Continuing Professional Development
Compliance professionals operate in a constantly changing environment. New regulations, emerging technologies, evolving financial crime risks and changing stakeholder expectations require continuous learning.
ACS Continuing Professional Development supports professionals in maintaining relevant knowledge, strengthening practical capability and preparing for greater responsibility.
The ACS Approach to CPD
ACS CPD is built around professional relevance rather than attendance alone.
Effective CPD should enable professionals to:
- Maintain current technical knowledge
- Understand regulatory developments
- Strengthen practical decision-making
- Develop specialist capabilities
- Improve communication and leadership
- Reflect on professional experience
- Address identified development needs
- Maintain ethical awareness
CPD Areas
ACS CPD activities may cover:
- Regulatory compliance
- AML and counter-terrorist financing
- Sanctions and embargoes
- Fraud and financial crime
- Anti-bribery and corruption
- Governance and risk management
- Consumer protection and conduct risk
- Data protection and privacy
- Cyber and information security
- Compliance auditing and assurance
- Regulatory technology
- Artificial intelligence in compliance
- Professional ethics
- Leadership and board reporting
- Investigation and communication skills
Recognised CPD Activities
CPD may include:
- Professional courses
- Technical workshops
- Webinars and conferences
- Structured workplace learning
- Regulatory briefings
- Research and professional reading
- Teaching or delivering training
- Technical writing
- Mentoring
- Participation in professional committees
- Relevant project work
- Reflective learning following professional experience
CPD Requirements for Association Members
Association Members are expected to complete at least 20 hours of relevant CPD each year.
Members should maintain a CPD record showing:
- The activity completed
- The date and duration
- The subject area
- The learning outcome
- How the learning relates to their role
- Supporting evidence, where available
ACS may review a sample of member CPD records as part of its quality and professional-standards processes.
ACS CPD Certificates
ACS may approve or award CPD certificates for short courses and professional-development activities that meet its quality requirements.
An ACS CPD certificate confirms completion of a learning activity. It is different from an ACS professional certification, which requires a formal assessment of defined qualification outcomes.