CISI Combating Financial Crime (UK)
Defeat financial crime complexities with our rapid-recall system. Replace dry workbooks with an interactive learning experience that makes CDD and AML regulations easy to memorize and master for the latest syllabus.
Updated for 2026. 100% matching with the latest official workbook revisions.
Combating Financial Crime with Smart Practice
Don't let dry, legalistic texts stand in your way. Our system turns complex AML, Bribery, and Fraud regulations into an interactive and engaging mastery plan.
We've built a logic-driven platform designed for the Latest Syllabus, focusing on rapid recall and practical understanding of financial crime risks.
Preview & See What You Will Get
Key Benefits
Success Simulator Suite
Strategic simulators ensuring you're ready for every financial crime question.
- ✓ Timed Mock Exams: Full exam day replication.
- ✓ Chapter Drill: Master Bribery Act or TF.
- ✓ Adaptive Revision: Focused prep on tricky topics.
300+ Expertly Crafted Questions
Tailored to the logic and structure used by official CISI examiners.
- ✓ Covers latest regulatory changes and global trends.
- ✓ Step-by-Step Explanations: Deep-dive into answers.
- ✓ Performance Tracking against passing thresholds.
AI Financial Crime Mentor
Regulations can be technical; our AI Mentor simplifies them in seconds.
- ✓ Instant Rule Breakdown of POCA or FATF.
- ✓ 24/7 Availability for conceptual support.
- ✓ Business-ready explanations of confusing points.
Rapid-Recall Flashcards
Optimized for practitioners on the move. Break down the 24/7 risk landscape.
- ✓ Highlights key dates and penalty thresholds.
- ✓ Designed using spaced repetition principles.
- ✓ Critical for memorizing AML and Sanctions facts.
High-Yield Exam Cheat Sheets
The definitive last-minute guide to the most essential crime facts.
- ✓ Condensed summaries of AML stages and Bribery.
- ✓ Essential sanctions reporting rules.
- ✓ Designed for rapid review at the test center.
Syllabus
Module 1: The Background and Nature of Financial Crime 7 marks
Covers core definitions, international standards (FATF), and the regulatory landscape in the UK and globally.
- • Definitions: ML, TF, PF, Fraud, Market Abuse, Bribery, Corruption, Sanctions.
- • FATF 40 Recommendations (Soft Law).
- • UK FSMA 20 definition of financial crime.
- • GDPR Breach Fines: 4% of global turnover or €20m.
- • Role of FIUs (Financial Intelligence Units) under FATF Rec 29.
Module 2: Money Laundering 8 marks
Detailed look at the PLI and EDD models, the POCA 2002 legislation, and MLR 2017-2023 updates.
- • PLI Model: Placement (Entry), Layering (Movement), Integration (Reunion).
- • POCA S327-329: Concealment, Arrangements, Acquisition (Max 14 years prison).
- • POCA S330-333: Failure to Disclose / Tipping Off (Max 5 years prison).
- • Beneficial Ownership threshold: >25%.
- • Occasional Transaction threshold: €15,000 (standard) or €10,000 (art/crypto).
Module 3: Terrorist Financing 4 marks
Focuses on the solicitation and collection of funds for terrorism, distinguishing it from general ML.
- • TF vs ML: TF focuses on the destination (use), ML on the source (origin).
- • UN Convention 1999 (Criminalises provision/collection).
- • UNSCR 1267: Sanctions against Al-Qaida, Taliban, ISIL.
- • E-money CDD thresholds: €150 storage / €150 reload.
- • Fund Transfer Regs: Require name, address/DOB, account number/unique ID.
Module 4: Bribery and Corruption 6 marks
Deep dive into the UK Bribery Act 2010, US FCPA, and different types of corrupt practice.
- • UK Bribery Act S1 (Bribing), S2 (Being Bribed), S6 (FPO), S7 (Failure to Prevent).
- • Section 7 is 'Strict Liability'.
- • 6 Principles of Prevention (MOJ): Proportionate, Top-level, Risk, Due Diligence, Communication, Monitoring.
- • FCPA: Covers only ACTIVE bribery (giving), allows 'Facilitation Payments' whereas UK Act DOES NOT.
Module 5: Fraud and Market Abuse 4 marks
Analysis of the Fraud Act 2006, Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), and international standards like SOX.
- • Fraud Act S2 (False representation), S3 (Failure to disclose), S4 (Abuse of position).
- • Dishonesty + Intent to gain/cause loss = Fraud (No actual loss needed).
- • MAR: Insider dealing, Unlawful disclosure, Market manipulation, Spoofing.
- • Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 2002: US Rules-based response to Enron/WorldCom.
- • Volcker Rule: Limits banks to 3% Tier 1 capital in private equity/hedge funds.
Module 6: Tax Evasion 4 marks
Distinction between evasion and avoidance, FATCA (US), and the Criminal Finances Act 2017.
- • Tax Evasion (Illegal) vs Avoidance (Legal but aggressive).
- • FATCA: US Law requiring global reporting of US persons' assets.
- • Criminal Finances Act 2017: Corporate strict liability for failing to prevent facilitation of tax evasion.
- • Common Reporting Standard (CRS): OECD standard for automatic exchange of info.
Module 7: Financial Sanctions 4 marks
Listing processes, screening technologies, and the consequences of designation.
- • Two core prohibitions of an Asset Freeze: Dealing with funds AND making funds available.
- • Fuzzy Logic: Used in screening to catch misspellings/anagrams.
- • OFSI (UK), OFAC (US), EU, UN lists.
- • Breach Penalties: Up to £1m or 50% of funds; max 7 years prison.
- • Economic Crime Act 2022: UK can implement UN sanctions without delay.
Module 8: Financial Crime Risk Management 13 marks
The highest-weighted exam section (13 marks). Practical application of CDD, 3 Lines of Defence, and governance.
- • 3 Lines of Defence: 1. Front Office, 2. Compliance/Risk, 3. Internal Audit.
- • CDD: Identify, Verify, Purpose of relationship.
- • EDD (Enhanced Due Diligence): Required for PEPs, High-Risk countries, Correspondent banking.
- • Correspondent Banking: Vostro/Nostro accounts, NO SHELL BANKS allowed.
- • PEPs: Remains a PEP for at least 12 months after leaving office.
- • Record Keeping: 5 years from end of relationship or transaction.
Try Before You Buy
Experience our interactive learning tools — right here, right now
An individual is found to be driving a luxury sports car that was purchased for £5,000, despite its market value being over £80,000. The individual claims they bought it from a friend. Which POCA 2002 offence is most applicable here?
Who Is This For?
Frequently Asked Questions
All content is created from the official CISI workbooks and compiled with input from finance professionals who have studied for and passed the CFC exam themselves. We combine their notes, insights, and exam feedback into a focused, interactive study system.
Our mock exams are built from a combination of past CISI examination patterns and feedback from candidates who have recently sat the exam. Each exam matches the official format — 50 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour with a 70% pass mark — so you practise under real exam conditions.
We do not guarantee a pass — success requires reading the official CISI workbook and using our materials for active revision. However, our system is specifically designed around recall-based learning, which is proven to significantly improve retention and exam performance.
No previous qualifications or experience are required. The CFC exam is open to anyone. Our materials are structured to help both newcomers to compliance and experienced professionals looking to formalise their knowledge.
The CISI CFC exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour. The pass mark is 70% (35 out of 50). There is no negative marking. Exams can be booked year-round at Prometric test centres worldwide.
Yes — CISI recommends candidates read the official workbook. Our course is designed as a powerful revision companion, not a replacement for the workbook. We distil the most exam-relevant content into flashcards, cheat sheets, and mock exams to accelerate your preparation.
You get lifetime access from the moment of purchase. Study at your own pace with no time limits or recurring fees.
Yes — the entire platform is mobile-responsive and works on any device with a browser. Flashcards, summaries, and the AI tutor are all optimised for on-the-go study.
Yes! You can test your knowledge and see our AI tutor in action with our free CISI Combating Financial Crime Sample Paper.
CISI Combating Financial Crime
Course Features
Student Reviews
From finance professionals who prepared and passed their CISI exams.
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Helpful cheat sheets
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