Master the practical realities of AML compliance to act as an effective gatekeeper, safeguarding your license and clients against modern financial crime risks.
Welcome to Anti-Money Laundering for Financial Advisors. Designed specifically for Canadian advisors holding designations such as CLU, CFP, and TEP, this specialized course moves beyond generic compliance to address the practical realities of your daily practice. Financial advisors serve as critical gatekeepers in the financial ecosystem, protecting both their licenses and the integrity of the Canadian economy. This course equips you with the necessary tools to detect, prevent, and report financial crimes involving life insurance, estate planning, and corporate structures. Money laundering allows criminals to transform illicit funds into seemingly legitimate assets through Placement, Layering, and Integration. You will explore these mechanics alongside the growing threat of terrorist financing. The curriculum provides a deep dive into the regulatory framework anchored by the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and the role of FINTRAC. You will learn how to implement a Risk-Based Approach (RBA) to effectively allocate resources, identifying high-risk scenarios involving Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), complex trusts, and off-shore jurisdictions. Through comprehensive modules and realistic case studies, you will learn to navigate the complexities of client due diligence, from verifying identity and beneficial ownership to understanding the distinction between Source of Wealth and Source of Funds. The course addresses modern challenges, including the risks associated with cryptocurrency, trade-based money laundering, and sanctions evasion related to Russia and Belarus. By the end of this training, you will be prepared to recognize behavioral and transactional red flags and understand the severe consequences of non-compliance under recent legislative updates like Bill C-2. strong Key learning outcomes include: Understand the three stages of money laundering and the specific vulnerabilities of insurance and investment products Master the requirements for Know Your Client (KYC) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients. Identify red flags associated with corporate structures, trusts, and cryptocurrency assets. Learn the mandatory reporting obligations for Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), Large Cash Transaction Reports (LCTRs), and Terrorist Property Reports. Apply a decision-making framework to accept or decline client relationships based on risk assessment.
John Siembida, BA, MBA, EPC, CLU, CHS, TEP, MFA-P ________________________________________ With over 25 years of distinguished experience across Canada's leading financial institutions including Sun Life, Desjardins Financial Security, and Standard Life, John has established himself as a nationally recognized subject matter expert in life insurance products, estate planning, tax strategy, and trust education.. A prolific educator and thought leader, John has served high and ultra-high net worth clients throughout his career while developing comprehensive training programs on advanced planning concepts including Individual Pension Plans (IPPs), shared ownership critical illness insurance, buy-sell agreements, and sophisticated estate strategies. He mentors the Law of Trusts course at STEP Canada and has published in the STEP International Journal, while serving as a keynote speaker at major industry forums. John holds an Executive MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business (2007) and a BA in Political Science from the University of Guelph (1998). His impressive array of professional credentials includes Elder Planning Counselor (EPC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Health Specialist (CHS), Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), and Master Financial Advisor - Philanthropy (MFA-P). Most recently, he completed the MindStudio Academy Accelerator, earning certification in designing, building, and deploying AI agents. As author of the forthcoming book Beyond Numbers: The Vibe Planning Revolution, John is articulating a new paradigm for financial advisory—one that honors the irreplaceable value of human connection while harnessing AI's power to deliver deeper insights and more personalized client experiences. Core Competencies: • Values-Based Financial Planning & VIBE Framework Methodology • AI Integration & Ethical Technology Implementation • Corporate & Estate Planning Strategy • High Net Worth & Ultra-High Net Worth Client Advisory • Advanced Life Insurance & Tax Planning • Advisor Training & Professional Development • Product Development & Innovation • Public Speaking & Thought Leadership Professional Affiliations: • Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) - Member & Mentor • Former Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) Member John's mission is to equip Canadian financial advisors with the skills, credentials, and tools to thrive in an AI-enhanced future where technology amplifies human wisdom rather than replaces it. Connect: jsiembida.mba2007@ivey.ca | Toronto, Ontario
