30 September, Geneva, Switzerland - In today's complex financial crime landscape, equipping compliance officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat money laundering and terrorism financing is more crucial than ever. In partnership with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Bogota, the Financial Information and Analysis Unit of Colombia, and the University of Antioquia, we are co-creating a groundbreaking e-learning programme designed to empower 27,000 compliance officers in Colombia.
Understanding the Human Element in Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism
The success of any Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) programme depends not only on understanding the technical aspects of financial crime but also on understanding the human behaviour that can facilitate its prevention or hinder it. Behaviour science provides valuable insights into how people make decisions, how they respond to incentives, and how they can be influenced to adopt more effective behaviours. By incorporating its principles into our learning design, we create a more engaging and impactful experience for learners.
A Rigorous Development Process
To ensure the programme's effectiveness, we assembled a team of local experts to conduct a thorough needs assessment within Colombia's AML/CFT community. This analysis allowed us to tailor the programme to the unique needs and challenges of compliance officers in the country.
Based on our findings, we established a robust competency framework outlining the essential skills and knowledge required for effective AML/CFT compliance. This framework served as the foundation for the curriculum design, ensuring that the programme addresses the most critical areas of need.
To guide the curriculum development, we established a theory of change, outlining the programme's anticipated outcomes and the underlying factors contributing to their achievement. This framework ensured the curriculum's alignment with our broader goals of strengthening AML/CFT compliance in Colombia.
Finally, we designed a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates a variety of instructional methods, including lectures, case studies and interactive exercises. By using a blended learning approach, we aim to provide an engaging and effective learning experience for participants.
To assess the programme's effectiveness, we will employ rigorous evaluation methods. This will include pre-and post-training assessments, as well as tracking the impact of the training on real-world outcomes. By measuring the programme's impact, we can refine our approach and ensure that it continues to meet the evolving needs of compliance officers.
A Commitment to Excellence
Our aim is to create a transformative learning experience that empowers compliance officers in Colombia and serves as a model for other countries facing similar AML/CFT challenges. By documenting our approach and sharing best practices, we can support the development of effective training programmes worldwide.
At UNITAR, we are committed to delivering high-quality learning solutions that drive positive change. By leveraging behavioural science insights and working closely with our partners, we are confident that this e-learning programme will make a significant contribution to the fight against financial crime.
As we continue to explore new and innovative ways to enhance our learning programmes, we remain dedicated to our mission of promoting peace, development and human rights through education and training.
ABOUT UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2023, UNITAR trained over 540,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. In addition to our headquarters in Geneva, we have offices in Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world.
