Expand+Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate in Compliance is a general entry point to the Institute’s qualification structure and is open to both school leavers and graduates. In addition, candidates must be affiliate members of ACOI. Affiliat...

Hide-Entry Requirements

The Professional Certificate in Compliance is a general entry point to the Institute’s qualification structure and is open to both school leavers and graduates. In addition, candidates must be affiliate members of ACOI. Affiliate membership can be applied for at the same time as registering for the programme.

Entry to the Professional Diploma in Compliance is limited to those who have successfully completed or registered for the Professional Certificate in Compliance.

To enrol on PDC4 - Compliance Management, candidates must have enrolled for or passed the first three modules: PDC1, PDC2 and PDC3.

Professional Body Membership

You must be a current member of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland, or become a member, to undertake this programme.

Membership is currently €150 per year.

Expand+Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for those who work or aspire to work in a professional capacity within a compliance function in financial services. Both the professional certificate and professional diploma are designed to en...

Hide-Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for those who work or aspire to work in a professional capacity within a compliance function in financial services. Both the professional certificate and professional diploma are designed to enhance skills, judgement and ability to deal with practical issues in the management and practice of compliance in the financial services industry.

Those who successfully complete PDC 1 - Compliance and the Regulatory Structure and PDC 2 - Conduct of Business Rules are awarded the Professional Certificate in Compliance. The professional certificate, a level 7 qualification in its own right, introduces you to the theory of regulation and to its application to the financial services industry. The professional certificate is popular with students who require an introduction to the area of compliance as well as those who already work in the area and are looking to achieve the recognised industry and accredited qualification.

If you complete a further two modules, PDC 3 - Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Compliance and PDC 4 - Compliance Management, you are awarded the Professional Diploma in Compliance. The professional diploma, also a level 7 qualification, is the benchmark qualification for compliance professionals in all sectors of the financial services industry.

How you will benefit

On successful completion of the Professional Certificate and Diploma in Compliance you will be able to:

•Understand the role of compliance within a financial services organisation.

•Explain the theory and describe the practice of regulation from both an Irish and International perspective

•Describe the impact of relevant regulation and the role of the various regulatory bodies on the operation of the compliance function

•Describe the legal environment that applies to the Financial Services industry

•Assess the systems of controls, assurance and governance in an organisation

•Critically evaluate the importance of ethics and their role in the compliance function

•Understand the impact of regulatory rules relating to how consumers of financial services are protected

•Assess the authorisation, supervision and prudential requirements for different financial entities

•Analyse the relationship between compliance and the control systems in an organisation.

•Describe where the compliance function fits within a financial services organisation.

•Explain the impact of conduct of business rules on financial services providers.

•Devise a regulatory relations policy in relation to inspections, themed visits and routine relations

•Identify and pursue appropriate learning opportunities (academic and non-academic) which enhance their professional career ambitions and individual capabilities.

Both programmes are offered in partnership with ACOI, LIA and the Insurance Institute.

Minimum Competency Code

The Professional Diploma in Compliance and attaching LCOI designation satisfies the Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code for those who ‘adjudicate on any complaint communicated to a regulated firm by a consumer which relates to advice about a retail financial product provided to that consumer or the arranging of a retail financial product for that consumer’.

Holders of the diploma are invited to apply for the LCOI designation. Continued use of the designation is subject to meeting annual CPD requirements.

Expand+Professional Designation

Individuals who pass the Professional Diploma in Compliance are entitled to apply for the designation ‘Licentiate of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland’ and use the designatory letters LCOI. Continued use of...

Hide-Professional Designation

Individuals who pass the Professional Diploma in Compliance are entitled to apply for the designation ‘Licentiate of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland’ and use the designatory letters LCOI. Continued use of this designation is subject to meeting ACOI’s Continuing Professional Development requirements. LCOI is the leading professional designation for compliance professionals in all sectors of the financial services industry in the Republic of Ireland.

CPD

If you are a QFA, CPD member or Chartered Banker, you may be awarded formal CPD hours when you successfully complete relevant modules within this qualification.