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New Zealand professionals operating in regulated sectors face increasing expectations when it comes to anti‑money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT). For reporting entities under the AML/CFT Act 2009, training is no longer a tick‑box exercise — it must be practical, relevant, and demonstrably contribute to compliance.
High‑quality AML courses should help professionals understand real obligations, apply learning directly to their roles, and provide verifiable CPD to support professional body requirements. This is where locally focused training providers such as CCH Learning New Zealand play an important role.
AML training is most effective when it is clearly aligned with the legal and operational requirements professionals face every day. Under New Zealand’s AML/CFT Act 2009, reporting entities such as financial institutions, lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, and real estate agents must meet a range of ongoing obligations, including:
Courses that simply outline global AML theory often fall short of helping professionals meet these practical responsibilities. Instead, effective AML training explains how these obligations apply in real client engagements, internal processes, and everyday decision‑making.
For busy professionals, AML learning should support confidence and accuracy in compliance, reduce risk exposure, and contribute to stronger internal controls — not just provide abstract regulatory summaries.
New Zealand’s AML framework is unique. It sits across multiple supervisors, including the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), Financial Markets Authority (FMA), and Reserve Bank of New Zealand, with sector‑specific expectations and guidance.
Practical AML training therefore needs to reflect:
CCH Learning New Zealand’s professional development programs are designed with this local context in mind. By working with New Zealand‑based subject matter experts, CCH Learning ensures content is relevant, accurate, and focused on real professional scenarios rather than overseas compliance models that may not translate well to NZ practice.
This locally grounded approach supports stronger learning outcomes and helps professionals feel confident applying AML principles within their own regulatory environment.
Time pressure remains one of the biggest challenges for professionals trying to stay compliant with CPD and AML training requirements. Traditional classroom‑based courses can be difficult to schedule around client work and seasonal workloads.
Flexible delivery models make a meaningful difference. Online learning, particularly On‑Demand recordings, allows professionals to:
CCH Learning New Zealand offers access to over 180 live webinars and 400+ On‑Demand recordings each year, giving professionals the flexibility to choose learning that aligns with both their immediate compliance needs and longer‑term professional development goals.
This self‑paced approach helps ensure AML training is completed thoroughly and thoughtfully, rather than rushed to meet deadlines.
For many professionals, AML training must also count towards verifiable CPD obligations set by professional bodies such as CA ANZ, CPA Australia, NZLS, or other membership organisations.
Verifiable CPD provides assurance that:
High‑quality AML courses should clearly state CPD hours, provide attendance or completion records, and support compliance with ongoing professional requirements.
CCH Learning’s webinars and On‑Demand programs are designed to offer verifiable CPD, making it easier for professionals and employers to track learning activity year‑round and demonstrate compliance with both regulatory and professional standards.
CCH Learning New Zealand specialises in professional development that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Its AML‑related learning sits within a broader CPD ecosystem supporting professionals across tax, accounting, law, governance, immigration, and business advisory roles.
Key benefits of CCH Learning’s AML and compliance training include:
CCH Learning also supports broader professional development through specialist topic areas, including:
This integrated approach helps organisations create structured learning journeys and maintain a strong compliance culture across teams.
Frequently Asked Questions:Q: Do AML courses count as verifiable CPD in NZ?
A: Yes, AML courses can count as verifiable CPD in New Zealand, provided they meet the criteria set by your relevant professional body. This typically includes documented learning objectives, structured content, and evidence of participation or completion.
Q: Are AML courses mandatory for NZ reporting entities?
A: While the AML/CFT Act does not prescribe specific courses, reporting entities must ensure staff are trained appropriately to carry out AML/CFT obligations. Practical AML training is widely regarded as essential to meeting this requirement.
Q: How often should AML training be refreshed?
A: AML training should be refreshed regularly, particularly when legislation, guidance, or risk profiles change. Many organisations review AML training annually or align it with audit cycles and regulatory updates.
Q: Will an international AML certificate be accepted in NZ?
A: International AML certificates may provide useful background knowledge, but they may not fully meet NZ‑specific compliance expectations. Local AML training that reflects New Zealand law and regulatory guidance is strongly recommended.
Q: Can employers claim verifiable CPD for staff AML training?
A: Yes. Employers can generally claim verifiable CPD for staff AML training, provided the course meets professional body requirements and appropriate records are retained.