Digital Assets Compliance Specialization


The Digital Assets Compliance Specialization (DACS) is a comprehensive, multi-level learning program designed to equip financial crime compliance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

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Elevate your expertise

Designed for professionals entering or advancing in digital asset compliance, this program provides a comprehensive foundation in blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and their role in today’s regulatory landscape.

Through practical insights and real-world scenarios, you will build the knowledge needed to navigate evolving regulations, identify typologies, and address complex compliance challenges.

Gain essential skills to support financial crime compliance in digital asset environments, including:

  • Blockchain and cryptocurrency fundamentals
  • Regulatory developments and compliance frameworks
  • Digital asset typologies and risk indicators
  • Real-world compliance challenges and scenario analysis

This program is especially valuable for:

  • AML/CFT Compliance Officers
  • Crypto Compliance Professionals
  • Law Enforcement and Regulatory Staff
  • Financial Investigators
  • Professionals seeking digital asset training

Enjoy a flexible learning experience with no application, recertification, or membership requirements.

Training Options

DACS Specialization

Three online courses – Foundations, Intermediate and Advanced – combined into one learning journey.

7hours
7credits
  • Foundations
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • How you’ll learnSelf-paced study featuring interactive learning elements, audio and visual content, real-world case studies, practical exercises and downloadable resources
  • What you’ll earnCertificate of completion, digital badge via Credly, and 7 credits

No application, recertification, or membership requirements.

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Foundations Training

Foundations course (only) as a stand-alone training option, separate from the full specialization program.

2hours
2credits
  • Foundations
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • How you’ll learnSelf-paced study featuring interactive learning elements, audio and visual content, real-world case studies, practical exercises and downloadable resources
  • What you’ll earnCertificate of completion and 2 credits

Complete Foundations and get 20% off when you upgrade to the full DACS Specialization.

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Meet the DACS Task Force

DACS is developed and maintained by a task force of industry experts.

  • Bio
    Larhee Bettis

    Larhee Bettis

    Transaction Monitoring Lead

    Binance.US
  • Bio
    Joe Ciccolo

    Joe Ciccolo

    Founder & CEO

    BitAML
  • Bio
    Pamela Clegg

    Pamela Clegg

    Vice President, Latin America

    Ivix
  • Bio
    Rosie McWhorter CFCS

    Rosie McWhorter

    BSA Officer

    Binance.US
  • Bio
    Urriolagoitia (Rio) Miner CFCS

    Urriolagoitia (Rio) Miner

    Founder & CEO

    FCI Tradecraft
  • Bio
    Ervin Zubic CFCS

    Ervin Zubic

    Founder

    blockquiry

Program Overview

Three courses, completed in order. A placement assessment confirms where you start.

Delivery
Online, self-paced
Duration
2 hours
Access
1 year
Certificate
Certificate of Completion

Foundations

Foundations provides a great starting point for those new to the crypto and digital assets space, or those seeking a refresher. Through video instruction, case studies and interactive knowledge checks, you'll learn the basics of blockchain technologies, key players in the digital asset ecosystem, illicit finance challenges unique to digital assets and core compliance program elements, and key regulation and standards for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

Best suited for

  • Newcomers to crypto and digital assets
  • Compliance professionals from traditional finance – banks, broker dealers, credit unions, MSBs, etc.

Course outline

  1. Essentials in Plain EnglishQuick intro to blockchain, cryptocurrency categories, and how transactions flow.
  2. Who’s WhoMeet the key players—exchanges, custodians, DeFi platforms, and the banks that connect crypto to fiat.
  3. Why Compliance MattersAML, KYC, sanctions—what regulators expect and why reputations depend on it.
  4. Crypto-Specific RisksPseudonymous wallets, mixers, privacy coins, and chain-hopping tactics you must monitor.
  5. Building a ProgramRisk-based controls, blockchain-analytics tools, Travel Rule, and reporting essentials.
  6. Regulatory SnapshotFATF guidance plus highlights from the U.S., EU MiCA, and Singapore.
  7. Next Steps & ResourcesCareer tips, emerging trends (CBDCs, DeFi oversight), and links to further learning.

Includes quizzes, case studies, and an assessment to cement learning. A score of 80% or higher is required to earn the certificate of completion.

Delivery
Online, self-paced
Duration
3 hours
Access
1 year
Certificate
Certificate of Completion

Intermediate

Intermediate is your comprehensive guide to understanding and managing financial crime risks in the digital assets space. Through video instruction, case studies and interactive knowledge checks, you’ll learn AML, fraud and sanctions evasion typologies in crypto and digital assets, the essentials of blockchain analytics and transaction tracing, key regulatory updates and standards, guidance on filing SARs/STRs on crypto transactions, and more.

Best suited for

  • Compliance professionals in traditional finance with some knowledge of crypto
  • Crypto compliance professionals
  • Law enforcement
  • Regulators

Course outline

  1. Global RulebookFATF’s 2024 targeted update and the latest frameworks in the EU, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.—and how they shape compliance programs.
  2. Typologies in ActionMixers, privacy-coin flows, chain-hopping, high-volume P2P transfers, and mule networks—plus the red flags that reveal them.
  3. Web3 Compliance RisksDeFi platforms, NFTs, and non-custodial services—where the risks are and how to control them.
  4. Forensics ToolkitTrace complex fund flows across chains using open-source explorers and proprietary analytics platforms.
  5. Writing Crypto SARs/STRsDraft regulator-ready narratives that evidence blockchain data, highlight red flags, and meet reporting deadlines.
  6. Case Study: Lessons LearnedUnpack a recent high-profile enforcement case to identify control breakdowns and build stronger defenses.

Includes quizzes, case studies, and an assessment to cement learning. A score of 80% or higher is required to earn the certificate of completion.

Delivery
Online, self-paced, office hours
Duration
2 hours
Access
1 year
Certificate
Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge

Advanced

For those seeking a deeper dive into the fast-moving world of risk management in crypto and digital assets, Advanced offers in-depth instruction combined with practical exercises to reinforce learning. You’ll learn more complex laundering techniques and typologies used by illicit actors in crypto, emerging compliance challenges in the DeFi sector, how to trace transactions cross-chain, how to manage regulatory exams and audits related to digital assets, and more.

You’ll also engage in hands-on activities like a mock crypto investigation and risk assessment of a fictional crypto business to test your knowledge and skills.

Best suited for

  • Compliance professionals in traditional finance with knowledge of crypto
  • Crypto compliance professionals
  • Law enforcement agents who conduct crypto investigations
  • Regulators and auditors in the crypto and digital assets industry

Course outline

  1. Global Regulatory & Enforcement LandscapeCompare FATF updates and regional frameworks (EU, U.S., APAC). Identify regulatory “tells” like privacy coins, weak onboarding, and unlicensed VASPs that shape program design.
  2. Typologies & Red FlagsExamine laundering methods such as cross-chain activity, nested services, OTC brokers, mixers, and mule networks. Spot the key red flags behind each pattern.
  3. Compliance in DeFi & Web3Assess risks in DEXs, DAOs, NFTs, and smart contracts. Explore controls for flash loans, yield farming, and other high-risk DeFi activity.
  4. Blockchain ForensicsApply advanced tools and methods: wallet clustering, taint analysis, anomaly mapping, and contagion tracing to track illicit flows.
  5. Enforcement Case StudyBreak down a recent high-profile case. Pinpoint control failures, regulator focus, and lessons for stronger frameworks.
  6. Building Stronger ProgramsDesign crypto-specific controls for mixers, cross-chain flows, and DeFi. Balance effectiveness, efficiency, and customer protection while meeting Travel Rule and reporting obligations.

Includes quizzes, case studies, and an assessment to cement learning. A score of 80% or higher is required to earn the certificate of completion.

Course Pricing


DACS Specialization

(Members)

$525 USD

Add to Cart

DACS Specialization 

(Non-Members)

$725 USD

Add to Cart

DACS Specialization

(Foundations Only)

$200 USD

Add to Cart

FAQs

Is DACS eligible for continuing education credits?

Learners who complete the DACS specialization will receive 7 credits. Those who only complete the Foundations course as training will receive 2 credits.

How do I access the DACS course?

Learners will receive a welcome email with instructions on how to access the ACFCS member portal where the course is located.

How long do I have access to DACS?

Learners will have access to DACS for 1 year (365 days) from the date of purchase.

Why do I need to complete a placement assessment?

The placement assessment ensures that each learner starts DACS at the right level for their knowledge and experience. Those who demonstrate mastery of foundational concepts can skip the Foundations course and move directly into the Intermediate level, saving time while maintaining the program’s rigor and ensuring all learners build on a solid, consistent base.

Does DACS include a proctored exam?

The DACS program does not include a proctored exam. Instead, learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills by completing all course content, including capstone exercises and assessments. These applied evaluations are designed to measure practical understanding and ensure meaningful mastery of the material, providing a rigorous and valuable learning experience without the need for a proctored test.

Why can't I skip ahead in each course?

The courses are designed to be completed in sequence so that each section builds on the last. This ensures you don’t miss key information, meet learning requirements, and are fully prepared for each assessment.

When will I receive my badge after completing DACS?

Learners will receive their Credly badge one week after completing DACS. The certificate of completion will be downloadable directly from the DACS course in the member portal.

What if I am unable to complete DACS within the year?

Learners may extend their DACS course access for an additional 6 months at a cost of $100 per extension. There is no limit to the number of extensions that may be purchased.

Are there any requirements to maintain DACS?

DACS does not require recertification or ongoing maintenance.

Could I still complete DACS if I purchase the Foundations training course separately?

Yes! Learners who purchase the Foundations training course separately will have the option to upgrade to DACS at a reduced rate. Learners who complete Foundations will receive a 20% discount on the member or non-member rate for DACS. Please contact Customer Support at customerservice@acfcs.org to upgrade.

Will I need to start from the beginning if I upgrade from Foundations to DACS?

Learners who complete the Foundations training course and later choose to upgrade to DACS will receive course credit for the Foundations course and will not need to complete the placement assessment.

What are the system requirements for the eLearning course?

The system requirements necessary to run our learning platform:

Operating System Requirements
Windows: Windows 10 or higher
macOS: The last two major releases
Linux: Most Linux distributions (ChromeOS is not tested)

Web Browser Support
Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari follow a continuous release policy, and the LMS supports the last two major versions of each of these browsers.

Safari on Windows is not supported
For Chrome in Incognito mode (version 83+), third-party cookies must be manually enabled

Mobile Device Support
Mobile Browsers: Only the latest two major versions are supported
Tablets: The platform supports Android tablets with 8" screens or larger and all Apple iPads
Mobile App (Go.Learn): Available for both iOS and Android devices

Ready to begin your journey towards CFCS certification?

Start building your expertise and credibility in financial crime prevention today.

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What everyone is saying...

The CFCS tests the skills necessary to fight financial crime. It's comprehensive. Passing it should be considered a mark of high achievement, distinguishing qualified experts in this growing specialty area.

KENNETH E. BARDEN 

CFCS, Washington, DC

The exam tests one's ability to apply concepts in practical scenarios. Passing it can be a great asset for professionals in the converging disciplines of financial crime.

DANIEL DWAIN

CFCS, Chief Compliance Officer, Cidel Bank & Trust Inc. New York, NY

The Exam is far-reaching. I love that the questions are scenario based. I recommend it to anyone in the financial crime detection and prevention profession.

BECKI LAPORTE
CFCS, Principal - AML Strategy and Innovation, FinScan, Atlanta, GA

This certification comes at a very ripe time. Professionals can no longer get away with having siloed knowledge. Compliance is all-encompassing and enterprise-driven.

KATYA GOZIAS
CFCS, Los Angeles, CA

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