KYCS – Know Your Customer Specialist

Know Your Customer & Its International Context

• Understand the concept of Know Your Customer (KYC).
• Define KYC and its importance.
• Recognise the relationship between KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML).
• Identify when KYC applies.
• Understand the international context of KYC, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), Wolfsberg Group, European Union, European Data Protection Act (GDPR), and the US Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA 2020).

Customer Onboarding Requirements

• Learn about the requirements for individual accounts, including customer identification and verification, identifying the real beneficiary, and screening for politically exposed persons (PEPs).
• Understand the KYC requirements for corporate accounts, including ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) and changes in entity ownership.
• Identify the specific considerations and vulnerabilities related to charities and non-profit organisations (NPOs).

Customer Tax Status (FATCA & CRS)

• Understand what FATCA and CRS are.
• Learn about the forms and self-certifications related to FATCA & CRS.
• Conduct customer due diligence and reasonableness tests.

Risk-Based Approach in Customer Due Diligence

• Comprehend the concept of customer risk rating.
• Understand money laundering risk classifications and electronic AML risk rating.
• Learn about risk-scoring models and overall customer/account risk assessment.

Account Opening Processes and Management

• Identify account opening procedures, including decentralised and centralised approaches.
• Understand KYC updates and accepting instructions by fax or email.
• Learn about opening non-face-to-face accounts, handling incomplete accounts, dormant accounts, and closure of accounts.

Online Customer Onboarding and Digital Identity

• Understand the relationship between customer onboarding and digital identity.
• Learn about the challenges, threats, and benefits of digital identity and online onboarding.
• Explore a proposed mechanism for implementing online onboarding.

Examination

• Exam Duration: 60 Minutes
• Number of Questions: 50
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice
• Pass Mark: 75/100 (50% for each Chapter)

The result appears directly once you submit your answers. A Digital Badge and an e-certificate will be issued instantly and sent to your email address. You can also ask GCI to send it to your employer at any time.

What You Get

Your one-year membership includes access to the candidate portal, where you can:

• Download the programme study guide
• Undertake the practice questions
• Schedule your online proctored exam

When you pass the assessment, you will receive an e-certificate and verifiable digital badge. GCI also offers one free exam retake.

Target Audience

This programme is suitable for Compliance Officers, Customer Service staff, Account Opening staff, front-line staff and back-office staff in the following industries:

• Banking Industry
• Insurance and Reinsurance Companies
• Brokerage Firms
• Leasing and Microfinance Companies
• Lending Firms
• Exchange Houses and Money Service Businesses

Workers in supervisory authorities, including:

• Central Banks
• Financial Sector Regulatory Authorities
• Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs)
• Tax Authorities
• Related Ministries and Government Bodies

College and university graduates who are interested in working in the Banking and Finance Industry.

Registration Options

Candidates have two options to register for any of the GCI programmes:

Option 1: Self-Study

Take the online proctored exam from home. GCI's examination process is set to the highest standards. Students gain access to an easy-to-navigate online portal, where they can download their certificate study guide (e-book) in their selected language and undertake the practice questions as many times as needed. Once the candidate is ready to sit the assessment, they can schedule their online proctored exam with a click of a button through their membership area and undertake the exam at any time and from anywhere. The assessment platform is usually available 24/7.

• Anticipated reading hours: 22 Hours
• Anticipated Studying hours: 44 Hours

Option 2: Instructor-Led Programme

Virtual or in-person instructor-led sessions for groups of 10 or more are scheduled based on demand. Contact us to enquire about upcoming dates, or check this page regularly for the latest course dates and updates.

• Training hours: 18 Hours
• Anticipated Studying hours: 30 Hours

Ready to advance your career or provide your staff with the practical training experience they are looking for?

Reach out to us today to find out how we can help advance your career or provide your staff with the practical training experience they are looking for.

Available Languages

• English
• Arabic
• Turkish
• French