Program Information

The scope of criminal financial proceeds is significant - estimated at some $590 million USD to $1.5 trillion USD worldwide each year. With a rise in financial fraud, there is a growing need for highly trained risk assessment and management specialists. The Lambton College Financial Services - Investigation & Compliance, Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed for students interested in acquiring the in-demand abilities required for fraud prevention and detection and the fight against money laundering in Canada.

In this multi-disciplined program, students utilize existing related education or experience to learn and apply a variety of skills such as policies and procedures management, privacy management, and Anti-money Laundering (AML) investigation.

This Lambton College program is licensed to and delivered by Cestar College (PDF), a licensed private career college in Toronto, Ontario. Students that are registered at Lambton in Toronto are students of a public college and as such, will receive full credit from Lambton College for all Lambton College courses completed at the Cestar College campus in Toronto. Students who meet program graduation requirements will graduate with a credential from Lambton College. Students may be scheduled to have classes on Saturdays.

Fall 2023 Delivery Format

Term 1 classes will be delivered in person and students will be required to be on campus for the duration of the term. The 2023 Fall term begins on September 6. However, to allow for travel delays, classes will be remote until September 16. Students must be on campus to join in-person classes starting September 18, 2023.


See Course List

Admission Requirements

Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in mathematics, statistics, information technology, business, accounting or economics.


The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency by submitting one of the following scores:

  • IELTS of 6.5
    - or -
    IELTS of 6.0 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during first term of study.
  • TOEFL iBT 79
    -or-
    TOEFL 70 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during first term of study.
  • Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test 

Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.

Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.

Not all students will qualify for EAP-3106 in place of the required IELTS or TOEFL test scores.


Technology Requirements

In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.

Course List

COM-3013: Professional Communications

This course is designed for international students with diplomas or degrees. It focuses on polishing communications skills acquired through one's academic career and workplace experience. Through various business writing and speaking scenarios, students learn Canadian business practices and communication styles. Close attention is paid to proper incorporation of the intellectual property of others to ensure academic integrity. Students will practice organized and dynamic speaking and will strive for polished business documents.

BUS-1883: Business Analytics

Strong computer skills are essential to finding Canadian employment in management and administration. This Business Analytics course introduces the use of data-driven techniques to identify and solve business problems. Students will learn key concepts of data analysis, from data collection and preparation to the application of predictive analytics models. Students develop skills in time management, self-discipline, and having an eye for detail by strengthening their ability to read and follow written instructions. Business Analytics is a course delivered using practical applications in the computer lab; through case studies and hands-on activities, students will learn to use Excel functionality more effectively in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of data in today's business environment and will develop the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and utilize data for making better industry-specific decisions through case analysis.

ACC-3083: Introduction to Managerial Accounting

The managerial accounting course provides students with skills to become highly effective in environments where quick decisions are required. Students learn to use financial information to make quick strategic decisions including how to use data to evaluate the effectiveness of current operations. Learning to maximize the profitability of operations, students prepare and interpret financial statements and key performance indicators that drive decision making. Topics covered in this course include cost management, analysis of financial performance, relevant costing techniques, budgetary planning and control for a business enterprise.

POL-1003: Canadian Politics and Government

Explain the structure and function of government within society with a focus on the Canadian context. Critically examine the complexities of the Canadian federal system in relationship to social, political, and economic change. Investigate the influence that geography, language, religion, and ethnicity have had and examine their implications to issues of regionalism and diversity. Explore the role of political parties and the electoral system and their influence on voting patterns and citizen engagement.

FSI-1003: Introduction to Financial Services in Investigation and Compliance in Canada

This course is an introduction to the Canadian Financial Services and the various products that are offered by banks, credit unions, credit card companies, Fintech companies, stockbrokers, investment funds, Money Service Businesses, and insurance companies. Student will be exposed to the role of Canadian financial services industry in fight against Human Trafficking (Project Protect), Child exploitation (Project Shadow), Drug trafficking etc. This course will provide students the foundational knowledge required to then apply to all Anti-money Laundering courses (AML).

FIN-4003: Canadian Banking

This introductory course provides students with an understanding and perspective towards an appreciation of the integrative, intricate nature of the financial and economic landscape. This will further increase awareness and expectations for the roles and responsibilities of the financial advisor.

FSI-1101: Canadian Careers in Financial Services - Investigation and Compliance

In this course, students explore the hierarchical structure within the financial services industry. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to Financial Services Industry and will prepare students for their Co-operative Education work term job search. Students will be provided with an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Co-operative Education Students and the Co-operative Education Advisors as well as the Co-operative Education policy.

FSI-2003: Introduction to Investment Strategies in Canada

This course examines the structure of the Canadian investment industry with a detailed study of the various institutions, securities instruments and market participants which comprise the industry. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how public securities markets function and the role they play in raising capital for businesses. The course will place added emphasis on the functioning of public stock markets including the theory and practice of equity valuation, stock selection, portfolio construction and the role of investment advisors and institutional money mangers in the investment management process. This course will provide critical foundations for students interested in pursing careers in financial services or business management.

FSI-2103: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Administration

Students explore key concepts associated with money laundering, sanctions, Bribery and corruption as well as terrorist financing. The course will also cover the importance and role of international and national bodies, regulators and standard setters such as FATF, Egmont group, Wolfsberg group, FINTRAC, OSFI, IIROC, MFDA, OFAC and others. This course also covers the associated risks and red flags related to the products discussed in previous program courses.

FSI-2203: AML Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures are an essential part of any organization as it provides a roadmap for day-to-day operations. This course explains the importance of policies and procedures, as well as the necessity of keeping the policies and procedures updated while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and providing guidance for effective risk-based decision-making. In addition, students learn the importance of effective project management which involves planning, documenting, applying processes and procedures, as well as key concepts such Agile and change management.

FSI-3013: Regulatory Compliance Administration and Communication

Students of this course will learn how regulation of the financial services industry is conducted in North America. The course will review in depth the regulatory bodies or agencies and the key pieces of legislation which govern the various participants in the financial services industry. Students will learn the regulatory obligations of financial institutions and the compliance functions and processes which institutions employ to meet these obligations. Students will also discuss the role of emerging technologies on the regulatory risk and compliance functions. This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge to support a career in financial services, compliance management or regulatory oversight.

FSI-3003: Privacy and Identity Theft Management

In this course, students study the fundamentals of privacy laws in Canada and its applicability to the financial services industry. Curriculum topics include learning about the role of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, PIPEDA fair information principles, the Privacy Act legislation and regulations and the various methods in place used to safeguard the financial industry from identity theft and associated fraudulent activities.

CFS-4003: Certified Financial Crime Specialist Preparation

Students study key concepts related to cyber-crimes, fraud, bribery, corruption, tax evasion, sanctions, terrorist financing, compliance programs, asset recovery, crypto crimes, and investigation in this preparatory certification course. The course will cover the Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS) examination content. The CFCS is a comprehensive external certification in the financial crime field provided by the Association for Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS).

JSS-1001: Job Search and Success

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how to conduct a job search and how to succeed in the work place. This includes self-reflection, effectively designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches utilizing social media, behavioural based interviewing as well as marketing oneself effectively in a job interview. Job safety, successful work strategies and harassment and discrimination plan of action is also discussed.

FSI-3023: Cryptocurrencies and Artificial Intelligence in AML

In this course students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory responsibilities faced by financial institutions with respect to AML (anti-money laundering) regulations in North America and globally. The course will emphasize the emerging challenges presented by developing technologies including crypto currencies and other crypto based assets and their potential to support criminal activity or evade traditional detection measures. Students will consider in detail how AI (artificial intelligence) and other emerging Big Data technologies can be employed to enhance regulatory procedures and detection of potential financial criminal activity. This course is an important complement to a student's broader understanding of financial services regulation and compliance activities for a career in financial services, compliance management or regulatory oversight.

FSI-3052: Financial Services through an AML Lens

In this course, students discuss the applicability of the risk-based approach and the framework in place to mitigate inherent and residual risks. Topics include geographical risk, product risk, client risk, reputational risk, regulatory risk, and compliance risk. In addition, current industry trends are studied.

FSI-3043: Fraud Investigation

This course will provide students with a detailed summary of common types of financial frauds and relevant frameworks for fraud prevention, detection and investigation. Students will understand how to spot signs of and investigate fraud related offences including Identity Theft, Affinity Fraud, Credit/Debit Card Fraud, and Investment Fraud.

LAW-1003: Business Law

In this course, students are prepared for a business environment increasingly affected by laws. They learn how laws must be understood and applied by management in the conduct of business. They also learn how to analyze a business situation from a general legal perspective. Emphasis is placed on methods of dispute resolution, contracts, torts, employment law, methods of carrying on business, sale of goods, and marketing law.

PHL-1253: Ethical Leadership and Critical Decision Making

This interdisciplinary course combines insights from the field of business with social psychology and applied ethics to challenge students with an introspective look at some of today's most important ethical dilemmas. Students in PHL-1253 learn that the ethical standards employed by businesses and corporations ultimately concern the quality of human behaviours in those organizations. Human behaviour evolves from many influences: our past relationships, the ways we think and feel, how we respond to pressures in various social contexts, and how we deliberate in our daily thoughts and actions. Each of these influences is intimately involved with the quality of our ethical decision making.

FIN-4203: Investment Conduct and Compliance

This course provides students with an understanding of the Canadian securities industry regulations. Procedures surrounding participant registration, account opening, sales and trading and placing orders will be discussed. The appropriate ethical guidelines and corporate responsibility when dealing with client accounts, transactions and products will be highlighted.

CPL-1049: Work Term - Full-Time*

Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/co-op_and_career/

-or-

CPL-5559: WIL Project

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.

Co-op Eligibility

*In order to be eligible to participate in a full-time Co-op Work Term (CPL-1049) students must have a GPA of 2.8 or greater.

Failing to do so will require the students to enroll in CPL-5559 WIL Project at an additional cost to the student.

See the Costs tab for current fees.

Program Maps

Current Students

Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website. 

You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.

Employment Opportunities

Career positions may include, but are not limited to:

  • AML analyst/investigator
  • Fraud analyst/investigator
  • KYC/onboarding analyst
  • Compliance officer/administrator
  • Risk manager
  • Privacy officer
  • Financial Planner
  • Credit Union examiner
  • Estate and trust administrator
  • Inspector, financial institutions
  • Financial Investigator
  • Mortgage broker
  • Trust officer
  • Account manager
  • Credit adjudicator

According to the National Occupational Classification Codes (NOC) for occupations in Canada, under NOC code 1114 - Other financial officers, Financial Services - Investigation and Compliance, Ontario College Graduate Certificate program qualifies graduates for a broad range of exciting employment opportunities.

According to jobbank.gc.ca this occupational classification group is listed as good (3 out of 3 stars) in terms of job prospects over the next three years in Ontario, and locally in the Sarnia and Windsor area. Job prospects in this field should be favourable over the forecast period because of employment growth and retirements. 

For more information, please contact the appropriate campus:

Sarnia Campus
international@lambtoncollege.ca
Toronto
416-485-2098
lambton@cestarcollege.com
Mississauga
905-890-7833 x 222
lambton@queenscollege.ca
Ottawa
ottawa@lambtoncollege.ca
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