Certified Due Diligence Specialist in Investment Funds & Asset Management (CDD-IFAM)
- Description
- Curriculum
- FAQ
- Notice
Investment Fund Due Diligence Certification — Globally Recognised (CDD-IFAM)
The Certified Due Diligence Specialist in Investment Funds & Asset Management (CDD-IFAM) is a globally recognised investment fund due diligence certification for compliance professionals working with funds, asset managers, and institutional investors. Fund structures are among the most complex KYC challenges in finance — layered ownership, nominee arrangements, and cross-border investors. This certification builds the skills to untangle them: fund and manager verification, beneficial-ownership analysis, investor due diligence, and risk-based monitoring. CDD-IFAM is independently accredited and blockchain-verified by ONRIGA, and verifiable by employers through ACBM Graduate Verify.
✓ Globally recognised · Accredited & blockchain-verified by ONRIGA
What you’ll learn in this investment fund due diligence certification
- Fund types and structures: hedge funds, private equity, mutual funds, SPVs, and feeder structures
- KYC on funds and asset managers: verification, licensing, and regulatory status
- Beneficial-ownership analysis across layered and cross-border fund structures
- Investor due diligence and look-through requirements
- Risk assessment: jurisdiction, strategy, investor base, and distribution channels
- Ongoing monitoring, red flags, and documentation for regulatory review
Who this certification is for
Built for KYC and CDD analysts at banks, fund administrators, custodians, prime brokers, and asset managers — and compliance professionals moving into institutional or funds-focused onboarding roles.
CDD-IFAM: FAQs
What is investment fund due diligence? It’s the process of verifying and risk-assessing an investment fund and its manager — legal structure, regulatory status, beneficial owners, investor base, and activity — before and during a business relationship.
Is CDD-IFAM a recognised certification? Yes — CDD-IFAM is a globally recognised certification issued by ACBM and independently accredited and blockchain-verified by ONRIGA.
Who should take CDD-IFAM? Analysts and compliance officers who onboard or review funds, asset managers, and institutional clients — including fund administration, custody, and correspondent teams.
How is the exam structured? A 50-question MCQ exam, 40 minutes, 75% passing score, with two attempts included. Materials are available on the LMS immediately after enrolment.
Is the certificate verifiable by employers? Yes — via ACBM Graduate Verify, accredited & blockchain-verified by ONRIGA.
Enrollment Procedure
Enrolling in the CDD-PEP certification is quick and fully online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Home Page: Navigate to the CDD-IFAM program on the home page and click “View Details”.
- Register: Click “Get Course” and enter your name, address, and contact details.
- Payment: Complete your payment via our secure payment gateway.
- Access Materials: Study materials are available immediately on the Learning Management System (LMS).
Exam Details
- Format: 50 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Mode: Online
- Passing Score: 75%
- Attempts: 2 attempts included (additional attempts available for 25% of the fee)
- Results: Instant results upon completion, with immediate certificate download upon passing.
Syllabus
Section 1: Foundations of Investment Funds and Regulatory Standards
Chapter 1: Introduction to Investment Funds and Asset Management
- Types of investment funds (mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, ETFs, REITs)
- Key stakeholders in the fund ecosystem (fund managers, investors, regulators, custodians)
- Fund structures, investment vehicles, and the role of fund administrators
Chapter 2: Regulatory Frameworks Governing Investment Funds
- Overview of global regulatory frameworks (FATF, SEC, FCA, ESMA, FinCEN, MAS)
- AML/KYC compliance requirements specific to investment funds
- Licensing requirements and jurisdictional differences for asset managers
Chapter 3: Understanding Fund Ownership and Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
- The importance of UBO transparency in funds
- Identifying complex ownership structures, nominee arrangements, and offshore entities
- Key challenges in UBO verification and risk assessment
Section 2: Due Diligence and Risk Management for Investment Funds
Chapter 4: Customer Due Diligence (CDD) in Asset Management
- KYC processes for retail, institutional, and high-net-worth investors
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk investors, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and offshore funds
- Periodic investor reviews and ongoing due diligence requirements
Chapter 5: Fund Risk Profiling and Risk-Based Approach (RBA)
- Implementing a risk-based approach (RBA) in investment fund due diligence
- Assessing risks based on Fund type
- Continuous risk monitoring and reassessment of fund risks
Chapter 6: Due Diligence on Fund Managers and Third-Party Service Providers
- Evaluating fund managers and their compliance history
- Due diligence on custodians, brokers, and administrators
- Identifying conflicts of interest and third-party risk exposure
Section 3: Advanced Compliance and Monitoring Practices
Chapter 7: Transaction Monitoring and Red Flags in Investment Funds
- Transaction monitoring frameworks tailored for investment funds
- Recognizing high-risk transactions, layering, and trade-based money laundering (TBML)
- Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) and regulatory requirements
Chapter 8: Emerging Risks and Challenges in Fund Compliance
- Addressing risks in alternative investment vehicles (crypto funds, DeFi, SPACs, privacy coins)
- Cross-border compliance risks and regulatory arbitrage in funds
- The impact of technological advancements (AI, RegTech, blockchain analytics) on fund compliance
Chapter 9: Ongoing Monitoring, Reviews, and Offboarding of High-Risk Funds
- Conducting periodic risk reviews and reassessment of funds
- Best practices for fund audits, investor reporting, and regulatory compliance
- Offboarding non-compliant or high-risk funds – When and how to take action
Explore more
Institutional clients often include high-net-worth investors — pair CDD-IFAM with the Certified Due Diligence Specialist in High Net-Worth Individuals (CDD-HNWI), compare options in our best KYC certification global comparison, or practise with our free 500 KYC interview questions and answers.
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We are thrilled to offer a variety of certifications tailored to empower professionals in AML, KYC, compliance, and due diligence. These certifications are designed to provide industry-relevant knowledge, practical tools, and actionable insights to help you excel in your career.
Common Enrollment Information for All Certifications
Exam Format
- 50 MCQs, 40 minutes, online.
- Passing score: 75%.
- Multiple Attempts: Includes 2 attempts to pass the exam (25% of the certification fees for additional attempt)
Certificate Download
- Once you pass the exam, your certificate will be available immediately for download in the Profile Section.
Full Access to Materials
It takes 3 hours after enrollment to gain full access to download materials. Kindly allow this processing time.
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- Globally recognized and highly relevant in the industry.
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- Flexible, self-paced learning to accommodate your schedule and needs.
Enroll today and take the next step in your professional journey! Whether you're advancing your career in compliance, AML, KYC, or due diligence, our certifications are here to support your success.
