Building a Culture of Compliance: Training and Awareness in AML/CFT Programs
TL;DR
Creating a strong Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) culture goes beyond policies and systems — it relies on well-trained, aware employees who understand their roles in preventing financial crime, supported by global standards that emphasize tailored, ongoing training and leadership support. By embedding compliance into daily operations and values, organizations can better detect risks, meet legal obligations, and protect their reputation.
At Kraken, our Global Compliance Training Program is more than a policy, it’s a strategic initiative that underpins our credibility in the crypto space. By fostering a workforce that understands and embraces compliance, we’re building a safer, more transparent, and more resilient ecosystem for our clients, partners, and regulators alike.
Building a Culture of Compliance: Training and Awareness in AML Programs
AML/CFT programs are essential for protecting the integrity of the global financial system. While laws and technology play key roles, one of the most powerful tools in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing is people — specifically, employees who are well-informed, well-trained, and equipped to navigate compliance risks effectively. Building a strong culture of compliance through training and awareness is not only a regulatory requirement but a strategic imperative for financial institutions.
What Is a Culture of Compliance?
A "culture of compliance" refers to an environment where ethical conduct and adherence to regulations are embedded into the organization's values, decision-making processes, and everyday activities. It means that employees — from entry-level staff to senior leadership — understand the importance of compliance and act in ways that uphold legal and ethical standards.
In the context of AML, this culture fosters vigilance against illicit financial activity and supports the timely detection and reporting of suspicious behavior.
Why Training and Awareness Matter
Training is the foundation of compliance. Without it, even the best policies and systems can fail. Effective AML/CFT training ensures employees understand:
- What money laundering & terrorist financing is and how it works
- Their specific responsibilities under the law
- How to recognize and escalate suspicious activity
- The consequences of non-compliance — for both the institution and themselves
Beyond initial onboarding, ongoing awareness programs keep compliance top of mind and help staff stay current with evolving risks and regulations.
From Principles to Practice: How Kraken Delivers Best‑in‑Class AML/CTF Training
Globally, AML/CFT efforts are guided by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental body that develops and promotes international standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. FATF recommendations call for all jurisdictions to provide comprehensive frameworks for organisations to follow through regulation and law. While these standards serve as a global baseline, individual countries and regions implement their own laws and enforcement mechanisms.
Led by seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience, Kraken’s Global Compliance Team provides 24/7 coverage across key jurisdictions. Our Global Compliance Training Program stands as a cornerstone of our organizational integrity, ensuring that every Krakenite — whether they’re a new hire, a senior executive, or a board member — develops the awareness and practical skills needed to address the challenges of a dynamic regulatory environment. Kraken’s Global Compliance Training Program is tailored to fit the diverse needs of our global workforce. Key elements include:
- Tailor the content — In addition to covering the essential components of AML/CFT—such as red flags and employee responsibilities—in both new hire and annual training modules, we also develop role-specific learning paths tailored to every function. From client-facing Support to backend Engineering to Executive Leadership, each Krakenite receives training aligned with the real-world risks they are most likely to encounter.
- Make it engaging — Interactive modules, real‑world crypto scenarios and quick‑fire quizzes turn complex regulations into memorable “a‑ha” moments.
- Update regularly — Our Global Compliance Team monitors FATF guidance and local rule changes in real time; material is refreshed at least annually and pushed sooner when new obligations emerge.
- Measure and monitor — Track completion rates, test scores and employee feedback to assess effectiveness and identify gaps.
- Lead by example — Senior leaders and Board members complete the same core modules and receive tailored briefings on emerging regulatory trends, signalling tone‑from‑the‑top.
In an industry where regulatory landscapes are complex and ever-shifting, fostering a deep-rooted culture of compliance is essential. It creates a shared understanding of ethical obligations, reinforces accountability, and empowers individuals at all levels to identify and address potential risks. We believe that compliance training is not a one-time event — it’s a continuous journey. That’s why our program is structured around ongoing learning, practical application, and timely updates that reflect the latest regulatory developments.
Our program includes several mandatory and specialized components:
- Orientation Compliance Training: New hires must complete AML, CFT, and Sanctions training.
- Annual AML & Sanctions Training: All employees take a yearly refresher to stay updated on key financial crime regulations.
- Board of Directors Training: Annual and ad hoc presentations keep the Board informed of regulatory changes and risks.
- Specialized Compliance Training: Tailored training is provided to teams with specific regulatory responsibilities.
Through continuous investment in our people and evolving training initiatives, Kraken helps set the benchmark for compliance excellence in the crypto industry.