AML/Compliance/KYC professionals come in!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Dear AML KYC folks, would like to ask for your kind advice. I was one of the previous posters who had posted before with regards to FATCA and CRS. I have since started my position last week and would like to ask if a degree is essential for me to progress higher up in the ladder?

I have spoken to a few ex colleagues and some actually told me to pursue ACAMS instead of a degree if my career path is geared towards compliance. A couple of them advised against degree as they told me there's no specialised degree in AML/Compliance but there's a diploma in AML.

Thus would like to ask senior folks here if a decision to pursue the ACAMS dip is more worthy than a private degree. Thank you

That is provided you intend to stay on in AML. Better to have ACAMS to complement learning at work. It's more of self enriching and being equipped. My company sponsored my ACAMS. If you can find out if your company does that too.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Anyone worked in OCBC Group Compliance before? How is the working culture, hours, politics and bonus like?

I am currently there, the bonus for the past 2 year is about 5-6 months...working hours = pro family, get to knock off on time. No politics, that's why I am still here!

do you have an offer from there? which department?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am currently there, the bonus for the past 2 year is about 5-6 months...working hours = pro family, get to knock off on time. No politics, that's why I am still here!

do you have an offer from there? which department?

You have to be kidding, the bonus is 5-6 months? No politics? Do you work in lalaland's OCBC?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am currently there, the bonus for the past 2 year is about 5-6 months...working hours = pro family, get to knock off on time. No politics, that's why I am still here!

do you have an offer from there? which department?

I would think avg bonus is more like 3-4 mths, and 5-6 mths for good performance. I don't think there are much politics. Maybe it depends on dept. Good working hours as well. Only bad thing is slow promotion. I am a local uni grad but took about 3 yrs to promote to AM.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

That is provided you intend to stay on in AML. Better to have ACAMS to complement learning at work. It's more of self enriching and being equipped. My company sponsored my ACAMS. If you can find out if your company does that too.

Thanks for your kind words. Actually still in a dilemma not knowing whether to pursue a private degree or to pursue a diploma in AML. Have been thinking for quite some time.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks for your kind words. Actually still in a dilemma not knowing whether to pursue a private degree or to pursue a diploma in AML. Have been thinking for quite some time.

If you intend to stay for the long haul, just take both, you wont regret it. in terms of hours needed, the diploma has a much lighter workload.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I would think avg bonus is more like 3-4 mths, and 5-6 mths for good performance. I don't think there are much politics. Maybe it depends on dept. Good working hours as well. Only bad thing is slow promotion. I am a local uni grad but took about 3 yrs to promote to AM.

Did you start w contract position? If so, how long did it take for you to convert to perm?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

If you intend to stay for the long haul, just take both, you wont regret it. in terms of hours needed, the diploma has a much lighter workload.

Thanks for your advice bro. I guess I'll bite the bullet to take up the PT degree then maybe upon completion proceed towards the AML diploma. Thanks bro!

Originally Posted by tanghao

Does working in Mas n building experience help in crossing over to bank compliance?

Paiseh I'm the above poster who's asking advice about taking private degree and AML dip. I'm working in a foreign bank now and used to come from MAS. I'm a dip holder so I'm only doing support role. But honestly if you enter MAS and you're not under either of this 4 depts, AML, Banking, Insurance or Capital markets. Don't bother. This 4 depts are the ones doing supervision and inspection. Unless you can get in one and learn what they are supervising or inspecting on I honestly feel that being in MAS doesn't give you a greater chance to get into bank's compliance. My 2 cents

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks for your advice bro. I guess I'll bite the bullet to take up the PT degree then maybe upon completion proceed towards the AML diploma. Thanks bro!

No problem, i have been through it before. While you are at it, you can also consider taking ACAMs and CFA. ACAMS if you want to specialise in AML/KYC, CFA is a luxury item, and only if you want to move into advising front office in the investment/asset management space.