STEP Advanced Certificate in Principles of International Taxation, AML and Compliance

The programme is designed to enable practitioners in the industry to develop a deep and critical understanding of the global regulatory framework in which the private wealth industry operates.

This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma.

Course details

This course provides practitioners with the technical knowledge and understanding of the global regulatory framework in which the private wealth industry operates.

Gain in-depth expertise: Improve your technical knowledge of the global regulatory framework in which the private wealth industry operates.
Practical focus: Practical advice and guidance written by practitioners, for practitioners on everyday matters encountered and issues to be aware of in relation to risk, international taxation, AML and compliance.
Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms from all over the world.
Industry recognition: Recognised worldwide as the ‘gold-standard’ benchmark qualification for those working in the international trusts industry by employers, regulators, clients, and professionals. Successful completion provides 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership, enhancing your professional standing, and is awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a School of the University of Manchester.

Course fees: £1875 + Local taxes

View the April 2025 course timetable

View the July 2025 course timetable

Course dates, fees and enrol now:

Please select the region closest to your timezone. If course dates for your region are not currently displayed, the next intake will be September 2025, so please check back in a couple of days when the dates will be available to book.

Find out more about The STEP Diploma

Entry requirements

60 Entry Level credits which can be achieved through:

Completion of a STEP Certificate (30 credits)
Previous learning - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) application - 30 credits
Work experience - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - 30 credits

Note: You do not need to apply for APEL or APCL if you already have confirmed, or if you have studied for at least two STEP Certificates previously.

Apply for APCL or APEL

Become a member of STEP

This is a STEP course/qualification. STEP membership is required to study this course and must be maintained throughout the duration of your studies.

You will need 60 Entry Level credits and if you are not already, you will become an Affiliate member by enrolling on this course. STEP will contact you regarding membership 4-6 weeks after course enrolment.

Successful completion of the course will provide 30 Diploma Level credits as part of the STEP Qualification and Membership framework.

Find out more about STEP Membership

What will I learn?

Download syllabus

The principles of risk and risk management
The principles of international tax law, including conflict of laws issues and double taxation treaties
International tax law issues affecting companies, partnerships, trusts and foundations
The compulsory disclosure of tax related information, namely FATCA and CRS
Anti-money laundering legislation, regulation and global initiatives
International initiatives to counter terrorist financing and tax evasion
Unexplained Wealth Orders, criminal and civil forfeiture and sanctions
The regulation of financial services providers and trust and company management service providers
Confidentiality and compulsory disclosure of information
The principles of fair taxation and other transparency initiatives such as Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), Economic Substance, Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes (DOTAS), Beneficial Ownership Registers (BOR), Trust Registers and Legal Entity Identifiers (LEI)

Is this course right for me?

The course is designed for practitioners involved in the international trust industry who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of the principles of risk management, international taxation, AML and compliance. 

Students of this course typically include: 

trust assistants/officers/administrators 
trust managers
trustees/fiduciaries 
corporate administrators 
lawyers/solicitors/attorneys 
wealth managers 
accountants 
tax advisers
compliance officers/managers 
private bankers 
secretarial/administration
client relations/marketing/sales 
financial/estate planners

Course format

This course is available for study all year round, with intakes at different points throughout the year. The core programme is delivered through a blend of distance learning and four virtual workshops as part of a revision week series delivered online.

Enrolment onto this course will include access to an online learning platform that contains:

bespoke soft copy course manual supplementary resource material,
self-assessment material
distance learning support
four days of online tuition
examination fees

The course is assessed by way of a five-hour open-book written examination. The questions will be drawn from across the syllabus and candidates must achieve 50% to pass the Advanced Certificate.

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will gain 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership and be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Principles of International Taxation, AML and Compliance.