OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime
The American University of Beirut's (AUB) Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) partnered with the MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group (MENA FCCG) and the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC) to launch an online certificate program in Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC); and announced the official release of the program's first certificate.
The CTBFC program, now available through AUB Online, is designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the fight against financial crime. This broad category includes illicit activities such as money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, corruption, and terrorist financing—each of which presents a serious threat to the stability and integrity of global financial systems. As financial markets become more interconnected and digitalized, the challenges of preventing, detecting, and prosecuting financial crime continue to evolve. Effective action against these crimes demands a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, regulation, cross-border cooperation, and education. The CTBFC program has attracted strong interest from financial professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in this rapidly evolving sector.
Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business said, 'The CTBFC program embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering transparent corporate cultures and healthy organization, free of financial crime, that positively impact society and serve as a force for good.'
Hashem Taha from Arab Bank PLC was recognized as the top performer in this inaugural certificate cohort. Taha's dedication and academic excellence have set a high standard for the program, demonstrating both his hard work and the exceptional quality of the CTBFC certificate. His achievement highlights the program's success in preparing leaders for the financial sector.
'This course not only met but exceeded my expectations. Earning this certificate will help me achieve my professional goals. It has enhanced my decision-making skills and enabled me to apply best practices. As a result, I feel more confident in discussing and addressing complex trade-based financial crime matters,' Taha commented.
The AUB Online platform offers flexible access to the CTBFC program, allowing busy professionals to pursue certificate while balancing their careers. This initiative is a testament to AUB's ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education that meets the evolving needs of today's workforce—combining academic rigor with practical, industry-relevant insights.
'The CTBFC certificate equips professionals with the skills to detect, prevent, and respond to trade- based financial crime, addressing the growing demand for experts in this field,' said Dr. Abdel Jalil Ghanem, CTBFC program academic director. 'Earning the CTBFC certificate enhances participants' professional profiles with specialized skills, helps them stand out in the compliance job market, opens new career opportunities, and connects them with a network of professionals dedicated to financial integrity.'
With the third batch of certificates now available, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB looks forward to welcoming more professionals into its Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC) program, further strengthening the bridge between academia and industry. The program offers more than just theoretical knowledge; it provides an immersive learning experience led by experts with over 20 years of real-world experience in the field. Participants will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and acquire practical skills to address the ever-growing challenges of trade-based financial crime. Additionally, the program serves as a steppingstone toward becoming certified in trade-based financial crime.
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