Certified Chief Compliance Executive
An advanced qualification for compliance leaders responsible for governance, regulatory strategy, organisational oversight, board reporting and compliance culture.
What This Certification Covers
The Certified Chief Compliance Executive certification equips executive leaders with the strategic and leadership knowledge and skills needed to lead the compliance function at the enterprise level, build integrated and effective compliance programmes, manage regulatory and reputational risk, and strengthen governance and integrity within financial institutions, corporations, and government and regulatory bodies.
The certification develops participants' ability to formulate a compliance strategy aligned with the organisation's objectives, engage effectively with boards, senior management and regulators, lead the digital transformation of the compliance function, and manage crises and material investigations. It emphasises practical application and case studies, building an organisational culture grounded in ethics and accountability, and measuring the effectiveness of compliance programmes across AML/CTF, sanctions, anti-corruption, data protection and market conduct.
Like every ACS credential, the CCCE is awarded only after a formal assessment of defined qualification outcomes — evaluating understanding, application and professional judgement, not attendance alone.
What You Will Be Able to Do
- Formulate an integrated enterprise compliance strategy aligned with the organisation's strategy and objectives
- Lead the compliance function, build its organisational structure and manage its resources and talent
- Manage regulatory and reputational risk within an integrated governance and control framework
- Communicate effectively with the board, senior management and regulators and deliver strategic reporting
- Lead crisis management, material investigations and responses to regulatory action
- Lead the digital transformation of the compliance function using regulatory technology and artificial intelligence
The CCCE Programme in 8 Modules
01The Strategic Role of the Chief Compliance Executive5 topics
- The evolution of the compliance function and its place in the organisational structure
- Responsibilities, authority and independence of the chief compliance executive
- Personal liability and regulatory accountability of senior executives
- The relationship with risk, audit and legal within the three lines of defence
- Compliance as a business enabler and value creator
02Corporate Governance and Engaging with the Board6 topics
- Corporate governance principles and the roles of the board and its committees
- Board responsibilities for compliance oversight
- Strategic reporting to the board and its committees
- Defining risk appetite and risk tolerance statements
- Managing conflicts of interest and delegation of authority
- Assessing governance effectiveness and continuous improvement
03Building and Leading the Enterprise Compliance Programme6 topics
- Elements of an effective compliance programme under international standards (ISO 37301)
- Developing the compliance strategy and annual plan
- Designing the compliance organisational structure and resourcing
- Managing policies and procedures at group level
- Compliance monitoring, testing and oversight programmes
- Managing compliance in multinational groups and overseas branches
04Managing Regulatory and Reputational Risk5 topics
- Identifying, assessing and classifying regulatory risks
- Horizon scanning and regulatory change management
- Managing financial crime risks: money laundering, sanctions, bribery and corruption
- Managing conduct risk, customer protection and market conduct
- Reputational risk and third-party risk
05Regulatory Relationships and Enforcement Management5 topics
- Building a professional, transparent relationship with regulators
- Managing regulatory inspections and responding to findings
- Handling regulatory actions, penalties and settlements
- Self-disclosure of violations and related decision-making
- Lessons learned from major international enforcement cases
06Crisis Management and Material Investigations6 topics
- Planning the response to compliance crises
- Leading and governing material internal investigations
- Whistleblowing mechanisms and whistleblower protection
- Managing internal and external communication during crises
- Root cause remediation and corrective actions
- Organisational recovery and restoring trust
07Compliance Culture and Ethical Leadership6 topics
- Building a culture of integrity and organisational values
- Tone from the top and the role of middle management
- Linking incentives and remuneration to conduct and compliance
- Measuring compliance culture and its indicators
- Developing leadership capabilities in compliance teams and succession planning
- Enterprise-wide training and awareness programmes
08Digital Transformation and Measuring Compliance Effectiveness6 topics
- Digital transformation strategy for the compliance function
- Using regulatory technology (RegTech) and artificial intelligence in compliance work
- Data and AI governance and privacy protection
- Key performance and risk indicators (KPIs/KRIs) and executive dashboards
- Managing the compliance budget and achieving operational efficiency
- The future of the compliance function and emerging challenges (ESG, digital assets, cybersecurity)
Built for These Roles
- Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) and heads of compliance
- Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) and financial crime leaders
- Candidates for senior leadership roles in compliance
- Chief Risk Officers (CROs) and heads of internal audit
- Board members and members of risk, audit and compliance committees
- General counsel, governance officers and board secretaries
- Leaders in banks, fintech companies, insurance and investment firms
- Leaders in government and regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies
- Consultants and experts in compliance, governance and risk
How the CCCE Is Assessed
- 01
The exam is administered through an accredited testing centre
- 02
The computer-based exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions
- 03
Passing score: 70%
- 04
Exam duration: 3 hours
Unless otherwise stated, candidates must achieve a minimum assessment score of 70%. Full entry requirements and the certification process are listed on the Certifications.
Start the CCCE Certification
Registration opens on a rolling basis through ACS or an authorised ACS centre. Reach out and our team will walk you through eligibility, registration and assessment windows.
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