Discover more about our courses.
ICA is the trusted partner for you and your organisation.
Insight
2020
A year to remember
2020 has been a year that most of us would gladly forget. Nevertheless, as we look towards 2021, it is worth considering the lessons learned over the last 12 months, assessing the evolving landscape, and (where possible) drawing on any positives that have come to light. This article considers some of the main features of fraud in 2020 and highlights potential trends for the coming year..... More
The growing demand for investigations skills
As the compliance world continues to evolve and the number of internal investigations increases, the skillsets needed by compliance staff are changing. This article discusses some of the reasons behind the growth in investigations, how compliance skills are evolving as a response, and the rising importance of technology-based investigation knowledge.
[E-book] Machine learning for governance
How security, risk management, compliance, and audit professionals can start using this evolving technology in everyday activities.... More
[E-book] Training with impact – using immersive scenarios in your financial crime training
This e-book considers 5 questions that can help when designing immersive scenarios for your team, from understanding the audience to creating scenarios that full realistic and resonate with learners.
Cryptocurrency is complicated – but it’s not going away
Cryptocurrency has burst front and center onto the world stage, and we all need to better understand it and the technology behind it. This article will illustrate some of the challenges, even mysteries, of cryptocurrency and highlight the importance of everyone in compliance staying on top of it all..... More
BIG Compliance Festival 2020 – Part 2 highlights
A summary of part two of the Big Compliance Festival with highlights and key points from the sessions.
Working together to stop money laundering
FATF President, Dr Marcus Pleyer, shared a vision for the future of AML at ICA’s BIG Compliance Festival.... More
Is human trafficking financial services’ blind spot?
It is generally acknowledged that great strides forward have been made over the last decade in the fight against money laundering and financial crime. Few, however, would claim that there remains little to be done. But a remarkable new report by BAE Systems demonstrates just how far we have to go.
Ask a CCO: Compliance’s role in D&I efforts
We asked nine prominent chief compliance officers what they can do or are doing to create a more progressive workplace..... More
What compliance can do to advance diversity and inclusion efforts
Experts offer best practices on how to ensure your D&I policies, training, and resources are sufficient at this social and cultural inflection point.
Back to the drawing board on transaction monitoring
In the wake of the FinCEN Files leaks, Martin Woods examines whether monitoring text rather than numbers in transactions could serve as a solution to our greater anti-money laundering woes..... More
Top 10 reasons to be an MLRO
As a small child, how many of us dreamt of becoming a money laundering reporting officer? None, that’s how many. So, what makes the role of the MLRO today an attractive one? Here are the top ten reasons to take up the life of an MLRO.
3 tips on how to design financial crime training with impact
To change perceptions on training, a culture shift is needed to demonstrate to employees that training can not only be engaging but actually useful, enhancing their ability to carry out their role. How do you get employees to embrace training and, more importantly, use the knowledge and skills from this training in their daily roles?.... More
Managing modern data sources to drive compliance
As remote work suddenly became commonplace during COVID-19, an existing information challenge was greatly magnified: how to record online data sources that are difficult to monitor and manage.
[E-book] Better practices for compliance management
This free to download e-book by Galvanize explains how technology can improve your regulatory and policy compliance.... More
10 reasons why you should be a compliance officer
Becoming a compliance officer has many advantages. From job security, to developing highly transferable skills, having a career path from entry-level to the board, being the customer’s champion and the organisation’s ethical heart, we provide 10 reasons why should you be a compliance officer.
How the art industry can adapt to the challenges of 5MLD
The most recent changes to the art market are significant. January 2020 saw the transposition of the EU Fifth Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) into UK law. After extensive consultation, and with HMRC as the regulator, art market participants (AMPs) face considerably more onerous anti money laundering (AML) requirements..... More
UK sanctions: A brave new dawn?
The Brexit referendum has impacted on many different areas and this Insight piece looks at what the UK is doing in respect of sanctions. It starts with a recap on what sanctions are and then follows with an assessment of how things will be done differently, starting with the first set of sanctions issued unilaterally in July 2020
Diversity and Inclusion in the Compliance World – ‘Celebration of People’ Survey
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is proven to have a positive impact on a company’s performance, bottom line and innovation. As one study suggests, firms that have more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation. Compliance is no exception and is only strengthened by D&I..... More
Which ICA qualification is right for me?
This is the question we get asked the most. Although you can find out more by signing up to one of our free online Briefing Sessions, the guidance below will help to get you started.
The future of AML frameworks – PPPs to the rescue?
Are current anti money laundering (AML) efforts sufficient to fight the evolving financial crime threat? Are they effective? What improvements can be made to AML frameworks? This is the first in a series of articles in which we will be asking profound questions of current AML practice, and presenting the case for a major rethink of AML regimes..... More
How COVID-19 brought out the best in society, the worst in criminals and an increase in identity the ...
A crisis will bring out the best and worst of society and the current COVID-19 pandemic is no different. A crisis like this challenges us all to consider our actions and how we respond, this article looks at the positive ways that people have responded but also how criminals have sought to take advantage of it, in particular with the rise in identify theft.
Implications of Europe’s top court recent ruling on EU-US Privacy Shield
The US Data Privacy Shield was in place to protect personal data of EU citizens when transferred out of the EU to the US. The CJEU’s conclusion that the Shield does not provide “essentially equivalent” protection of personal data to that under GDPR and EU law has potentially serious implications, some of which we explore in this analysis..... More
BIGCompFest2020 | Part one highlights
ICA's BIG Compliance Festival 2020, the BIGGEST online event for regulatory and financial crime compliance professionals in 2020.
Twitter cyberattack should be a wake-up call for firms
The hack of around 130 high-profile Twitter accounts reveals that nobody is immune from cybercrime. Here’s what you can do to protect your firm’s cyber defences..... More
Commerzbank’s FCA fine demonstrates danger of AML lapses
A comment on the fine imposed by the FCA on Commerzbank, and a discussion of the wider implications.
The changing world of anti money laundering
Current thinking around anti money laundering (AML) is flawed and is in desperate need of a rethink. The fundamental nature of money laundering, and how we combat it, needs examining..... More
AI is here and compliance needs to respond
Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to pose a unique challenge to the future workplace, including the compliance profession. How should compliance respond to such innovation?
Emerging TBML risks and how to manage them
COVID-19 represents a special challenge for all organisations. As well as exacerbating existing concerns, it has ushered in a slew of new ones. If these issues are to be successfully addressed, firms need to understand new and existing risks that pose a threat to business..... More
Shining a light upon our AML failings
The answer to being more effective at stopping money launderers is to challenge the value of processes that are clearly failing. Financial crime expert Martin Woods explains.
6 reasons why professional qualifications are the best way to learn
In today’s world there are many routes to consider when looking at further learning. However, professional qualifications offer unique benefits that give them an edge over the alternatives. Below we look at some of these benefits, and how ICA offer a fresh approach to further education..... More
Managing the increased focus on non-financial misconduct
In this article we will look to define non-financial misconduct and highlight why it is of increasing importance to firms and other organisations across most industry sectors and jurisdictions.
[Infographic] The Big Compliance Festival 2020 highlights (Day one and two)
Key highlights and quotes from the Big Compliance Festival 2020, the BIGGEST online event for regulatory and financial crime compliance professionals this year..... More
Change is needed - can compliance help show the way? A message from the ICA senior leadership team
It is incumbent on us as part of the compliance community to speak up about the troubling racial violence occurring in the United States and around the world.
10 insider tips for writing an ICA assignment
Starting a new qualification is an exciting time: new experiences, the prospect of acquiring knowledge and developing your skills. However, it can bring its own challenges, even outside of the unusual circumstances we find ourselves in currently. Receiving an assignment may see that initial excitement quickly becoming anxiety and concern..... More
Football Rewind: the 4-3-3 lines of defence
The last few weeks would have seen the completion of the English Premier League season, followed by Euro 2020 hosted in a range of European cities. That was, until the world shifted.
[EBOOK] Five ways to create effective, engaging virtual learning
COVID-19 elevated virtual learning from a useful option to a crucial function, enabling employees to continue learning in challenging circumstances. Now more than ever it requires virtual learning to be effective, with a clear structure and definitive outcomes. But it needs more than these for it to flourish, and leave a lasting impression on learners..... More
5 ways to protect yourself from cyberattacks during COVID-19
With governments around the world having intervened to curtail non-essential travel and social gathering to minimise the spread of COVID-19, more of us than ever are now working from home.
A generation on the brink
Iona Bain explains how COVID-19 will shape young people’s financial lives, and considers measures necessary to save a ‘lost generation’.... More
COVID-19 fraud: The forgotten fraud risk
Job loss, financial difficulties, health concerns and change of personal circumstances are some of the by-products of the current pandemic affecting the public.
A case study on why ABC compliance is so important
Anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) is a high priority for compliance professionals in all businesses, indeed all areas of life. We have witnessed the “Feds Indict Footballing Aristocracy” within the investigation of the institutional bribery and corruption practices routinely applied by FIFA..... More
4 ways to enhance your fraud risk management programme in a changing landscape
Crises rarely announce themselves in advance, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Criminals, always unscrupulous, have seized the opportunity presented to them by the pandemic to exploit new technologies and existing products and services to carry out their illicit activities.
Shifting sands: The Changing Landscape in Compliance Training
Today, more than ever before, compliance professionals must contend with myriad challenges including rapid digitisation, technological disruption, fast-moving regulatory change, and new forms of risk. As a result, their capabilities are coming under increased scrutiny, with many asking the question: how does the skillset of the modern compliance professional need to evolve for the function to be successful?.... More
5 tips when moving from the second line of defence to the first line
The three lines of defence model is an important way of managing risk within a business. If you're working in the second line and have recently moved to the first line, you could find this a daunting experience.
4 ways to maximise your virtual learning experience
Moving to virtual learning can be daunting but it can also be an exciting new way to learn. As workshops and seminars move online, we have highlighted 4 ways that you can maximise your virtual learning experience..... More
Analysis: Cyber-attacks spike in Italy linked to coronavirus
Italy, a region in quarantine, is experiencing a spike in attempted cyber-attacks to capture the login credentials of employees working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. But not all the attacks have been successful, and that’s where the lessons lie.
5 tips for working at home
5 tips for being more productive and getting the most out of working from home.... More
[EBOOK] Capturing the Red Flag - Nine Questions to Help Evaluate Suspicious Activity
Identifying suspicious activity is both a regulatory requirement and a business imperative. However, it can be an extremely resource intensive, and consequently expensive, exercise. A system that is both effective and efficient can therefore bring significant regulatory and cost benefits.
[ICA Podcast Series] How to cope during challenging times?
Anyone with Compliance responsibilities will know you need a wide range of interpersonal skills to be resilient, successful and effective. The secret is to improve your emotional intelligence. Two sample podcasts are available here and provide small bursts of practical advice of relevance in the current climate..... More
How brain science helps us to understand key influences on ethical behaviour [Podcast]
ICA's regular webinar series presenter and author of the ICA Specialist Certificate in Anti-Corruption, Penny Milner-Smyth, is the featured guest on the Great Women in Compliance (GWIC) podcast.
3 weaknesses that led to Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal
1MDB, the financial scandal linked to prominent figures in Malaysia, is under investigation in a number of countries, and those alleged to have committed crimes are slowly being brought to justice..... More
Women in compliance
On International Women’s Day, we caught up with Angelia Lee, Sandra Horma and Alice Chen, who were on a 'women in compliance' panel at the 2nd Annual APAC Conference last year. They share their great insights, experiences and advice for other women in the compliance industry.
4 ways to increase the effectiveness of sanctions
Sanctions are a really useful tool in global politics, but they aren’t perfect. This insight article explores four ways that sanctions could be improved and made even more effective in their design and implementation..... More
4 compliance career paths – and why they make a difference
For those considering a career in the world of compliance, or those at an early stage of their compliance career, this blog will explore some of the options open to you, and address any questions you haven’t found the answer to – as well ask questions you haven’t yet considered.
After 1MDB, Malaysia steps up its AML/CFT efforts
The cost of financial crime to the global economy is estimated at $1.45 trillion, according to Thompson Reuters report. Eye-watering even as an estimate, the figures are, however, no less alarming when broken down. In the Asia-Pacific region for example, financial crime is thought to cost local economies a combined $166 billion (unsurprising, perhaps, to those who have been following the 1MDB trial)..... More
CDD challenges all in compliance will recognise
Individuals working in compliance may know what they are required to do in respect of CDD – and know how to do it – but may be unsure or confused as to why. Here are four questions that those working in compliance and conducting CDD might be asking themselves on a regular basis.
How strong are your CAMELS?
The Basel Committee of the Bank for International Settlements recommends the CAMELS rating system as an early warning mechanism for the assessment of the overall soundness of banks..... More
The art of listening: How communication cultivates compliance
The role of the compliance officer has changed. Typical compliance responsibilities – interpreting regulations and legislation, creating policies and advising various business areas of their compliance requirements – remain fundamental, but as compliance develops so do the requirements for a compliance officer.
Training? Five things that work
If you work in a large organisation, say a bank, insurance provider or oil and gas company, you are going to be deluged with training. When you join and at regular periods you will experience “death by CBT” (Computer Based Training)..... More
2020 will be uncertain and unpredictable. Here’s what compliance can do
Facebook’s tough few years symbolises the danger of underestimating risk. Compliance professionals can learn from the company’s mistakes to protect their own firms in an unpredictable environment in 2020.
Do you know where your corruption risks lie?
One of the tools used to understand corruption risk is the Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI), published on an annual basis by Transparency International, who work globally in leading the fight against corruption. The 2018 CPI, published in early 2019, ranked 180 countries in terms of how corrupt their public services are perceived to be, on a scale of 1 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean)..... More
Search posts
Most popular
Archive view by date
View posts by Author
ICA Commercial Services Ltd: FS 702174
ICA Commercial Services Ltd: IS 702170
Carbon Footprint Standard
© International Compliance Association I Company registration 04429302 I Registered office 5th Floor, 10 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 8QS, United Kingdom
ICA Information
- About Us
- ICA Code of Conduct
- ICA Quality Policy
- Information Security Policy
- ICA Approved Training Providers
- ICA Partners
- Occupational Standards
- Press Room
- Contact Us
- Accessibility
Legal Information
Download ICA Prospectus
This prospectus is perfect if you're interested in studying with the ICA but would like more information about our qualifications.
Sign up to the ICA Mailing List
Be the first to know when new content or events are added.