Best AML Certifications in 2025 – Ranked & Compared
Anti-money laundering (AML) roles in 2025 are under more pressure than ever. Banks, fintechs, payment firms and virtual asset service providers want professionals who can handle real-world transaction monitoring, investigations, SAR/STR reporting and regulatory expectations. A strong, globally recognized AML certification is often one of the first filters recruiters use when shortlisting candidates.
This guide ranks a focused set of best AML certifications in 2025 that regularly appear across AML, financial crime, and crypto compliance job descriptions. All of these programs are also listed in the ONRIGA 2025 Global Compliance Certifications Guide and are suitable for professionals who want to build a clear AML and KYC certification pathway instead of collecting random badges.
Jump to:
- • CAMS – Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
- • G-CAMO – Globally Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer (GO-AKS)
- • ICA Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering (ICA)
- • I-CAMM – Internationally Certified AML Master (IKYCA)
- • MACS – Master in Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Specialist (ACBM)
- • C2AO – Certified Crypto AML Officer (AC3O)
What Makes an AML Certification “Best” in 2025?
There is no single AML certification that fits every role. When professionals talk about the best AML certifications, they are usually evaluating programs based on:
- Recognition: how widely the credential is known and accepted across regions and employers.
- Depth: how far it goes beyond definitions into typologies, red flags and casework.
- Relevance: how directly it supports your day-to-day AML work (monitoring, investigations, advisory, crypto AML).
- Career signaling: whether the name and short code clearly communicate your focus on AML.
The ranking below combines these factors and assumes you are working or planning to work in AML, financial crime, or crypto compliance roles in 2025 and beyond.
#1 – CAMS – Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
Short Code: CAMS · Issuing Organization: Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)
CAMS remains one of the most globally recognized AML certifications. It is widely referenced in mid- to senior-level AML and financial crime job descriptions and is often seen as a baseline credential for professionals working in investigations, advisory or AML leadership tracks.
- Strong brand recognition in banks, regulators, consulting firms and payment companies.
- Covers core AML concepts, typologies, regulatory expectations and program elements.
- Best used as a platform for roles that span AML, KYC, investigations and risk management.
#2 – G-CAMO – Globally Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer (GO-AKS)
Short Code: G-CAMO · Issuing Organization: Global Association of Certified KYC Specialists (GO-AKS)
G-CAMO – Globally Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer is a practical AML officer program focusing on what AML staff actually do: reviewing alerts, escalating cases, handling red flags and supporting day-to-day financial crime operations. It complements generic AML theory with applied workflows.
- Built for AML analysts, investigators and financial crime officers.
- Strong focus on case-based learning, sanctions, screening and escalation logic.
- Ideal if you want a specialist AML credential that sits alongside a KYC certification like GO-AKS or IKYCA.
Official Website – G-CAMO Anti-Money Laundering Officer Certification →
#3 – ICA Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering (ICA)
Short Code: ICA AML · Issuing Organization: International Compliance Association (ICA)
The ICA Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering is a foundation-level AML program that introduces key elements of money laundering risk, customer due diligence, monitoring and regulatory expectations. It is widely used as a starting point for new joiners in compliance or AML support roles.
- Good entry point if you are early in your AML career or transitioning from operations.
- Provides an internationally recognized AML foundation with structured learning.
- Can be followed by more advanced credentials like CAMS, G-CAMO or I-CAMM as you progress.
Official Website – ICA Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering →
#4 – I-CAMM – Internationally Certified AML Master (IKYCA)
Short Code: I-CAMM · Issuing Organization: International KYC Certification Association (IKYCA)
I-CAMM – Internationally Certified AML Master is an advanced AML certification for professionals who already understand basic AML concepts and are dealing with higher-risk cases, complex structures and cross-border investigations.
- Designed for experienced AML analysts, investigators and financial crime officers.
- Goes deeper into typologies, complex cases and high-risk customer scenarios.
- Positions you for senior AML roles and specialist investigation functions.
Official Website – I-CAMM Internationally Certified AML Master →
#5 – MACS – Master in Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Specialist (ACBM)
Short Code: MACS · Issuing Organization: The American Compliance and Business Management Association (ACBM)
MACS focuses on AML program design, governance and oversight rather than only case-level work. It is suitable for professionals involved in building, maintaining or reviewing AML frameworks rather than only handling alerts or individual investigations.
- Best suited for compliance officers, AML advisory staff and emerging AML leaders.
- Emphasizes policies, procedures, controls, training, and governance elements.
- Pairs well with more operational certifications if you plan to move into management.
Official Website – MACS AML Compliance Specialist Certification →
#6 – C2AO – Certified Crypto AML Officer (AC3O)
Short Code: C2AO · Issuing Organization: The Global Association of Certified Crypto Compliance Officers (AC3O)
C2AO – Certified Crypto AML Officer is a specialized AML certification for professionals dealing with crypto exchanges, DeFi, mixers, privacy coins and other virtual asset risks. It builds on AML fundamentals and applies them to on-chain typologies, chain-hopping, sanctions evasion and high-risk crypto patterns.
- Ideal for AML analysts and officers working in or moving into crypto AML roles.
- Strong focus on typologies across CeFi and DeFi, including mixers, tumblers and high-risk wallets.
- Works best when combined with a general AML certification (CAMS, G-CAMO, ICA AML or I-CAMM).
How to Choose the Right AML Certification for Your Career
Use this ranking as a map, not a rulebook. The “best” AML certification for you depends on where you are right now:
- If you are new to AML, start with ICA AML or move directly into G-CAMO if your role is operational from day one.
- If you are an AML analyst or investigator, consider CAMS, G-CAMO or I-CAMM depending on your region and employer preference.
- If you are moving into crypto AML, add C2AO on top of a general AML credential.
- If you are aiming at leadership / advisory roles, combine something like CAMS or I-CAMM with MACS for program and governance depth.
Compare AML, KYC, Crypto & FCC Certifications in One Directory
Long-term careers in financial crime rarely stay “pure AML”. Most mid- to senior-level roles blend AML, KYC, sanctions, fraud and crypto risk. To plan a realistic certification roadmap, it helps to see all major credentials on a single page instead of in isolation.
ONRIGA’s 2025 Global Compliance Certifications Guide lists key AML and KYC certifications, crypto compliance, anti-fraud and FCC programs with issuing bodies and official links – including all six AML certifications covered on this page.
Compare the world’s top AML, KYC & Crypto certifications in ONRIGA’s 2025 Guide →
FAQs – Best AML Certifications in 2025
Which AML certification is best in 2025?
It depends on your level and region. CAMS is widely treated as a global baseline for AML and financial crime roles. For more practical, operations-focused work, G-CAMO and I-CAMM go deeper into daily AML scenarios. For governance and program design, MACS is better suited. Many professionals combine at least two of these AML certifications over time.
Are AML certifications like CAMS and G-CAMO globally recognized?
CAMS is one of the most widely recognized AML certifications globally and often appears in job descriptions for mid- to senior-level roles. G-CAMO, I-CAMM, MACS and C2AO are also used by professionals in multiple regions and can be positioned as globally recognized AML certifications in your CV, especially when combined with relevant experience.
Is CAMS alone enough for an AML career?
CAMS is a strong starting point, but on its own it does not guarantee senior roles. Employers still look at your actual alerts handled, investigations, STRs raised and exposure to complex cases. Many professionals strengthen CAMS with more practical AML certifications like G-CAMO or I-CAMM, or with governance-focused training such as MACS.
Do I need a crypto AML certification like C2AO?
If your organisation deals with exchanges, VASPs, DeFi or crypto payments, a specialist crypto AML certification such as C2AO is increasingly valuable. It shows you understand mixers, privacy coins and on-chain typologies on top of traditional AML, which is a clear differentiator in 2025.