With AML growing as an international problem, particularly within property transactions, a new app has been developed to provide engaging training to keep up with expanding AML regulations.

This app uses gamification, an interactive training method, to help people learn to spot money laundering.

Gamified training solutions provider Attensi and AML legal experts in Advokatfirmaet Erling Grimstad AS (law firm) worked together to create the app that anyone affected by AML regulation can use remotely.

Attensi creates gamified training simulations which, like playing any game, are much more interactive because players have to really demonstrate understanding at each stage of the playthrough in order to advance forward and ultimately be certified.

Erling Grimstad, managing director of the firm, said: “Everyone in the regulated sectors needs to stay abreast of AML and be well-trained in how to spot suspicious activity. If an institution fails to comply with money laundering regulations it can have both a negative corporate and personal implication – still some people haven’t grasped that you can be investigated and charged as an individual if you don’t comply.

“Training is a vital part of the protection of the entire organisation. There is a legal framework and specific requirements to which you must comply, so our App documents all completed mandatory AML training for employees. Knowledge of threats and insight in the vulnerabilities in your organisation is key to build a culture of compliance.”

Sølve Johannessen at Attensi, developer of the App technology, says that the app creates a lot of different interactions to prevent this from just being “a tick-box exercise” and something people want to practice and get better at.

Johannessen said: It’s an enjoyable learning simulation that encourages players to repeat modules until they master the topic, or even beat their colleagues on a leaderboard!

“The dialogue changes throughout the game depending on what you answer, and you need to answer correctly in different circumstances.

“The AML app uses practical examples and ethical dilemmas that players have to solve and has been built by factoring in trends and patterns used by criminals, so employees in obliged entities learn through storytelling scenarios that feel real.

“What’s interesting is that after people have continued to use it, they get better and achieve a higher score – almost like a competition – so they repeat the training for enjoyment and interest rather than a classroom where you attend just to get your qualification.”