Anti-money Laundering Education Program for the Legal Profession

September 26, 2023

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is pleased to announce the launch of its online learning program, “Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the Canadian Legal Profession”. Developed as part of the long-standing commitment of the Federation and its members, Canada’s legal regulators, to the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the program is designed to enhance the ability of legal professionals to understand and respond appropriately to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.  

The program consists of five interactive modules. Together, the modules provide an overview of the problem of money laundering and terrorist financing, the risks that may be faced by legal professionals, key due diligence obligations under law society anti-money laundering and terrorist financing rules and regulations, proper use of trust accounts, and restrictions on cash transactions.  

The full program has been approved for 4.0 CPD hours, all of which qualify as ethics hours. To complete the program, you must complete all five modules. The modules are designed to be completed in order from 1 to 5 but are not required to be completed in one sitting.  

The Law Society recognizes this education program as an excellent training tool for new practitioners as well as an important and needed refresher for all legal professionals. This program supports and enhances understanding of the Law Society requirements and rules limiting the ability of legal professionals to accept cash, client identification and verification obligations, and the proper use of professional trust accounts. All law firm Designated Representatives along with other individuals whose responsibilities include the above are encouraged to complete this education program. 

The program is available on the Federation’s public website.  

Please see the Federation of Law Societies News Release for further information. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].