SIMMS

Gregory A. Simms, former senior investigator at the Financial Services Commission, has been awarded anti-laundering credentials by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), the world's leading organisation of professionals in the anti-money laundering field.

The CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) designation is only awarded to professionals who successfully complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating their aptitude and expertise in anti-money laundering detection and enforcement.

About 2,000 people in the world have passed the CAMS examination, which is prepared by an independent testing company in collaboration with anti-money laundering experts around the globe.

International reputation

"I think the designation is useful for all regulators, in particular those in the government sector as they seek to protect the international reputation of their countries in a world where illegal financial gains can destroy the hard work of their countries," said Mr. Simms.

"Earning the CAMS credential is a significant achievement for professionals in the anti-money laundering detection and enforcement field because it will provide their employers and their business partners around the world with the assurance that they are working with someone with proven capabilities in this challenging field," said Geoffrey Chunowitz, executive director of ACAMS.

Mr. Simms holds a LLM in international law from the Patrice Lumumba University, Moscow, Russia, and a diploma in teaching from the Mico Teachers' College and has participated in a number of specialised training in the areas of securities regulation and investigating white collar crimes.

Mr. Simms, who now lives in Trinidad and Tobago, is married to Gail and is a Jamaica Football Federation Certified Level 1 Football Coach and is a former assistant general secretary and chairman of the competitions committee for the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association.

ACAMS facts

Founded in 2001, ACAMS now has 3,700 members in over 100 countries. Since its founding, ACAMS has provided a global platform for career development and networking for leading professionals in the AML field. ACAMS gives members the insight, information and inspiration they need to protect their institutions against the threat of money laundering and terrorist financing and the tools to advance their skills and reach their career objectives

ACAMS also promotes the development and implementation of sound anti-money laundering policies and procedures.

For more information, log on to www.acams.org.