A strong AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance program cannot exist without regular and structured training of employees. As regulatory pressure from institutions like the FAU (Financial Analytical Office) and the ČNB (Czech National Bank) increases, companies are not only required to implement AML/CFT policies — they must also provide documented AML training and certification for their staff.
This is especially critical for companies in crypto, fintech, electronic money, cross-border payments, and also for so-called “obliged entities” under Czech Act No. 253/2008 Sb., including accountants, lawyers, notaries, and others.
In this article, we explain who must undergo AML training, what certified courses include, how to identify suspicious activity, and how to train staff on submitting SARs to FAU.
Why AML Training Is a Legal Obligation
Under AMLD and Czech legislation:
- All employees involved in financial operations must be trained;
- Proof of training and certification is mandatory;
- MLROs and AML Officers must update their training regularly;
- Lack of training may lead to fines, license denial, or enforcement by FAU.
Compliance starts with awareness. Even the best policy fails if employees don’t know how to apply it.
Who Must Receive AML Training?
- AML Officers and MLROs (Money Laundering Reporting Officers);
- Front office staff, support teams, accounting personnel;
- Legal advisors, compliance officers, KYC/AML specialists;
- Company executives and beneficial owners (especially during CASP/EMI licensing);
- External partners or subcontractors interacting with clients.
What Does AML Training Cover?
1. AML/CFT Basics and Legal Framework
- Structure of the EU AML Directives (including AMLD);
- Czech Act No. 253/2008 Sb. and local requirements;
- Company obligations and legal liabilities;
- Real cases of penalties and license refusals.
2. Role and Responsibilities of the AML Officer / MLRO
- Rights, responsibilities, and independence of the MLRO
- Cooperation with the FAU ČR and internal structures
- Obligation of continuous professional development
- Requirements for resources, authority, and access to data
3. KYC, CDD, and EDD Procedures
- Know Your Customer (KYC) principles and client identification;
- Source of funds (SoF) and source of wealth (SoW) verification;
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients;
- Risks associated with nominee structures and shell companies.
4. Identifying Suspicious Activities
- Transactions without economic rationale;
- Layering and complex fund movements;
- Use of anonymous crypto wallets or darknet mixers;
- Connections with sanctioned entities or jurisdictions;
- Real-world examples and case studies.
5. Preparing and Filing SARs
- When and how to submit a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR);
- Mandatory report structure and content (FAU-compliant);
- Submission deadlines and online portal guidance;
- Confidentiality rules — clients must not be informed.
6. Sanctions Compliance
- Sanctions lists (EU, OFAC, UN, Czech national lists);
- Obligations for client and transaction screening;
- Asset freezing, reporting, and communication with the regulator.
7. Risk Assessment and Internal Control
- Methodology for assessing risks of clients, transactions, and products;
- Risk classification of clients (low / medium / high);
- Examples of risk scoring models;
- AML monitoring and control triggers.
8. Internal Documentation and Reporting
- Mandatory internal documents (policies, procedures, risk assessment);
- Logs of identification, checks, deviations, SAR filings;
- Data retention and availability upon request from FAU / ČNB;
- Training records, MLRO reports.
Formats of AML Training
Live Online Training (Google Meet, Zoom)✅
- Real-time sessions with a trainer — immediate engagement and feedback;
- Convenient for remote employees and distributed teams;
- Flexible scheduling — training conducted according to an agreed timetable.
Onsite Training (in your office or training venue)✅
- Live sessions with a trainer;
- Real-time Q&A and practical case analysis;
- Printed certificates issued on completion.
Individual Training for MLROs ✅
- In-depth coaching on internal reporting and compliance;
- Step-by-step SAR filing process;
- Review of internal controls and risk matrix.
Certification and Regulatory Recognition
Upon completion, participants receive:
- Official AML Training Certificate (in English or Czech);
- Test report or training confirmation;
Valid documentation for license applications (e.g., CASP/EMI), bank onboarding, or audits.
Why Training Matters for Licensing and Banking
- AML training is required for CASP/EMI license applications;
- Banks evaluate staff training during account opening procedures;
- Lack of training is a compliance risk and can trigger FAU penalties;
- Investors and partners see training as a sign of a mature compliance culture.
AML Training Services by AMS
We provide:
- Online and onsite AML courses with certification;
- Specialized training based on Czech Act No. 253/2008 Sb. and AMLD;
- Courses tailored for MLROs and general employees;
- Updates when legislation changes;
- Multilingual delivery: English or Czech;
- Internal training records and templates for audits.
AML training is not a checkbox — it is an essential pillar of your company’s defense against financial crime, reputational damage, and regulatory sanctions. A trained team recognizes red flags early and responds correctly.
AMS delivers AML education that is practical, regulator-approved, and adapted to your business model.
Contact us today to build a compliant and confident team — ready for any audit or licensing process.
ORDERFAQ
Who must undergo AML training in the Czech Republic?
All employees involved in financial operations, including AML Officers, MLROs, accountants, compliance staff, lawyers, and executives, must complete AML training. Even subcontractors interacting with clients may fall under this requirement.
What does AML training include?
Training covers AML/CFT basics, Czech Act No. 253/2008 Sb., KYC/CDD/EDD procedures, detecting suspicious activity, sanctions compliance, and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the FAU.
Why is AML training important for licensing and banking?
Proof of AML training is mandatory for CASP/EMI license applications, bank account onboarding, and regulatory audits. Lack of training may lead to fines, license denial, or refusal of banking services.
