ACAMS Launches Australasian Chapter

SYDNEY, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

ACAMS Launches Australasian Chapter

SYDNEY, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) recently announced the formation of the ACAMS Australasian Chapter. Made up of members within Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Region, the chapter provides a forum for the professional development and networking of its members who come from a wide range of industry areas involved in the anti-money laundering (AML) field. The Australasian Chapter Board, as well, has been formed from a range of professionals within the AML field experienced across the Australasian and other jurisdictional legislative AML regimes.

With recent legislative developments within Australia and forthcoming New Zealand legislation, this is a perfect time for the formation of an Australasian Chapter," said Mr. Neil Jeans, Head of Group AML, National Australia Bank and Co-Chairman of the Australasian Chapter. "In addition to providing a locally based forum for the members, the Chapter will develop a local knowledge-based module for CAMS certification in the near future."

ACAMS, a professional association formed in 2002 with 8,000 members in more than 104 countries, also provides a certification program for the CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) designation.

The CAMS designation is awarded to professionals in the AML field who are successful in completing a rigorous examination of their knowledge and aptitude in regard to AML detection and enforcement and is maintained by continuing education and professional development.

"ACAMS sets the standards globally for AML professionals," said Jeans. "This is a tremendous opportunity for current and potential members to be aligned to a local arm of ACAMS where our focus, whilst still aligned to global standards, will be on local legislative requirements and issues. We are encouraging all professionals within the AML field to become active in this Chapter going forward."

Mr. Gregory Calpakis, CAMS, Executive Director of ACAMS, continued, "ACAMS has been heavily involved in an ongoing consultation process with firstly the local members and subsequently the Board in the formation of the Australasian Chapter and view it as a key body in the region for expanding the professional knowledge of our members concerning money laundering and terrorist financing, a growing problem which crosses national and geographical borders."

The Australasian Chapter held its inaugural event in Sydney on Monday 18 February. This successful event was fully booked and attended by a wide-range of AML professionals and will be followed by additional events during the year; the events will be scheduled in both Sydney and Melbourne, for members and non-members, as part of the ACAMS continuing professional development program. About the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists ACAMS is an international membership organization dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of AML professionals around the globe. It serves as a uniquely valuable resource for more than 8,000 members in 104 countries, promoting year-round support to develop and sharpen the skills required for superior job performance and career advancement. Its CAMS certification is the most widely recognized AML certification among compliance professionals worldwide.

To obtain further information on the Australasian Chapter or ACAMS membership please contact Saida Aliyy at sAliyy@acams.org or visit the ACAMS website at www.acams.org

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