Training Courses

Please see below the courses that we provide via either public courses, in-house delivery or e-learning modules. All content is tailored for the Irish market, for example Central Bank of Ireland implementation and interpretation.

If you would like to discuss custom training solutions (either online or in-person) please contact us and we will be happy to work with you regarding your requirements.


 




Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF)

While the 5th EU AML Directive was transposed into Irish law in April 2021, we are still awaiting transposition of the revised 6th EU AML Directive and to see how the European Commission's package for change, including the establishment of AMLA, progresses. It is important that those entrusted with AML/CFT responsibilities have adequate and regular training to ensure knowledge is kept up to date and those new to functions have a broad understanding of the full AML/CFT regime.

With this course, we aim to give you a full breakdown of the AML/CTF and Financial Sanctions Regime in Ireland. This full day course should enable you to understand the relevant concepts, put in place a robust AML/CTF framework and highlight the potential consequences of non-compliance.


Topics covered :
  • Legal and Regulatory Framework
  • Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Concepts
  • Emerging Trends
  • Risk Management and Assessment
  • Operational Requirements as they relate to Customer Due Diligence
  • Ongoing Monitoring
  • Sanctions Screening
  • Training Requirements
  • Record Keeping
  • Suspicious Activity/Transaction Reporting
  • Enforcement
  • Future Developments

Staff, Management and Directors with AML/CTF responsibilities such as front line or customer service staff, MLROs, AML Officers, etc. in obliged entities/designated persons who require an in depth look at Irish AML requirements as derived from European Union Directives.

Relevant Firms: credit and financial institutions, credit unions, money lenders, insurance undertakings and intermediaries, investment firms (IIA and MiFID), fund managers and administrators, trust or company service providers, estate agents, legal professionals, virtual asset services providers or those working with cryptocurrencies, leasing companies, etc.

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Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Updates

While the 5th EU AML Directive was transposed into Irish law in April 2021, we are still awaiting transposition of the revised 6th EU AML Directive and to see how the European Commission's package for change, including the establishment of AMLA, progresses.

It is important to stay updated on this ever-evolving area. With an expectation from competent authorities that staff and directors of all Designated Persons undertake annual AML training, our AML Updates training course is updated for each delivery to ensure it is up to date on relevant requirements.


Our 2 hour Anti Money Laundering (AML) session includes:
  • Regulatory Update:
    • Transposition of the 5th and 6th AML Directives
    • European Commission Action Plan
  • Overview/refresher on Designated Persons Obligations
  • Practical points for compliance
  • Relevant Enforcement Actions/ Competent Authority Activity

This module is suitable for most roles at firms which have AML obligations. It is recommended for Compliance Officers, Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, PCF Role Holders, Solicitors, Estate Agents, risk management personnel and others.

Relevant Firms: credit and financial institutions, credit unions, money lenders, insurance undertakings and intermediaries, investment firms (IIA and MiFID), fund managers and administrators, trust or company service providers, estate agents, legal professionals, virtual asset services providers or those working with cryptocurrencies, leasing companies, etc.

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Anti-Money Laundering (AML) for Directors

Boards of Directors remain ultimately responsible for the compliance of Designated Person entities with the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 as amended. With the 5th Eu Aml Directive having been transposed into Irish law in 2021, the 6th EU AML Directive having passed its transposition date and a European Level Action Plan to be put in place over the coming years, it is important for Directors to stay updated on this ever-evolving area

With an expectation from competent authorities that AML training is stratified and tailored to relevant roles, our training course is designed to specifically address the responsibilities of Directors in this area.


Our 2 hour Anti Money Laundering (AML) session includes:
  • Regulatory Update:
    • European Commission Action Plan including AMLA
  • Overview/refresher on Designated Persons Obligations
  • How to demonstrate Oversight of the AML Framework
    • Senior Management
    • Approval
    • Reporting/Management Information

Directors and Senior Management at firms which have AML obligations as Designated Persons (obliged entities). It is also recommended for Compliance Officers, Risk Officers and other personnel who may have a role in advising Boards on AML/CFT topics.

Relevant Firms: credit and financial institutions, credit unions, money lenders, insurance undertakings and intermediaries, investment firms (IIA and MiFID), fund managers and administrators, trust or company service providers, estate agents, legal professionals, virtual asset services providers or those working with cryptocurrencies, leasing companies, etc.

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Typical duration : 2 hours


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 3rd Oct 2023
Webinar -- Tue 21st Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Full Day Data Protection (GDPR + practical concerns)

The General Data Protection Regulations became law on 25th May 2018, as did the Irish Data Protection Amendment Act 2018. Since then, the Data Protection Commission has produced its Annual Reports highlighting significant increases in Data Breach notifications and Complaints. A number of large fines have also been issued by the Irish DPC and other member state Competent Authorities in this area.

Our Full Day Data Protection (GDPR) course aims to provide an in depth look at data protection requirements within Ireland and to provide relevant updates.

Topics covered :
  • The need for legislation?
  • The Law – What does GDPR entail?
    • Data Protection Principles
    • Rights of Data Subjects
    • Legal Basis for Processing
    • International Transfers
  • Key Practical Requirements
    • Record of Processing
    • Policies and Procedures
    • Technical organisational measures
    • Design and Default / Data Protection Impact Assessments
    • Relationships with Third parties
  • Personal Data Lifecycle
  • Case Studies
  • Enforcement

This module is suitable for most roles at most firms, whether data controllers or data processors, but particularly those roles which involve data protection obligations. It is recommended for Compliance Officers, Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, Principals, risk management personnel and others tasked with data protection roles particularly within financial services firms.


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Typical duration : Full Day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :


Full Training Schedule

Data Protection Essentials (2hr)

The General Data Protection Regulations became law on 25th May 2018, as did the Irish Data Protection Amendment Act 2018. The Data Protection Commission has since produced 3 annual reports. 2020 presented the first fine imposed by the DPC and multiple warnings around data security in the midst of a pandemic.

Our 2 hour Data Protection (GDPR) session aims to provide an overview of the requirements and relevant updates in this area.

Topics covered :
  • Overview of GDPR
  • Updates on GDPR implementation
  • Practical points for Compliance
  • Relevant Case Studies

This module is suitable for most roles at firms which involve data protection obligations. It is recommended for Compliance Officers, Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, Principals, risk management personnel and others who require a general understanding of Irish Data Protection requirements.

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Typical duration : 2 hours


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 19th Sep 2023
Webinar -- Tue 14th Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Ethics for Financial Services

While persons working within regulated sectors are often inundated with requirements and rules, ethical approaches to business often offers a buffer to prevent non-compliance. As such, many regulators and industry bodies require that persons operating within certain sectors to undertake mandatory ethics training on an annual basis.

This 1 hour module is primarily designed for Financial Services personnel to comply with Minimum Competency Code and Regulations requirements as set by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Topics covered :
  • What is Ethics?
  • Universal Ethical Principles
  • Case Studies – Good and Bad Examples
  • Central Bank of Ireland approach to Ethics:
    • Fitness and Probity
    • Whistle-blowing

This module is recommended for Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, Principals, PCF Role Holders, and others who have a CPD requirement to complete an Ethics module as part of their overall CPD requirements.

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Typical duration : 1 hour


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 12th Sep 2023
Webinar -- Tue 7th Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Insurance Distribution Regulations (IDR)

The Insurance Distribution Regulations became law on 1st October 2018. The regulations repealed the Insurance Mediation Regulations and transposed the Insurance Distribution Directive into Irish law.

This half day course is designed to explore the provisions of IDR and facilitate greater understanding of the interplay of these regulations with other requirements in the context of pre-existing regulatory requirements.

Topics Covered:
  • Knowledge and Competency requirements for Insurance Distributors and interaction with the Minimum Competency Code and Regulations
  • Required procedures:
    • Requirement for Due Diligence process for Employees and the appointment of other Intermediaries
    • Premium Account control procedures
    • Complaints Handling procedures
    • Requirement for Remuneration Policy
  • Provision of Information:
    • Compliant Terms of Business
    • Statement of Demands and Needs
    • Insurance Product Information Document (IPID)
  • How the requirements relate to the Consumer Protection Code

The course is designed primarily for persons working in the Insurance Sector in Ireland such as Compliance Officers and individual Insurance Brokers, it will also provide insight for those interested to understand how insurance intermediary services are regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :


Full Training Schedule

Risk-Based Compliance

Risk Based Compliance is an approach that ensures resources are spread proportionately relative to your company’s compliance risk - the higher the risk, the greater the levels of monitoring and action. For regulated entities in Ireland, use of this framework is a fundamental Central Bank expectation.

Our half day workshop provides Compliance Officers in particular with the tools to enable you to establish, document and implement a risk-based approach in your firm.


Topics covered :
  • Central Bank of Ireland expectations
  • The Regulatory Context
  • How to create a Compliance Risk Universe
  • The benefits of a Risk Based approach
  • Practical points for compliance
    • Compliance Framework
    • Relevant Documents
    • Approaches to Testing
    • Reporting

This module is suitable for most roles at firms within the Financial Services sector which have regulatory compliance obligations. It is recommended for Compliance Officers, Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, PCF Role Holders especially Head of Compliance (PCF12 & PCF15), Risk management and other personnel.

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Consumer Protection Code

On the 1st of January 2012 the revised Consumer Protection Code (the Code) came into effect which sets out the requirements that regulated entities must comply with when dealing with consumers.

A number of addendum’s have been made to the code since then to keep up with the changes with respect to new regulated sectors, changes in European legislation (e.g. MiFID II) and Central Bank consultations (e.g. CP116).

This half day course will provide attendees with a full understanding of the code and how it can be implemented within their own firms.

Topics covered :
  • General Principles & Governance
  • General Requirements
    • Restrictions
    • Conflicts of Interest
    • Contact with Customers
    • Premium Handling
    • Product producer responsibilities
  • Provision of Information
  • Knowing the consumer and suitability requirements
  • Post-sale information
  • Rebates and Claims processing
  • Arrears
  • Advertising
  • Errors and Complaints resolution
  • Records and Compliance

Staff and management working in customer facing, compliance, product development, premium handling, claims management and marketing roles within CBI regulated firms who deal with customers in the state that fall within the definition of consumer.

Relevant Firms: Credit institutions, insurance undertakings, investment business firms, investment intermediaries, insurance intermediaries, mortgage intermediaries, payment institutions, electronic money institutions, debt management firms and credit servicers.

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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Thu 26th Oct 2023
Webinar -- Thu 7th Dec 2023


Full Training Schedule

Directors' Duties

The Companies Act 2014 not only consolidated existing company law legislation but also represented the first time in Irish Law that Directors’ Duties were set out in one place. The Act incorporates a number of long-established fiduciary duties. It is important that any person taking up or fulfilling a directorship in an Irish established entity is familiar with these duties.

Our half day Directors’ Duties course aims to give you an understanding of the range of duties covered and enable you to comply with your obligations.

Topics covered :
  • Overview of the Companies Act 2014
  • Directors' Duties
    • Remuneration
    • Interests of Employees
    • Compliance Statements
    • Financial Statements
    • Fiduciary Duties
    • Other Interests
    • Account and Indemnify
  • Consequences of breaches

Any person taking up or currently performing a Director role in an Irish company or considering same. It may also be suitable for Company Secretaries or those tasked with advising or assessing Directors in their roles.


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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Thu 2nd Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Fitness and Probity

In this module we examine the Central Bank of Ireland's Fitness and Probity requirements including Minimum Competency. This is a very topical and ever evolving area. In 2020 there were further additions to the list of Pre-Approval Function (PCF roles) and a second Dear CEO letter from the Central Bank of Ireland, in November 2020, highlighting weaknesses in firms’ compliance with the regime.

It is important that all regulated entities have robust Fitness and Probity frameworks in place. This half day course is designed to assist relevant personnel in establishing, improving and implementing processes that effectively address the fitness and probity requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland.
Topics covered :
  • Sources of Obligations
  • The Fitness and Probity Requirement
  • Controlled Functions and PCF’s
  • The Fitness and Probity Standards
    • Competence & Capability
    • Honesty, Ethics & Integrity
    • Financial Soundness
  • The Minimum Competency Code and Regulations
    • Qualifications
    • CPD
  • Practical Compliance

This module is primarily designed for Financial Services personnel to comply with Fitness and Probity and Minimum Competency requirements as set by the Central Bank of Ireland.

It is recommended for Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, Principals/ Directors, PCF Role Holders, Compliance and Risk officers, HR personnel, company secretaries, and others.


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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :


Full Training Schedule

MLRO Duties

The Money Laundering Reporting Office (MLRO) can play a critical role within designated person entities especially with respect to the reporting of suspicious transactions and activity. Sometimes the MLRO may be expected to establish, implement, and monitor an effective AML/CFT system and is given significant responsibility as a result.

This half day course has been created to allow attendees to gain a better understanding of the role of the MLRO, the relevant legal requirements and practical points to consider.
Topics covered :
  • What is an MLRO?
  • AML/CFT Duties and Obligations
    • Best Practice: Governance, Board Reporting, Risk Assessment, Policies and
    • Procedures, Record-Keeping, Ongoing Monitoring, Training and Sanctions
  • MLRO Expertise
    • Anti-Money Laundering / Counter Terrorist Financing Laws and Trends
  • Suspicious Activity / Transaction Reporting
    • Identification of Red Flags
    • Ideal Internal reporting processes and procedures
    • Tipping off

This module is recommended for Money Laundering Reporting Officers, those wishing or about to take up such a role, or those tasked with resourcing or monitoring the MLRO role such as Directors, Managers, Heads of Function, etc..


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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 24th Oct 2023
Webinar -- Thu 23rd Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears

The Covid-19 Pandemic has impacted on the ability of countless families to be able to pay their household bills. Despite temporary payment breaks for Mortgages, there will be numerous mortgage holders facing into arrears at the latter end of 2020 and the CCMA is very likely to come into sharper focus again.

This half day course will serve to refresh the minds of those familiar with mortgage business while also giving attendees new to the area a full understanding of the Code.

Topics covered :
  • Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP)
  • The role of the Arrears Support Unit (ASU)
  • Alternative Repayment Arrangements
  • Meaning of ‘Not Co-operating’
  • Provision of Information
  • Complaints resolution
  • Records and Compliance
  • Relevant enforcement action

Staff and management working in arrears handling roles or functions within firms that provide or service mortgages to individuals in Ireland.

Relevant Firms: Credit institutions, mortgage intermediaries, retail credit firms, debt management firms and credit servicers.


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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :


Full Training Schedule

Consumer Insurance Contracts Act

On the 2nd September 2020, certain provisions of the Consumer Insurance Contracts Act came into effect with more to take effect on 1st September 2021.

This 2hr course will provide attendees with an understanding of the key changes the provisions brought in and what steps are required to implement them.


  • Provisions effective 2020
    • Insurable Interest
    • Cooling Off periods
    • Alteration of Risk Clauses
    • Claims Handling
    • Suspensive Conditions
    • Third Party Rights
  • Provisions effective 2021
    • Material facts replaced
    • Remedies for Misrepresentation
    • Information and Duties at Renewal

Staff and management working in the Insurance Sector - customer facing, compliance, product development, premium handling, claims management and marketing roles within firms that deal with customers in the state that fall within the definition of consumer.

Relevant Firms: Insurance undertakings, insurance intermediaries, mortgage intermediaries.


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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :


Full Training Schedule

Central Bank of Ireland: Enforcement Actions & Inspections (CBI)

The Central Bank of Ireland, (CBI) as regulator and Competent Authority for regulated entities operating in the financial services sector in Ireland. Under the Central Bank Act 1942, the Central Bank Reform Act 2010 and the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, the CBI may take action against any regulated entity that is in breach of the obligations that are associated with its authorisation. As the competent authority for supervision of regulated entities, the CBI will have an ongoing relationship with the entities that it regulates. The PRISM (Probability Risk Impact SysteM) system used by the CBI ensures that the greater risk posed to the financial system by an entity, the greater the interaction that entity will have with the CBI. This course will provide an insight into how the CBI conducts visits and what they expect and a framework or guidance for you/your firm on how to manage these interactions.

Topics covered :
  • Central Bank of Ireland
    • Basis for enforcement actions
    • Administrative Sanctions regime
    • Themed inspections
    • Day to day interactions with CBI
    • Dawn Raids
      • Review of enforcement actions and prohibition notices (sample of these)
      • Results of Inspections: how these are communicated
        • Press Releases
        • Dear CEO Letters

Management and Directors with compliance responsibilities and who may be nominated by their employer as a point of contact with the Central Bank. Legal personnel. MLRO and any other senior management.

Relevant Firms: credit and financial institutions, credit unions, money lenders, insurance undertakings and intermediaries, investment firms (IIA and MiFID), fund managers and administrators, trust or company service providers, estate agents, legal professionals, virtual asset services providers or those working with cryptocurrencies, leasing companies, etc.


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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Thu 21st Sep 2023
Webinar -- Thu 9th Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)

Consumer Protection is a key area of focus for the Central Bank of Ireland. In addition to the Central Bank, both the Competition for Consumer Protection Commission and the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman also have roles to play in this area. This course focuses on the obligations imposed on individuals and firms within the financial services sector and explores relevant concepts to be able to demonstrate that your firm is treating customers fairly.


Topics covered :
  • General TCF principles
  • Relevant Consumer Protection Code provisions including:
    • Conflicts of Interest
    • Customer Contact
    • Product suitablity
    • Post Sales processes
    • Advertising
    • Compliants Handling
    • Errors Resolution
      • The role of the Consumer Protection Commission
        • Customer charter
          • Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
            • Complints Process
            • Reports
            • Relevant Case Studies / Enforcement Actions

This course is designed for persons working in customer facing roles and those involved in managing customer services and complaints processes. In particular, customer service/customer relationship staff, managers, complaints adjudicators (CF8), compliance staff, and others.

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Typical duration : Half day


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :


Full Training Schedule

Whistleblowing

All financial service providers are required to have a policy or channel in place that allows employees to raise issues of concern with respect to non-compliance with financial services legislation without fear of retaliation from their employer. In addition, the Protected Disclosures Act, which applies to all commercial entities, was recently amended to transpose the European Whistleblowing Directive into Irish law.

This 2 hour session looks at the relevant legal and regulatory requirements while delving into some practical examples.


Topics covered :
  • Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013
  • Protected Disclosure Act 2014 as amended
  • Whistleblowing Directive 2019
  • CBI Dear CEO letter
  • Practical Examples of whistleblowing
  • Practical tips on how to comply

This course is suitable for most roles at firms within the Financial Services sector. It is recommended for Compliance Officers, Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, PCF Role Holders, HR professionals and others.

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Typical duration : 2 hours


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 20th Jun 2023
Webinar -- Tue 10th Oct 2023


Full Training Schedule

Market Abuse

Various pieces of legislation seek to ensure the orderly and fair operation of financial markets. In Europe the Market Abuse Directive and associated Market Abuse Regulations are the primary sources of rules which attempt to minimise the risk of Market Abuse.

This 2 hour course, targeted at individuals working within relevant regulated sectors in Ireland, is designed to inform you as to your obligations around the management of insider information, identification of market abuse activities and the reporting of suspicions around potential market abuse.


Topics covered :
  • What is Market Abuse?
  • Relevant Legislation, Regulation and Guidance
  • Prohibited behaviours such as Market Manipulation and Insider Trading / Insider Dealing
  • The need for Trade Surveillance systems
  • Reporting Obligations – Suspicious Transaction & Order Reports (STORs)
  • Central Bank of Ireland supervision including Dear CEO letters and Enforcement Actions

All individuals working within the regulated financial markets – employees of all market participant firms such as MiFID firms, platform operators, and other regulated entities arranging or executing transactions in financial instruments. This course is suitable for individuals in various roles such Financial advisors, stock brokers, compliance personnel, etc.

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Typical duration : 2 hours


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 28th Nov 2023


Full Training Schedule

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

This course aims to provide a practical guide to ESG and what it means for your business.

ESG performance is increasingly critical for businesses that are under scrutiny from a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, investors, regulators and employees. Regulated entities will have to consider changing their business models to take account of the risks and opportunities posed by climate change while at the same time responding to reputational and regulatory risks.

Participants will learn how to better understand the role of businesses in tackling climate change. The course will cover a summary of key EU and industry developments in ESG matters relating to the financial services sector and the Central Bank’s supervisory expectations of regulated firms regarding Climate Change and ESG issues.


Our 2 hour (Environmental, Social and Governance) session includes :
  • Overview of the EU Sustainability Legislation:
    • EU Taxonomy
    • Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) Level 1 & 2
    • Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD)
  • Overview of Central Bank’s Expectations
  • How to demonstrate compliance with the Sustainability Legislation

This course is suitable for most roles at firms within the Financial Services sector. It is recommended for Compliance Officers, Individual Intermediaries/Brokers, PCF Role Holders and others.

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Typical duration : 2 hours


Upcoming Sessions (click to book) :
Webinar -- Tue 12th Dec 2023


Full Training Schedule