Why was ACAMS created?
ACAMS grew from an expanding need to identify professionals with clearly identified expertise in the field of money laundering detection, prevention and control. It develops anti-money laundering programs and certifies specialists for financial and non-financial businesses and government agencies. ACAMS aims to help financial institutions remain in compliance by providing information on money laundering laws and regulations of the United States and other countries, including the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act. ACAMS seeks to help compliance officers, anti-money laundering specialists and in-service and retired government regulators and enforcement agents perform their duties well by providing up-to-date information, education, career development and professional networking opportunities. ACAMS also enables financial institutions, trades, businesses and government agencies identify expertise in the field from which they may recruit personnel who meet minimum certified standards.