Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Skills
Entry-level AML skills focused on alert review, risk judgment, escalation, and clear documentation.
Transaction Monitoring & Alert Review
- Review account and transaction activity for unusual behavior.
- Identify changes in timing, amount, frequency, or other parties involved.
- Compare current activity to the customer’s past behavior.
- Prioritize alerts using a risk-based approach, focusing first on activity that appears higher risk.
- Identify red flags that require escalation.
Risk Assessment & Judgment
- Assess customer risk using available account information and past activity.
- Separate unusual activity from potentially suspicious activity by comparing current behavior to what is normal for the customer.
- Identify the main risk indicator that explains why the activity stands out.
- Note supporting indicators that add to overall risk.
- Escalate based on risk indicators, not certainty or assumptions about intent.
- Base documentation on observed activity and facts, not assumptions.
Escalation Handling
- Escalate when multiple risk indicators appear together.
- Escalate when behavior clearly changes from the normal pattern.
- Route cases correctly for further review by senior staff.
- Remain within defined analyst responsibilities and limits.
Documentation and Case Writing
- Write clear and factual alert summaries for compliance review.
- Draft neutral SAR-style narratives based only on observed activity.
- Document who was involved, what happened, and when it occurred.
- Explain why the activity required review or escalation.
- Maintain consistent documentation that supports audit and internal review.
Fraud Awareness
- Identify common indicators of wire fraud during transaction review.
- Recognize business email compromise (BEC) patterns before funds move.
- Detect identity theft behavior in account activity and transfers.
- Understand risks related to fraudulent ACAT account transfers.
Core AML Foundations
- Apply AML and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) principles during reviews.
- Apply Customer Identification Program (CIP) concepts when reviewing customer profiles.
- Apply Customer Due Diligence (CDD) concepts to understand customer purpose and behavior.
- Identify when Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) may be required.
- Recognize basic beneficial ownership structures and control risks.
- Maintain awareness of OFAC-related risk indicators.
How These Skills Are Used
- Support transaction monitoring and alert review work.
- Enable timely and accurate escalation decisions.
- Improve documentation quality and audit readiness.
- Reduce financial crime and fraud risk through consistent reviews.
Demonstration of Skills
Skills are demonstrated through structured training and fictional AML case examples.