IFSCA Mandates AML/CFT Certification for Designated Directors and Principal Officers

  • News|Blog|FEMA & Banking|
  • < 1 minute
  • By Taxmann
  • |
  • Last Updated on 19 November, 2025

Latest from Taxmann

IFSCA AML/CFT certification

Circular No. e.F. No.IFSCA-DAC/8/2024-AMLCFT, Dated: 17.11.2025

1. Background

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has issued a directive requiring mandatory certification for key personnel responsible for compliance under the IFSCA (Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Know Your Customer) Guidelines.

This step aims to strengthen the AML/CFT governance framework across financial institutions operating in IFSCs.

2. Mandatory Certification Requirement

All Designated Directors and Principal Officers appointed under the AML/CFT/KYC Guidelines are now required to undergo the specialised certification titled:

“NISM-IFSCA-01 – Certification on AML/CFT”

This certification:

  • Has been jointly developed by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) and the IFSCA Academy,
  • Is tailored to provide comprehensive knowledge on AML/CFT obligations, risk assessment, reporting standards, and regulatory expectations within the IFSC ecosystem.

3. Availability and Timeline

  • The certification will be available from 18 November 2025,
  • All existing Designated Directors and Principal Officers must complete the certification within four months from the launch date,
  • Newly appointed individuals must complete the certification within four months from their date of appointment.

4. Purpose of the Mandate

The requirement is intended to:

  • Enhance technical competence of senior compliance officers,
  • Promote consistent and high-quality AML/CFT practices,
  • Strengthen regulatory adherence across entities supervised by IFSCA, and
  • Support India’s alignment with global standards, including FATF recommendations.
Click Here To Read The Full Circular

Disclaimer: The content/information published on the website is only for general information of the user and shall not be construed as legal advice. While the Taxmann has exercised reasonable efforts to ensure the veracity of information/content published, Taxmann shall be under no liability in any manner whatsoever for incorrect information, if any.

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that’s easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

«
»

Everything on Tax and Corporate Laws of India

To subscribe to our weekly newsletter please log in/register on Taxmann.com

Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied