Spotting Red Flags: AML Detection in Crypto-Asset Transactions (SP0104)
A practical self-paced course focused on identifying crypto-related red flags and responding appropriately through documentation and escalation.
✔ Recognise suspicious crypto transaction patterns
✔ Understand key AML red flags and risks
✔ Document and escalate concerns correctly
✔ Learn at your own pace with practical examples
“Every suspicious transaction tells a story - your role is to recognize the warning signs early, act with precision, and protect the system before risk turns into exposure.” Crypto red flags and AML detection capabilities are the most critical tools in a compliance officer's arsenal for 2026. This self-paced course provides a practical, end-to-end approach to recognizing suspicious transaction patterns before they turn into regulatory exposure. As an asynchronous Level 4 module, it focuses on the "story" behind the data, teaching you how to act with precision, document findings professionally, and navigate the complexities of crypto-asset monitoring without alerting the suspect.
Table of Contents
- What you will learn
- Who Should Attend
- Key Learning Objectives
- Crypto Red Flags and AML Detection Course Curriculum
- Meet the Trainer
- Crypto Red Flags and AML Detection Course - FAQ
- Other Upcoming Courses
What you will learn
Mastering Detection and Response in 2026
In a world of instant cross-chain transfers and advanced obfuscation, “knowing your customer” is only half the battle. You must also “know their behavior.”
From Identification to Escalation
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Transactional Patterns: Learn to spot high-velocity “peeling chains,” the use of mixers, and bridging between disparate blockchains.
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Behavioral Indicators: Recognize inconsistencies between a customer’s declared profile (from SP01.3) and their actual on-chain activity.
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The Evidence Pack: Master the art of documenting suspicious activity reports (SARs) that meet the high evidentiary standards of 2026 supervisors.
The Crypto AML Mastery Pathway
This course represents the “Active Monitoring” peak of our series. We recommend following the cluster in this logical order:
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SP01.1: Crypto AML Awareness — Vocabulary and basics.
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SP01.2: Crypto Money Laundering Fundamentals — The 3 stages of the crime.
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SP01.3: Risk-Based Customer Due Diligence in Crypto — Onboarding and identity.
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SP01.4: Crypto Red Flags and AML Detection — (You are here).
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SP01.5: Crypto Compliance Essentials: Regulators & CASP Rules — Legal frameworks.
Who Should Attend
Compliance Officers
AML Officers / MLRO support staff
Crypto-asset service providers (CASPs)
Customer support & onboarding teams
Anyone involved in transaction monitoring
Key Learning Objectives
- Identify common red flags in crypto-asset transactions
- Understand why specific behaviours and patterns indicate AML risk
- Recognise the importance of documentation and escalation in AML processes
- Detect suspicious transaction patterns and customer behaviour
- Document suspicious activity in a clear and structured manner
- Apply internal escalation procedures effectively in practice
- Develop a proactive approach to identifying AML risks
- Strengthen accountability when handling suspicious activity
- Maintain a compliance-focused mindset in decision-making
Crypto Red Flags and AML Detection Course Curriculum
- Key warning signs in crypto transactions
- Customer behaviour risk indicators
- Transaction pattern analysis
- Real-world red flag scenarios
- Why each AML indicator matters
- Recording suspicious activity properly
- Structuring internal documentation
- Escalation procedures and responsibilities
- Role of compliance and MLRO
- Avoiding tipping-off and regulatory breaches
Meet the Trainer
Crypto Red Flags and AML Detection Course - FAQ
This asynchronous training is built directly on the FATF Virtual Assets Red Flag Indicators. We cover indicators related to transactions, transaction patterns, and anonymity-enhancing technologies (AETs), ensuring your detection logic is globally compliant and aligned with 2026 expectations.
While software is essential, the human ability to interpret results is what satisfies regulators. This course integrates the EBA Guidelines on the use of remote onboarding and monitoring solutions, focusing on how compliance staff should handle alerts, verify “wallet attribution,” and avoid the risk of tipping-off during the investigation phase.
Yes. You can complete the course at your own pace and revisit the material whenever needed.
The course includes knowledge checks and scenario-based questions to help you apply concepts in practice.
Yes. A certificate of completion is issued once you finish all lessons and assessments.
