Risk Insights
Top 7 Globally Recognized KYC Certifications
- January 8, 2025
- Posted by: ACBM
- Category: Blog
Choose the Right Path: KYC, AML, or Crypto Compliance
Before you pay for any certification, decide which track you actually work in. If your day-to-day role is KYC onboarding, file review, CDD/EDD, or sanctions screening, you do not need an AML certification unless you plan to move into AML investigations. If you work in transaction monitoring, investigations, or SAR/STR filing, then you need an AML-focused credential. Crypto teams require a separate, virtual-asset–specific path.
KYC Certifications (Onboarding, CDD & File Review)
Choose this path if your work involves customer due diligence, onboarding, UBO identification, documentation review, and sanctions/PEP screening.
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Globally Certified KYC Specialist (GO-AKS)
Issuer: Global Association of Certified KYC Specialists • Best for: KYC Analysts, CDD Officers, Onboarding SpecialistsVisit GO-AKS Website →
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International KYC Certified Specialist (IKYCA)
Issuer: International KYC Certification Association • Best for: Senior KYC roles, complex corporate KYC & remediationVisit IKYCA Website →
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Internationally Certified KYC Manager (IR-KAM)
Issuer: American Compliance and Business Management (ACBM) Association • Best for: KYC Team Leaders, QC Leads, ManagersVisit ACBM Website →
AML Certifications (TM, Investigations & Financial Crime)
Choose this path if your role is focused on transaction monitoring, alert review, investigations, SAR/STR drafting, and broader financial crime risk.
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CAMS – Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
Issuer: ACAMS • Often considered the global reference credential for AML practitionersVisit ACAMS Website →
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G-CAMO – Globally Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer
Issuer: Global Association of Certified KYC Specialists • Best for: AML Officers and senior TM investigatorsVisit GO-AKS Website →
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I-CAMM – International Certified AML Master
Issuer: IKYCA • Combines AML and KYC frameworks for broader financial crime rolesVisit IKYCA Website →
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MACS – Master in Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Specialist
Issuer: American Compliance and Business Management Association • Best for: AML specialists aiming for leadership tracksVisit ACBM Website →
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ICA AML & Compliance Certifications
Issuer: International Compliance Association (ICA) • Focus: Practical AML, KYC, and compliance programmes across multiple levels and regionsVisit ICA Website →
Crypto KYC & Compliance Certifications
Choose this path if you work with virtual asset service providers (VASPs), exchanges, fintechs, or crypto-related due diligence and risk analysis.
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C3O – Certified Crypto Compliance Officer
Issuer: AC3O • End-to-end crypto compliance (AML, KYC, VASP frameworks, Travel Rule, investigations)Visit AC3O Website →
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CDD-CRY – Certified Due Diligence Specialist in Cryptocurrency
Issuer: American CBM Association • Focus: Crypto-specific due diligence, risk assessment, and background reviewsVisit ACBM Website →
Quick Guide: What Do You Actually Need?
- You are in KYC / CDD / onboarding: Focus on KYC certifications (GO-AKS, IKYCA, IR-KAM). You do not need an AML certification unless you plan to move into AML investigations or TM.
- You are in AML / TM / investigations: Prioritise AML certifications (CAMS, G-CAMO, I-CAMM, MACS, ICA). These map better to transaction monitoring, alert review, and SAR/STR responsibilities.
- You work with crypto, VASPs, or virtual assets: Choose crypto-focused credentials (C3O, CDD-CRY) that directly address Travel Rule, on-chain risks, and VASP expectations.
Pick the certification that matches your current or target role, not just what is most popular. The right fit will give you stronger interview outcomes and more credible progression.
2 Comments
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I need it.
I am excited to get this class