Terrorism Financing Risks and MSBs
Ian Messenger
On 2nd December 2020 I spoke, virtually, at the Canadian MSB Association’s fall conference where I presented on “Terrorism Financing Risks and MSBs”
Blog
Review - International Security Management
Ian Messenger
International Security Management is a Coursera short course offered by Erasmus University Rotterdam.
While not immediately related to Financial Crime or Compliance, there are a number of topics covered that can add value to the FC professionals toolkit.
While there are some interesting points raised in the course - internet Intelligence and Investigation, Serious Organised Crime, and Illicit trade - the course itself is quite basic and I would suggest that the assessments are easy enough to pass without reading the material.
Unless you want a certificate for your LinkedIn profile, I’d suggest taking the free option to see if the course meets your needs before paying for the assessed version.
Read MoreReview - Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice
Ian Messenger
Recently I reviewed the Coursera short course New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism with a recommendation that this course is good addition to any Financial Crime professional looking to upskill in the area of Terrorism or Terrorist Financing.
Another strong Coursera course is Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice offered by Leiden University.
From the outset of this review I can say that this is possibility the BEST Coursera course I have undertaken.
Read MoreReview - New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism
Ian Messenger
New Approaches to Countering Terror: Countering Violent Extremism is a short course by University of Maryland and offered through Coursera.
This is a good entry level course that addresses the differences between Terrorism and Violent Extremism as well as providing many “real-world” examples and case studies. Whilst not a financial crime or terrorist financing targeted course, the content and case studies are insightful as they reveal - or at least start the thought process - some of the potential activities related to Terrorism/Violent Extremism. In turn, this allows the Financial Crime Professional to ability to consider how these activities could be represented in financial transactions.
Read MoreThe TWELVE Financial Crime Course
Ian Messenger
Earn 24 CE Credits. Certificate of Completion. Digital Badge.
Not everyone has the ability to commit to a 12 month program of mentoring and development. For this reason, the TWELVE Financial Crime Course has been created.
Starting in April 2021, The TWELVE Financial Crime Course is 12 weeks, 2 hours per week, of presentations and discussions led by Dr Ian Messenger, CAMS-RM, CFCS, CFE, CGSS on a range of financial crime and white collar crime topics with a focus on the underlying crimes behind money laundering.
Review - Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
Ian Messenger
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination is a short course created by West Virginia University and offered through Coursera.
It is structured as a 5 week course but it can be completed at a quicker pace if you wish. In total there are around 7 hours of content. As with many Coursera courses, you have the option of taking the course for free with access to the course material or $65 for the assessed version which provides a certificate (above).
The course is delivered through a series of interactive videos.
Read MoreFuture of Fincrime Canada Virtual Summit - 17th-19th November 2020
Ian Messenger
The Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists are holding a 3 day virtual conference titled “Future of Fincrime Canada” with sessions from the very best speakers on Canadian Financial Crime.
Registration at https://fincrimecanada.com and its FREE. Earn up to 16 CE credits.
Be sure to register for the session Live Q&A - How I Started My Compliance Career on Thursday 19th November between 11:30-12:15 where I am part of the Panel.
Read MoreGlobal and Domestic Terrorism short course starts 06th January 2021
Ian Messenger
The next intake of Dalhousie University’s Global and Domestic Terrorism course - taught by me - starts on 6th January 2021 and runs until 31st March 2021.
The course is 12 weeks in length and covers a wide spectrum of Terrorism topics.
Read MoreTWELVE Financial Crime Mentoring Program - launching in January 2021
Ian Messenger
Launching in January 2021, the TWELVE Financial Crime Mentoring Program will pair Junior / Early Years Financial Crime Professionals with experienced mentors (“Fellows”) for a 12 month period of mentoring and professional development.
Over the course of the 12 month program, participants (“Associates”) will experience
Monthly 1:1 coaching and mentoring sessions with their Fellow
Monthly 1:1 sessions with Dr Ian Messenger
Guest lectures and presentations by industry experts on key Financial Crime topics
Sessions exploring the key skills required of a Financial Crime Professional
Roundtable sessions on topics of the day with industry professionals
Facilitated groups discussions
Networking events within the cohort of Associates
The program is limited to 12 Junior / Early Years Financial Crime Professionals in order to provide an intimate and tailored learning and development experience.
if you are interested in being a 2021 Associate, please send me an email outlining who you are and how this program would benefit you. Space is limited!
See www.twelveprogram.com for more information or feel free to reach out.
Read MoreReview - Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert (CCCE) certification
Ian Messenger
I recently undertook the Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert (CCCE) certification offered by the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE). Why? The legalisation of Cannabis in Canada presents a range of opportunities, challenges and risks. Compliance Officers need a strong knowledge of the sector in order to understand the various risks posed throughout the end-to-end Cannabis production lifecycle in order differentiate ‘suspicious’ from sector-specific transactions.
Read MoreIndigenous Canada Short Course - University of Alberta/Coursera
Ian Messenger
Taking advantage of the extra time at home due to the COVID-19 situation I recently completed the Indigenous Canada course from University of Alberta via Coursera.
As a relative newcomer to Canada, I had this short course on my to-do list for some time. I wanted to gain a better understanding of an integral part of the country where I now live.
I would definitely recommend the course to anyone interested in better understanding a significant part of Canadian life.
The best part? It is free. Or $65 if you want to test your knowledge.
Read MoreWebinar on Terrorist Financing
Ian Messenger
On Saturday 1st August 2020, I delivered a webinar on the subject of Terrorist Financing to Toronto Compliance and AML Events.
The webinar covered:
Money Laundering vs Terrorist Financing
“Types” of Terrorism
The Cost of Terrorist Events
“Red Flags” of Terrorist Financing
Key actions for the Compliance Officer
Running Time: 1hour 12minutes
Read MoreAdditional Speakers (September 2020) - Seneca College Certificate in Financial Crimes Prevention and Mitigation
Ian Messenger
As I continue to evolve the content of the Seneca College Certificate in Financial Crimes Prevention and Mitigation, I am always looking to add additional material to the course to ensure it remains, and becomes ever more, relevant to students taking the course.
The next intake in September 2020 (registration open now) will also include inputs from industry leaders on the following topics:
- Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management
- Money Laundering in the world of Art and Antiquities
- The role of Big Data in Financial Crime Investigations
…and more to follow.
Read MoreREGISTRATION OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER 2020: Seneca College Certificate in Financial Crimes Prevention and Mitigation
Ian Messenger
Registration is now open for September 2020
This is a 16-week, virtual, professional development program that provides you with the skills and knowledge for the fast-growing compliance and financial crimes prevention profession and can be used in preparation for industry-leading Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS) certification. This program offers online training with live, interactive sessions. While it is best suited for those with a AML or compliance background, this special interest program is available to all who have an interest in Financial Crime.
Program begins September 8, 2020, ending December 21, 2020. Classes will be every Tuesday evening starting at 6pm, providing students with live, interactive lectures, discussions, problems and case. Due to COVID -19 all classes will be online.
Students will receive a certificate of completion following the end of the 16 weeks. Some conditions may apply. The overall cost is $2,500 plus $19.20 plus HST.
As a registrant of this program, you are eligible to register in the Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS) Certification Course offered by the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist (ACFCS) for $500 (USD)
For more information and registration, contact Lori.Pinder@senecacollege.ca
Read MoreRecommended LinkedIn Learning for the Financial Crime Professional
Ian Messenger
LinkedIn Learning is a great resource of short (and longer) training sessions covering a wide range of topics - and not just related to Financial Crime. The website has a powerful search option and you will find a large number of learning options for each term you search.
I have listed below some of the LinkedIn Learning courses that came to my attention and are related to some of the key competences of a Financial Crime Professional;
Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Leadership
Presentations
Report Writing
Terrorist Financing Webinar - Saturday 01st August 2020
Ian Messenger
On Saturday 01st August 2020 I will be delivering a presentation on Terrorist Financing to Toronto Compliance and AML Events. This session is delivered via Zoom and registration is open at:
TCAE Website: https://tcae.ca/events/terrorist-financing
The webinar also qualifies for 1 CFCS Continuing Education Credit.
If you have an interest in developing your knowledge and understanding of Terrorism, my 12 week Global and Domestic Terrorism short course from Dalhousie University might be of interest.
Read MoreShort courses for the Financial Crime Professional
Ian Messenger
In these COVID-19 times, many of us have taken a moment to focus on our own professional and personal development. This often comes at a financial cost; for many in the current climate there isn’t a development budget to undertake many of the certifications and courses being offered.
Several interesting - low cost and, in some cases, Free - courses have come to my attention and would be worth considering if you are looking to upskill your knowledge and/or refresh your resume:
Read MoreAsk the Instructor - 12 week online short course "Global and Domestic Terrorism"
Ian Messenger
Global and Domestic Terrorism is a 12 week online short course from Dalhousie University. Since the shocking terrorist attack of 9/11 and subsequent terrorism plots and attacks in numerous countries, terrorism has become the world’s greatest security threat. As countries like Canada try to respond appropriately and effectively, it has become increasingly important to better “understand” the distinctive nature and causes of modern terrorism and the special challenges it poses to the security of societies like ours.
The course draws on the latest terrorism thinking and research from a variety of academic and other sources to develop a broad understanding of terrorism as a complex social phenomenon and a challenging domestic and global security problem.
This course is open to anyone who has an interest in the subject of Terrorism. If you have any questions relating to the course, please review the course pages at https://www.globalanddomesticterrorism.net or email for further information.
The cost of the course is CAD $995+HST.
On 01st August 2020, Dr Ian Messenger will be hosting an Ask the Instructor session where he will showcase the course and hold a Q&A session.
Read MoreRecording of Ask the Instructor - Certificate in Financial Crimes Prevention and Mitigation
Ian Messenger
On 10th July 2020 I held an Ask the Instructor session relating to the Seneca College Certificate in Financial Crimes Prevention and Mitigation.
Read MoreGlobal and Domestic Terrorism - 12 week online short course from Dalhousie University
Ian Messenger
Global and Domestic Terrorism is a 12 week online short course from Dalhousie University. Since the shocking terrorist attack of 9/11 and subsequent terrorism plots and attacks in numerous countries, terrorism has become the world’s greatest security threat. As countries like Canada try to respond appropriately and effectively, it has become increasingly important to better “understand” the distinctive nature and causes of modern terrorism and the special challenges it poses to the security of societies like ours.
The course draws on the latest terrorism thinking and research from a variety of academic and other sources to develop a broad understanding of terrorism as a complex social phenomenon and a challenging domestic and global security problem.
This course is open to anyone who has an interest in the subject of Terrorism. If you have any questions relating to the course, please review the course pages at https://www.globalanddomesticterrorism.net or email for further information.
The cost of the course is CAD $995+HST.
Read More