Course Overview: FICA/AML CPD Course
Money Laundering Legislation and the Implications for Accountable Institutions (FICA) is a practical Continuous Professional Development course designed to help financial services professionals understand their responsibilities under South African anti-money laundering legislation.
This course explains the purpose of FICA and related legislation, the role of accountable institutions, the importance of client identification and verification, reporting duties, record-keeping requirements, and the consequences of non-compliance. It also includes updated 2026 content covering AML, CFT and CPF requirements, beneficial ownership, targeted financial sanctions, international funds transfer reporting, POPIA considerations, cross-border financial planning, and governance updates.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for:
- Financial advisers and representatives
- Key Individuals and compliance officers
- FSP staff involved in client onboarding or administration
- Accountable institutions required to comply with FICA
- Professionals who need CPD hours in the financial services industry
What Learners Will Gain
By completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of money laundering legislation in South Africa
- Explain the concepts of money laundering, terrorist financing and unlawful activities
- Identify accountable institutions and their duties under FICA
- Understand customer due diligence and beneficial ownership requirements
- Recognise suspicious and unusual transactions
- Understand when and how reporting duties apply
- Explain the importance of record-keeping and compliance controls
- Understand the risks and consequences of non-compliance
Course Content
The course covers five main units:
- The purpose of money laundering legislation in South Africa
Learners are introduced to FICA, POCA, POCDATARA and the role of the Financial Intelligence Centre. - Requirements for accountable institutions
This section explains the duties placed on accountable institutions, including client due diligence, risk-based compliance and internal controls. - Record-keeping and reporting obligations
Learners explore cash transaction reporting, suspicious and unusual transaction reporting, terrorist property reporting and international funds transfer reporting. - Consequences of non-compliance
This unit highlights the legal, regulatory, operational and reputational risks of failing to comply with FICA requirements. - Impact on individuals, businesses and cross-border planning
The final section considers how FICA affects financial planning, business controls, education, governance and cross-border matters.
