CISA launches critical AML Practice Guide to support Southern Africa’s fight against financial crime

The Compliance Institute Southern Africa (CISA) has released its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Practice Guide at a pivotal time for the region, as South Africa and several neighbouring jurisdictions intensify efforts to strengthen financial crime controls and demonstrate effectiveness in meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

Against the backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny and the continued focus on grey-listing outcomes, the AML Practice Guide provides a timely and practical resource to support accountable institutions in building robust, defensible, and effective AML, counter-terrorist financing, and sanctions frameworks. The guide is designed not only to support technical compliance, but to enable demonstrable effectiveness which is an increasingly critical requirement in global AML assessments.

This comprehensive resource forms part of CISA’s Generally Accepted Compliance Practice (GACP) framework and has been developed to strengthen governance, risk management, regulatory alignment, and operational execution across the compliance ecosystem. It bridges the gap between regulation and implementation, equipping practitioners with the tools and methodologies required to respond to financial crime risks.

CISA CEO Sherma Malan commented:
“This guide delivers practical, outcomes-focused guidance at a time when institutions must demonstrate that their AML programmes are not only compliant, but effective in detecting and preventing financial crime. Strengthening these capabilities is essential not only for individual organisations, but for the integrity and reputation of our financial system as a whole.”

The release of the guide is particularly significant in supporting regional efforts to strengthen AML frameworks and contribute to improved risk ratings, enhanced supervisory confidence, and sustained removal from, or avoidance of, FATF grey listing. By promoting consistent and high-quality compliance practices, the guide supports a more resilient and credible financial environment across Southern Africa.

The guide was launched through a hybrid event in Durban on 18 June and an in-person event in Cape Town on 19 June, bringing together industry leaders to share insights on implementation challenges and best practice approaches.

CISA acknowledges the contribution of its sponsoring partner, RelyComply, in supporting the advancement of professional compliance practice in the region. CEO and founder Bradley Elliott noted that initiatives such as this play a critical role in strengthening institutional capability and fostering a culture of ethical, effective compliance.

The AML Practice Guide is available at no charge to CISA members via the membership platform. Non-members can purchase the guide via the CISA website: www.compliancesa.com