News Release

A Step Up For Financial Crimefighters

WilmU's new ACAMS partnership puts top anti-money laundering credential within reach

Detecting and preventing financial crime is big business. It also presents booming career opportunities in banking, government, healthcare, and other fields. Gaining the recognition of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) in that task is a mark of excellence among fiscal watchdogs.

Under the terms of a newly signed agreement between Wilmington University and ACAMS, the leading professional organization for those who police money laundering and terrorist financing, completion of Wilmington University's six-course compliance certificate is worth 36 credit hours toward the 40 credits required to sit for the 120-question, computer-based exam. 

For select students at Wilmington University, earning the distinction of ACAMS certification is now well within reach. The University's compliance certificate program provides each student with 90% of the qualifications needed to take the Association's rigorous CAMS exam.

"Earning 36 of the required 40 credit hours is a huge step up for students pursuing this professional credential," said assistant professor Lori Sitler, who chairs WilmU's government and public policy program and coordinates the compliance certificate program. 

While the certificate is a standalone credential, its completion as part of a degree increases its benefit to CAMS exam candidates. "A student who earns both an undergraduate or graduate degree and the compliance certificate will earn enough credits to sit for CAMS certification immediately upon graduation," she added.

This certification has the potential to open many doors. "Since CAMS-certified people possess a fundamental understanding of the risks, red flags and regulations associated with a variety of financial crimes, pursuing and obtaining CAMS certification provides an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency. It also allows promotions for those who complete the program along with the chance to move on to more challenging roles," said Chris King, co-chair of ACAMS' Delaware chapter.

Certified employees are an asset to their companies as well. "With the increased scrutiny that financial institutions and related businesses receive from regulatory bodies, knowing that you have independently certified experts lends credibility to a compliance or audit program," said King.

As part of its agreement with WilmU, ACAMS also offers those enrolled in the compliance certificate program a discounted rate on its CAMS examination package, which includes access to the electronic edition of its exam study materials and online training course as well as registration for the exam.

In addition, a two-year, non-renewable, student membership in the association carries advantages even after the exam is completed. "ACAMS provides multiple forums — such as online learning and in-person events — for members to engage in education and networking, the keys to success among any professionals, including anti-money laundering specialists," said King.

"ACAMS is excited about our partnership with Wilmington University," said the national association's executive vice president, John J. Byrne. "Being able to aid WilmU's students advances our mission to provide superior educational experiences that aid in the detection and prevention of financial crime.

"With the added value of the ACAMS Delaware chapter, our partnership will help connect local students and ACAMS members through new networking opportunities," said Byrne.

Designed for students seeking specialized knowledge in U.S. and global laws, standards, and governance, WilmU's compliance certificate program also serves the continuing education needs of mid-career professionals in regulated industries or at regulatory agencies.

The certificate is taught online through the College of Social and Behavioral Science, and its credits can be "stacked" from courses taken toward degrees in government and public policy, criminal justice, accounting, healthcare management and other majors.

For more information about the compliance certificate program, Wilmington University's agreement with ACAMS, or eligibility for the association's CAMS exam benefits, contact assistant professor Lori Sitler at (302) 356-6765 or lorraine.r.sitler@wilmu.edu.

About Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.

Published: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 - New Castle, DE