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
ends