International UK Awarding Body

Advancing Complianceas a global profession

The Association of Compliance Specialists (ACS) is an international UK-based awarding body dedicated to strengthening professional competence across compliance, anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention and regulatory risk.

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International Standards. Practical Competence. Trusted Recognition.

Credential verifiedACS · CMPS · 2026
22specialist certifications
Our Approach

Professional Recognition Built for Real Responsibility

ACS develops rigorous professional qualifications that recognise the knowledge, practical judgement and ethical standards required to perform effectively in regulated and risk-sensitive environments.

The compliance profession is changing rapidly. Regulatory expectations are increasing, financial crime methods are becoming more sophisticated and organisations are expected to demonstrate stronger governance, accountability and control.

Our certifications are designed to evaluate whether candidates can:

  • Understand complex regulatory and compliance requirements
  • Identify and assess professional risks
  • Apply controls in realistic situations
  • Exercise sound professional judgement
  • Escalate concerns appropriately
  • Communicate effectively with management and regulators
  • Perform their responsibilities ethically and independently

ACS credentials represent more than the completion of a course. They provide evidence that the certificate holder has met a defined professional standard.

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Two compliance professionals reviewing a case together
Welcome from our CEO

A Message from Roy Umphray

Welcome to the Association of Compliance Specialists.

Compliance has never mattered more. Regulatory expectations keep rising, financial crime keeps changing, and organisations are judged on how well their people understand risk and act on it. ACS exists to recognise the professionals who carry that responsibility every day.

As an international UK-based awarding body, we set clear professional standards, assess candidates on real judgement rather than memorisation, and award credentials that employers and regulators can verify with confidence.

Whether you are starting your career, building specialist expertise or leading a compliance function, I invite you to explore our certifications, join our Association and grow with a community committed to integrity and professional excellence.

Roy UmphrayChief Executive Officer, ACS

Get to know us
Roy Umphray, Chief Executive Officer of ACS
Your Pathway

Everything you need to grow in compliance

  • A professional studying for a certification on a laptop

    Get certified

    Rigorous, practical qualifications across compliance, AML, sanctions, fraud and regulatory risk — assessed on real judgement, not memorisation.

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  • A diverse team of professionals collaborating around a table

    Join the Association

    Membership connects you with a community of compliance professionals, recognition of your standing and resources that keep you current.

    Become a member
  • A trainer leading a continuing development workshop

    Keep developing

    Structured CPD helps certificate holders stay ahead as regulation, technology and financial crime methods evolve.

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Why ACS

Why ACS?

  • Specialist Focus

    ACS is dedicated to compliance, financial crime prevention, regulatory risk and related professional disciplines.

  • International Relevance

    Our qualifications are designed for professionals working across jurisdictions, industries and regulatory environments.

  • Practical Assessment

    Candidates are assessed on understanding, application and professional judgement — not memorisation alone.

  • Employer Relevance

    Qualification outcomes are aligned with the responsibilities employers expect compliance professionals to perform.

  • Regulatory Awareness

    ACS programmes reflect the importance of regulatory expectations, risk-based supervision, governance and individual accountability.

  • Independent Verification

    Every ACS certificate is issued with a unique credential number and can be verified through the ACS verification service.

  • Continuing Development

    ACS supports certificate holders and Association Members in maintaining current professional knowledge through structured CPD.

Sectors We Serve

Serving Professionals Across Regulated Sectors

  • Commercial and retail banking
  • Central banks and regulatory authorities
  • Insurance and reinsurance
  • Investment and asset management
  • Securities and capital markets
  • FinTech and digital payment services
  • Money services businesses
  • Accounting and auditing
  • Legal and professional advisory services
  • Government and public institutions
  • Telecommunications and technology
  • Real estate and designated non-financial businesses
  • Non-profit and international organisations
Build Your Professional Pathway

A Progressive Portfolio of Credentials

ACS enables professionals to develop a progressive portfolio of credentials. A professional may begin with a broad compliance or financial crime qualification and then build specialist recognition in areas such as sanctions, transaction monitoring, enhanced due diligence, AML auditing, consumer protection or anti-bribery and corruption.

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