Recipients chosen from more than 300 applicants globally to support professionals addressing financial crime risk in the burgeoning cryptocurrency space

In the financial crime arena, few topics have generated as much concern and confusion in recent years as cryptocurrencies. Alternately hailed as the future of finance and derided as a dodgy money laundering risk, the crypto world has persisted through the hype and the hate to carve out a space in the legitimate financial system. At this point, a working knowledge of cryptocurrencies is essential for nearly any financial crime professional.

Against that backdrop, the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists launched a scholarship program for individuals in roles combating financial crime risk in the crypto realm as part of its “Quarterly Focus” on cryptocurrencies. The scholarship offers complimentary registration for the Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS) certification, the full suite of prep materials, and a year of membership in ACFCS.

After receiving over 300 applications from professionals across 20 countries, ACFCS is proud to announce the 25 recipients of its scholarships. Those chosen for the scholarship submitted applications with compelling professional and often personal experience related to cryptocurrencies.

The winners come from a wide array of professions, industries and geographic areas, including seasoned compliance professionals at crypto exchanges in the US and Canada, crypto investigators in law enforcement in the US and UK, and traditional financial institutions with a nexus to crypto. These recipients reflect the diversity of roles, actors and skill sets needed to properly understand and address the financial crime risks in this emerging field. ACFCS prioritized applicants in regulatory and law enforcement roles, and those still relatively new in their careers.

“As an association, we are dedicated to helping professionals be ready for the future of financial crime,” ACFCS President Joseph Yerant said. “Cryptocurrencies are a financial technology of growing importance, and we have an obligation to support organizations and professionals working to ensure that financial crime threats are confronted head on as the crypto space expands.”

The full list of scholarship recipients is below. ACFCS will be running in-depth profiles on these professionals in the coming weeks.