AFB Financial Crime Compliance (AML) Diploma 2026

In a recent AFB survey, nearly 70% of respondents cited Financial Crime/AML as their top priority for AFB training.  Based on this feedback, AFB will once again work in partnership with Great Chatwell Academy Learning (GCAL) to deliver the Financial Crime (AML) Diploma in 2026.

This Diploma course is a comprehensive CPD accredited learning programme tailored specifically for AFB member banks. Led by subject matter expert Lee Byrne from GCAL, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in financial crime compliance, sharpen your practical skills, and earn a prestigious qualification awarded in association with the University of Gloucestershire.

Why Join This Cohort?

• Small group format: limited to 20 participants, ensures meaningful interaction and peer learning
• Ten instructor-led learning modules that have been designed exclusively for AFB members with up-to-date content focusing on issues that are important and current.
• Delivery via two full-day face-to-face sessions and eight fully interactive online sessions with guest speakers sharing their specific expertise.
• Expert-led: Delivered by subject matter specialists and seasoned practitioners
• FCA-aligned: meets expectations for MLRO and Head of Compliance roles (SMF 16 & 17)
• Real-world application through case study analysis, structured exercises, and assessments
• End-of-module assessments designed to confirm understanding.
• Price held at £3850 + VAT — unchanged from previous year
• On successful completion of all assessments, participants will receive the AFB Financial Crime Diploma awarded in association with the University of Gloucestershire, and will be able to exclusively use the designation ‘AFB-Dip AML’

The syllabus is regularly revised to incorporate the very latest updates in Financial Crime Compliance.  Each module is focused on helping participants apply their new theoretical and practical knowledge to enhance their understanding and develop new skills and awareness around a topic which continues to be critical to all banks.  

Learning Outcomes include:

• Manage the unique challenges of international financial crime risks that your firm must assess and manage.
• Define and develop the systems and controls framework that is required to ensure that a regulated firm is not used by criminals or the financiers of terrorism.
• Explain the UK and international financial crime laws, regulations and sources of best practices that apply to a foreign bank operating in the UK.
• Provide an assessment of future trends and emerging risks for 2026 and beyond, including the use of new technology and products, including crypto assets.

A full programme of topics and dates can be found in the brochure here.

Who Should Attend?

This diploma is aimed at current and aspiring MLROs, Heads of Compliance, and other professionals seeking to deepen their AML expertise and meet FCA expectations for role-readiness. 

In 2022, the FCA published guidance to help firms that looking to approve a person as a Head of Compliance or MLRO.  The guidance can be found here.  There is a clear reference to the importance of training that is expected for people already in, or moving to, these roles.

The FCA guidance states that courses should be “tailored or relevant”, be “up to date to provide relevant knowledge of the current regulatory rules and expectations” and be “with sufficient length and depth to gain knowledge to carry out the role”. The FCA also states that it has “found courses with an examination or assessment are better in demonstrating that an individual has gained relevant knowledge”.

This Diploma always receives exceptionally positive feedback from members, but don’t take our word for it, here’s what delegates from a recent cohort said:

“The ten modules are directly relevant to my role as the MLRO of a UK regulated bank.”

“I found the course a really good aid in understanding the differences of the UK regime to my previous global experience and aiding me in identifying areas of focus. The course instructor and external speakers were excellent and very transparent”.

“Excellent- must have for a MLRO”.

“A fantastic base of all things Financial Crime, perfect for anyone new to this space as well as those who have been in it for many years”.

“Lee Byrne is very experienced and knowledgeable, and the hands-on sessions online with a regular cohort of students helped reinforce what I have learned.  Overall, this diploma is very valuable, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in the field of financial crime compliance.”

A full programme of topics and dates can be found in the brochure here.

We believe that each member bank will have individuals who would benefit from participating in this practice-oriented course.

Logistics

There are only 20 places available on this course.

Platform: Two full-day in-person sessions and eight interactive sessions online over Zoom
Date: February – December 2026
Fee: £3850 + VAT

For further information or any questions, please email secretariat@foreignbanks.org.uk