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Client Due Diligence Fundamentals

Client due diligence (CDD) is where AML compliance meets real clients and commercial pressure. This course gives fee earners a practical framework for deciding when standard CDD is enough and when a matter must be escalated. Using contrasting scenarios, learners see how to distinguish straightforward clients from higher-risk instructions and how to brief compliance clearly when concerns arise.

Online, self-paced learning

Dynamic pace adjusted to knowledge level

Customised learning path for each user

Identifies and addresses knowledge gaps

Measures actual competence, not just activity

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Course Overview

Client due diligence (CDD) is where AML compliance meets real clients and commercial pressure. This course gives fee earners a practical framework for deciding when standard CDD is enough and when a matter must be escalated. Using contrasting scenarios, learners see how to distinguish straightforward clients from higher-risk instructions and how to brief compliance clearly when concerns arise.

Who Should Take This Course

Fee earners across all practice areas who meet new clients and open files

Partners and supervisors who approve new matters and oversee CDD completion

Onboarding and intake teams supporting information gathering and screening

Compliance and MLRO teams who want a consistent, front-line approach to CDD

What You'll Learn

  • The role of fee earners as “gate-keepers” for new clients and matters‍
  • The two core aims of CDD: spotting the difference between straightforward and risky clients, and knowing when and how to escalate
  • A low-risk scenario (Daniel Morrison) illustrating what normal, proportionate CDD looks like in everyday private client work
  • A high-risk scenario (Elena Volkov) showing how overseas connections, complex structures, vague explanations and compressed timelines can cluster into a high-risk picture
  • Practical “green flags” that indicate low-risk clients and support standard CDD
  • How to distinguish low-risk from high-risk CDD across factors such as location, purpose, beneficial ownership, source of funds, timing, transparency and screening results
  • Clear escalation triggers, including PEP/sanctions hits, unclear ownership, undocumented funds and unexplained urgency
  • How to present an escalation to compliance in a concise, structured way that gives them what they need to advise
  • A practice scenario (Marcus Chen) reinforcing that transaction value alone does not determine risk—clarity and coherence do‍
  • How to apply professional judgement when unsure and why “if it doesn’t feel right, escalate” is the safer rule

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the purpose of client due diligence and their own responsibility as gate-keepers.
  2. Identify the characteristics of low-risk clients and matters where standard CDD is usually sufficient.
  3. Recognise the main red-flag indicators that move a client or matter into higher-risk territory.
  4. Distinguish clearly between low- and high-risk CDD outcomes and understand the consequences for onboarding and ongoing work.
  5. Apply a set of escalation triggers and know when they must seek guidance from compliance before proceeding.
  6. Structure an effective escalation note that summarises key risk factors and questions for compliance.
  7. Use professional judgement confidently, escalating where something “does not feel right” rather than trying to resolve concerns alone.

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Why This Course Matter

Most clients are straightforward and low-risk; a smaller number present complex, clustered risk factors that can expose the firm if they are missed. This course helps fee earners move quickly and safely on the majority of files while spotting, documenting and escalating the small proportion that really matter. By embedding these fundamentals, your firm strengthens its first line of defence and reduces the chance of risky clients slipping through under time and commercial pressure.

Global Clients:

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What people say

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Frequently asked questions

Have a look at most frequently asked questions.

Is there a minimum or maximum team or class size?

Denken is designed to support teams or classes of any size, whether you’re a small firm or a large organisation. There’s no minimum or maximum: we adapt to your needs.

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Is there Client and Learner support available?

Yes, we are here to help every step of the way, both as a client and a learner using our platform.

How do I access course materials?

Course materials can be accessed through our platform dashboard once you or your learners have been enrolled. Each learner will receive a Welcome Email with full instructions.

Can I get a refund for a course?

You may cancel your course booking at any time before payment has been made by emailing us at hello@denkenknowledge.com. Once you have accessed your course on our platform no refunds will be made.

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