This AML Training for Tellers course equips frontline banking and MSB staff with practical skills to detect and report money laundering activities. It covers key topics like cash-based laundering methods, regulatory responsibilities, KYC/CDD practices, red flag identification, and internal reporting procedures. Through real-life scenarios and interactive exercises, tellers learn how to balance compliance with effective customer service.

OVERVIEW

This training program is designed to equip frontline staff; particularly tellers working in banks, credit unions, and money services businesses (MSBs)—with practical knowledge and skills to effectively detect, prevent, and report money laundering activities. Focused on teller-specific risks and responsibilities, the course covers essential topics including the fundamentals of money laundering and terrorism financing, common cash-based laundering typologies, and the application of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) practices at the counter. Through interactive content and real-world examples, participants will learn to recognize red flags in customer behavior and cash transactions, escalate concerns appropriately, and fulfill their obligations under AML regulations and institutional policies. The training ensures immediate relevance and application to everyday duties, helping tellers confidently navigate their critical role in anti-money laundering efforts.

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Understanding Money Laundering
    • Definition and stages: placement, layering, and integration.
    • Purpose and risks of money laundering.
    • Relevance of AML compliance for frontline staff.
  • AML Regulations and Institutional Obligations
    • Overview of international AML standards (e.g. FATF).
    • National and institutional AML requirements.
    • Role of financial institutions in AML enforcement.
  • Tellers’ Role in AML Compliance
    • Daily exposure to money laundering risks.
    • Responsibilities and ethical expectations.
    • Importance of vigilance and accountability.
  • Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC)
    • Importance of verifying identity.
    • Risk-based approach to customer screening.
    • Enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers or large transactions.
  • Identifying Suspicious Transactions and Red Flags
    • Structuring, smurfing, and other cash laundering tactics.
    • Behavioral and transactional indicators of suspicious activity.
    • Real-world examples specific to teller operations.
  • Reporting Suspicious Transactions
    • Internal procedures for suspicious activity reporting (SAR).
    • Information to collect and how to document red flags.
    • Avoiding “tipping off” and protecting investigation confidentiality.
  • Prevention Strategies for Frontline Staff
    • Best practices for questioning customers tactfully.
    • Ensuring compliance without compromising customer service.
    • Tools and protocols to support teller vigilance.
  • Case Studies and Practical Scenarios
    • Role-playing and real-life AML cases.
    • Practice identifying red flags.
    • Drafting sample SARs and documenting findings.
  • Final Assessment and Certification
    • Multiple-choice exam and/or scenario-based quiz.
    • Certificate of completion awarded upon passing.
    • Recommended as part of ongoing AML training cycle.
TRAINER PROFILE 1 With nearly 30 years of distinguished experience in financial sector, this accomplished professional is recognized as a leading expert in banking operations, regulatory compliance, international trade, and professional development. His career is marked by significant contributions in key areas such as foreign exchange operations, exchange policy, statistics, development finance, and training. A dedicated advocate for capacity building, he has extensive experience in designing and delivering high-impact training programs, particularly in AML (Anti-Money Laundering), CFT (Combating the Financing of Terrorism), and TBML (Trade-Based Money Laundering) compliance. His expertise in AML training has been instrumental in strengthening regulatory competencies across the financial services industry. As a certified trainer, he has led specialized programs on Forex Operations, Compliance, Supply Chain, and International Trade, equipping professionals with critical skills to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. His training initiatives have reached a diverse range of institutions, including commercial banks and multinational corporations, fostering operational excellence and compliance adherence. Academically, he holds an MBA in Banking & Finance, along with degrees in Law, Economics, and Engineering, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and strategic development. A published author and thought leader, he has contributed extensively to literature on Trade Finance, Compliance, and International Trade, shaping best practices in the sector. His work has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades for excellence in training, consulting, and knowledge-sharing. TRAINER PROFILE 2 With over 12 years of deep-rooted experience in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and compliance across multiple sectors including digital banking, cryptocurrency services, EMIs, and traditional banking, he brings unparalleled practical insight into financial crime risk management. As a global compliance consultant and published author, he has worked with more than 50 international clients and delivered 70+ compliance projects through e-learning platforms empowering startups and institutions in the US, EU, Canada, and the Middle East. A recognized online instructor on leading platforms like Udemy, Reed, TutorialsPoint, and ABC Learnings, he has trained hundreds of learners and professionals globally. His training style blends case-based learning, real-world regulatory experiences, and hands-on documentation workshops, making complex regulatory concepts accessible and applicable for both beginners and seasoned professionals.