Today, an estimated 1.7 billion people around the world lack access to basic financial services and products – a situation that perpetuates poverty, fuels informal money transfer systems, and leaves populations vulnerable to criminal exploitation. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

By adhering to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendations and the guidance of anti-money laundering experts, banks and other institutions can use a risk-based approach to extend financial access to low-income groups, underserved rural communities, displaced persons, and others. 

Developed by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and ACAMS, with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this course offers a comprehensive overview of how the risk-based approach to anti-financial crime (AFC) compliance can play a critical role in addressing poverty and fighting illicit finance across the globe. The course outlines the AFC compliance steps, including guidance on onboarding and ongoing due diligence, that can help mitigate the impact of de-risking and other forms of financial exclusion.