Foundations of AML, CFT, and Sanctions in the British Virgin Islands

Foundations of AML, CFT, and Sanctions in the British Virgin Islands is a practical, principles based course designed to build a shared understanding of financial crime risk across regulated businesses in the BVI. As Course 1 of 6 in the StudyAML British Virgin Islands Series, it focuses on how anti money laundering, counter terrorist financing, and sanctions obligations apply in practice, aligned with FATF standards and local regulatory expectations. This course matters because misunderstandings of risk, responsibility, and escalation remain a key driver of regulatory findings and individual liability. Strong foundations. Clear judgement. Practical compliance.

20 - 25 minutes

Certificate Included

British Virgin Islands

Description

Foundations of AML, CFT, and Sanctions in the British Virgin Islands is a foundational StudyAML course designed for staff working within or supporting regulated financial services businesses in the BVI. The course takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete and is suitable for all staff, including new joiners, as well as professionals in compliance, risk, operations, and governance roles. The course explains the BVI legal and regulatory framework for anti money laundering, counter terrorist financing, and sanctions, and how it aligns with international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force. Learners will explore why the BVI is exposed to financial crime risk, how money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing occur in practice, and how international sanctions apply within the jurisdiction. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on practical application, sound judgement, and timely escalation. Using realistic scenarios, learners will understand what regulators expect, how compliance works day to day, and why individual behaviour plays a critical role in protecting firms and the jurisdiction.

What will you learn?

Module 1: Introduction to Financial Crime Risk in the BVI
This module explains why the British Virgin Islands is exposed to money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions risk due to its role in global finance. Learners will understand the impact of financial crime on firms, individuals, and the jurisdiction, and why personal actions influence overall risk exposure.
Module 2: BVI Legal and Regulatory Framework
This module outlines the key AML, CFT, and sanctions laws applicable in the BVI, the role and powers of the Financial Services Commission, and the concept of a relevant person. Learners will understand how regulatory obligations apply across roles and why accountability cannot be delegated.
Module 3: Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing
This module explains how financial crime occurs in practice, including the stages of money laundering, common terrorist financing methods, and the risks associated with proliferation financing. Learners will develop awareness of patterns, context, and indicators that require escalation.
Module 4: Sanctions Fundamentals
This module covers international sanctions regimes applicable in the BVI, including asset freezes, prohibitions, and strict liability principles. Learners will understand how sanctions breaches can occur without intent and why strong controls and individual vigilance are essential.
Module 5: Individual Responsibilities and Expected Behaviour
This module focuses on personal obligations under BVI law, potential individual liability, and how to respond when something does not feel right. Learners will understand the importance of judgement, documentation, and prompt escalation in maintaining an effective compliance culture.