spectrum of knowledge in compliance is more valuable than someone who just specializes in one area.

With the above being said some people do like working in big companies where you have more structure, maybe more prestige and benefits etc.

Agree with what you said. I am looking to go into generalist role but not willing to forgo working in a big company.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks for sharing - this is very insightful. Are you yourself in a generalist role in a smaller setup or a specialist in a larger setup now?
What factors would make it or break it for you - in terms of swaying your decision to move from a generalist to a specialist (as you mentioned you prefer the former)?

If you ask me there's almost no reason to stay in specialist roles for a long period (2-3 years), the only progression is a Team Lead or Head role, but such roles are very limited. Try to move to a broader role or advisory role as soon as you gain sufficient experience.

Was from a big setup, currently at a smaller setup doing a generalist role. If an opportunity presents itself in a good company and growing industry, e.g. Fintech, asset management, electronic trading etc definitely go for it. Pay is good, more breadth of experience, way lesser chance of getting retrenched/offshored. Downside is less "prestige" but that's about it.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hello, I just joined compliance role two months ago and I’m thinking of taking some courses, specifically ICA or ACAMS. Which is more recognised in SG? And I think I saw that ACAMS is IBF Level 2 so would I be able to take it with only 2 months of experience? To all those who took, how much did you all pay for it? Hope to get some help here, thanks!

Wanna know the same thing too!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Wanna know the same thing too!

i just paid 3999.51 sgd for ACAMS

Originally Posted by Unregistered

i just paid 3999.51 sgd for ACAMS

Are you new to the industry or have been working for a few years already? I saw on the website that it’s $1990 but not sure what it covers. Emailed them to ask but no reply yet.

If you already have ACAMS + pass the sg aml regime exam, will you still take the ICA diploma in aml? Like same thing.

Anyone has taken ICA Level 1(advanced certificate)? How much did you all pay for it?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hello, I just joined compliance role two months ago and I’m thinking of taking some courses, specifically ICA or ACAMS. Which is more recognised in SG? And I think I saw that ACAMS is IBF Level 2 so would I be able to take it with only 2 months of experience? To all those who took, how much did you all pay for it? Hope to get some help here, thanks!

I did ICA advanced cert (level 1), ICA diploma (level 2) and ACAMS (level 2). Both ICA and ACAMS are equally recognised in SG.

Yes can pass ACAMS with 2 months experience.

If office can sponsor you, grab it. For ACAMS, self-sponsored candidates can get IBF subsidy. I don't know if got same subsidy for ICA Dip. Rates are fixed in ICA and ACAMS. Won't change person to person. Must email and ask. Both ICA and ACAMS reply fast, within 3 working days.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

If you already have ACAMS + pass the sg aml regime exam, will you still take the ICA diploma in aml? Like same thing.

Yes, I still suggest taking ICA Diploma. Both ACAMS and ICA Diploma have own advantages. For example, in ICA Diploma you learn how to do risk scoring, gap analysis and manage (banking) product risk from design stage onward. CAMS will test on US Patriot Act, BSA, EU directives, Egmont, Wolfsberg, Basel, etc. CAMS SG regime exam will test on TBML ABS guidelines, CDSA, TSOFA, MAS, etc. Both ICA and ACAMS test for knowledge (fines, laws and fact-based questions) as well as logic (scenario-based questions). Its good to have all 3, ICA Diploma in AML, CAMS, and CAMS SG regime certifications.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I did ICA advanced cert (level 1), ICA diploma (level 2) and ACAMS (level 2). Both ICA and ACAMS are equally recognised in SG.

Yes can pass ACAMS with 2 months experience.

If office can sponsor you, grab it. For ACAMS, self-sponsored candidates can get IBF subsidy. I don't know if got same subsidy for ICA Dip. Rates are fixed in ICA and ACAMS. Won't change person to person. Must email and ask. Both ICA and ACAMS reply fast, within 3 working days.



Yes, I still suggest taking ICA Diploma. Both ACAMS and ICA Diploma have own advantages. For example, in ICA Diploma you learn how to do risk scoring, gap analysis and manage (banking) product risk from design stage onward. CAMS will test on US Patriot Act, BSA, EU directives, Egmont, Wolfsberg, Basel, etc. CAMS SG regime exam will test on TBML ABS guidelines, CDSA, TSOFA, MAS, etc. Both ICA and ACAMS test for knowledge (fines, laws and fact-based questions) as well as logic (scenario-based questions). Its good to have all 3, ICA Diploma in AML, CAMS, and CAMS SG regime certifications.

Good Luck!

How much did you pay for each of the three?