Giving basic advice to financial services organisations on the legal and regulatory rules they must follow - such as those about data security or preventing money laundering.
This occupation is found in all organisations in the financial services sector, including insurance and banking. Compliance and risk officers also work within finance functions across other sectors where a business may have financial compliance responsibilities, such as ensuring that financial organisations operate within the legal boundaries and industry standards.
Compliance and risk officers play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory adherence and minimising potential risks. They focus on legal and regulatory requirements, while identifying and managing potential risks. The role may vary based on the size of the organisation. In smaller organisations, they may work with a small multiskilled team. In larger organisations, they may specialise in one aspect of compliance and risk, for example financial crime or assurance.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support businesses to meet their financial legal and regulatory obligations. This is achieved through supporting and maintaining a culture of compliance and conducting risk and assurance checks to monitor ongoing compliance. This is achieved through supporting and maintaining a culture of compliance, such as designing relevant training, and providing guidance to business areas on best practice. Compliance and risk officers work to meet key regulatory objectives to protect investors and ensure that markets are fair, efficient and transparent. They also seek to reduce system risk and financial crime.
Within the risk and compliance function of an organisation, the role of a compliance and risk officer will typically include providing guidance to the business in their specialist area, for example financial fraud.
An employee in this occupation would need to exercise judgement and discretion within specified parameters to evidence credibility, and will make evidence-based decisions on whether or not risk and compliance is being adhered to. On occasion they may need to escalate an issue to a manager.
Compliance and risk officers are typically based in an office. Depending on the size of the organisation they may work across multiple sites. There may also be a requirement for hybrid-working, combining office-based work and working from home.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues and teams across the organisation to offer advice and support on risk and compliance issues. They may need to interact with more senior colleagues to present information and data.
Compliance and risk officers work to mitigate legal and regulatory risks to avoid penalties and reputational damage. One of their primary responsibilities is to ensure that institutions operate within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations. They take an active role in managing an organisation’s risk and reducing financial crime.
Depending on their role, they will interact with external stakeholders, such as small and medium enterprises and larger organisations, providing guidance and support to ensure policies on risk and compliance are being correctly applied and meet the legal and regulatory requirements of the finance sector. Typically, they would report to a senior manager with expertise in financial risk and compliance policy.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting an organisation’s adherence to compliance regulation and ensuring that risk is minimised. They may specialise in risk or compliance but can do both depending on the organisation. Within limited parameters, they will be responsible for making their own evidence-based decisions which follow the organisation’s financial policy and procedures. In some organisations they may be responsible for supervising or guiding others.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 15 months. The EPA period is typically 5 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the compliance and risk officer, the qualification required is:
ICA International Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance
ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Fraud
ICA International Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
ICA Advanced Certificate in Practical Customer Due Diligence
ICA Advanced Certificate in Business Compliance
ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Sanctions Risk
ICA Certificate in Compliance
ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
ICA Certificate in Financial Crime Prevention
ICA Specialist Certificate in Financial Crime Risk and New Technology
ICA Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering Risk in Betting and Gaming
ICA Specialist Certificate in Conduct Risk
CISI Award in Combatting Financial Crime
CISI Award in Global Financial Compliance
CISI Award in Risk in Financial Services
CICM Level 3 Diploma in Credit and Collections
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 2500 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 12 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 45 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the project and presentation.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with International Compliance Association (ICA) for Professional Member of the ICA (MICA) or Associate membership of the ICA (AICA)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) for Associate member status (ACSI)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) for Associate Membership ACICM
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This occupation is found in all organisations in the financial services sector, including insurance and banking. Compliance and risk officers also work within finance functions across other sectors where a business may have financial compliance responsibilities, such as ensuring that financial organisations operate within the legal boundaries and industry standards.
Compliance and risk officers play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory adherence and minimising potential risks. They focus on legal and regulatory requirements, while identifying and managing potential risks. The role may vary based on the size of the organisation. In smaller organisations, they may work with a small multiskilled team. In larger organisations, they may specialise in one aspect of compliance and risk, for example financial crime or assurance.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support businesses to meet their financial legal and regulatory obligations. This is achieved through supporting and maintaining a culture of compliance and conducting risk and assurance checks to monitor ongoing compliance. This is achieved through supporting and maintaining a culture of compliance, such as designing relevant training, and providing guidance to business areas on best practice. Compliance and risk officers work to meet key regulatory objectives to protect investors and ensure that markets are fair, efficient and transparent. They also seek to reduce system risk and financial crime.
Within the risk and compliance function of an organisation, the role of a compliance and risk officer will typically include providing guidance to the business in their specialist area, for example financial fraud.
An employee in this occupation would need to exercise judgement and discretion within specified parameters to evidence credibility, and will make evidence-based decisions on whether or not risk and compliance is being adhered to. On occasion they may need to escalate an issue to a manager.
Compliance and risk officers are typically based in an office. Depending on the size of the organisation they may work across multiple sites. There may also be a requirement for hybrid-working, combining office-based work and working from home.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues and teams across the organisation to offer advice and support on risk and compliance issues. They may need to interact with more senior colleagues to present information and data.
Compliance and risk officers work to mitigate legal and regulatory risks to avoid penalties and reputational damage. One of their primary responsibilities is to ensure that institutions operate within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations. They take an active role in managing an organisation’s risk and reducing financial crime.
Depending on their role, they will interact with external stakeholders, such as small and medium enterprises and larger organisations, providing guidance and support to ensure policies on risk and compliance are being correctly applied and meet the legal and regulatory requirements of the finance sector. Typically, they would report to a senior manager with expertise in financial risk and compliance policy.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting an organisation’s adherence to compliance regulation and ensuring that risk is minimised. They may specialise in risk or compliance but can do both depending on the organisation. Within limited parameters, they will be responsible for making their own evidence-based decisions which follow the organisation’s financial policy and procedures. In some organisations they may be responsible for supervising or guiding others.
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 Perform risk and or compliance checks and reviews as directed by their line manager to determine whether established protocols are being followed and where they can be improved. |
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Duty 2 Identify and analyse risk and compliance issues within an organisation. |
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Duty 3 Undertake risk analysis to identify areas where risk can be mitigated to ensure organisations are fully compliant. |
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Duty 4 Embed risk and compliance processes and controls to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. |
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Duty 5 Contribute to embedding a culture of compliance within an organisation or organisations. |
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Duty 6 Prepare information in the form of reports for stakeholders within agreed deadlines. |
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Duty 7 Undertake compliance and risk research activities under the guidance of managers or senior leaders. |
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Duty 8 Deliver risk and compliance projects as and when required by managers or senior leaders. |
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Duty 9 Maintain organisational compliance and risk documentation and policies. |
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Duty 10 Support with regulatory correspondence and requests for information. |
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Duty 11 Use digital technology advancements in the management of risk and compliance. |
K1: Legal and regulatory framework relative to their industry.
Back to Duty
K2: Role of the different regulators, and the implications of non-compliance for the organisation.
Back to Duty
K3: Legal and regulatory requirements, for example the Financial Conduct Authority handbook, and the policies and procedures to implement these requirements.
Back to Duty
K4: Risk and compliance requirements for their role, for example operational risk, financial crime, know your customer, training and competence, approved persons, conduct risk, complaints, data security.
Back to Duty
K5: Range and purpose of organisations that are found in their wider industry, and their own organisation’s position within this landscape.
Back to Duty
K6: Functions of the organisation and their relationship with risk and compliance policies and procedures.
Back to Duty
K7: Impact that the external environment and legal and regulatory requirements have on the organisation and on their industry.
Back to Duty
K8: Products and services offered to customers within their organisation and their industry relative to their role.
Back to Duty
K9: Approaches to delivering fair customer outcomes, for example identifying vulnerable customers.
Back to Duty
K10: Professional standards and best practice, and how these are applied.
Back to Duty
K11: Systems, tools and processes that assist in identifying, managing and mitigating compliance and risk issues.
Back to Duty
K12: Audit requirements and the responsibilities of the auditor and auditee.
Back to Duty
K13: Policies and procedures for the identification and escalation of compliance issues and risks.
Back to Duty
K14: Planning, prioritising and time management techniques.
Back to Duty
K15: Communication methods, including verbal, non-verbal and written, and how to adapt communication to different audiences.
Back to Duty
K16: Digital tools for research, analysis, and presentation of data through visualisation techniques.
Back to Duty
K17: Data protection legislation and the processes for sharing and storing information safely and securely, including risks to data from cybercrime.
Back to Duty
K18: Green and sustainable policies and practices and the role they play in the finance sector, and how to minimise negative impacts on environmental sustainability within the context of their role.
Back to Duty
S1: Implement legal and regulatory framework requirements.
Back to Duty
S2: Deliver risk and compliance services to stakeholders using organisational systems and processes.
Back to Duty
S3: Plan and organise workloads to meet individual and team performance targets.
Back to Duty
S4: Identify ways to reduce and mitigate incidents of non-compliance.
Back to Duty
S5: Escalate compliance and risk issues where appropriate in line with organisational procedures.
Back to Duty
S6: Manage records in order to meet audit requirements of the organisation.
Back to Duty
S7: Produce evidence-based reports and management information for stakeholders considering visualisation techniques when presenting data.
Back to Duty
S8: Select and use communication methods applicable to the audience and circumstances, for example, presentations, phone, face to face, email, virtual meetings.
Back to Duty
S9: Communicate about products with customers, colleagues or stakeholders in different styles, for example visually, verbally, written, using e-comms.
Back to Duty
S10: Build and maintain working relationships.
Back to Duty
S11: Identify own training needs and seek feedback to improve performance and service delivered.
Back to Duty
S12: Apply continuous improvement techniques when delivering improved compliance outcomes and mitigating risks.
Back to Duty
S13: Record information electronically and make use of available technology, for example Management Information Systems (MIS), spreadsheets, presentation software, word processing, email, virtual communication.
Back to Duty
S14: Handle data safely and securely and share information in compliance with data protection legislation and organisational policy.
Back to Duty
B1: Acts in a professional and ethical manner.
Back to Duty
B2: Maintains confidentiality and acts with due care and diligence.
Back to Duty
B3: Seeks to continuously improve and develop themselves and their team.
Back to Duty
B4: Adapts to, and is resilient in, challenging or changing situations.
Back to Duty
B5: Keeps up to date with relevant legal, regulatory and other changes affecting the industry.
Back to Duty
B6: Collaborates with and supports colleagues.
Back to Duty
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
Level: 4
Level: 4
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Level: 4
Level: 4
Level: 4
Level: 2
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Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
V1.3
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the compliance and risk officer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Compliance and risk officer apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time compliance and risk officer apprentice typically spends 15 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway). The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).
This EPA has 2 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Assessment method 2 - written project report with presentation and questions:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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On-programme - typically 15 months
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The apprentice must:
One of the following qualifications must be completed prior to gateway: ICA International Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Fraud ICA International Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering ICA Advanced Certificate in Practical Customer Due Diligence ICA Advanced Certificate in Business Compliance ICA Advanced Certificate in Managing Sanctions Risk ICA Certificate in Compliance ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering ICA Certificate in Financial Crime Prevention ICA Specialist Certificate in Financial Crime Risk and New Technology ICA Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering Risk in Betting and Gaming ICA Specialist Certificate in Conduct Risk CISI Award in Combatting Financial Crime CISI Award in Global Financial Compliance CISI Award in Risk in Financial Services CICM Level 3 Diploma in Credit and Collections
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End-point assessment gateway
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The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The apprentice must:
For the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence.
For the written project report with presentation and questions, the apprentice must submit a project title and scope. To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO should sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable.
The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment - typically 5 months
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The grades available for each assessment method are below
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Written project report with presentation and questions:
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
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Professional recognition
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This apprenticeship aligns with:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
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The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 5 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA should start as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
They must:
Portfolio of evidence requirements
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. The portfolio should only contain evidence related to the KSBs (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours) that will be assessed by the interview assessment method. Typically, it will contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence and must be mapped against the KSBs for the interview assessment method. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative approach is suggested as opposed to a quantitative one.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list and other evidence sources can also be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice. The portfolio of evidence should include a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming its authenticity.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
Written project report requirements
The project title and scope will be agreed between the employer and EPAO at gateway to ensure sufficient coverage of the assigned KSBs.
The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods must be delivered in the following order:
Assessment methods 1 and 2 can be delivered in any order or concurrently. However, the assessment components in assessment method 2 cannot be delivered in any order. The written project report must be completed before the presentation and questions can take place.
Consideration can be given to which KSBs are best evidenced by the different aspects of assessment method 2. Whilst all KSBs attached to this assessment method must be demonstrated, it is not necessary to duplicate demonstration in both the written project report and the presentation.
In the interview, an independent assessor will ask the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The rationale for this assessment method is that:
reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice
The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.
The purpose of the independent assessor’s questions will be to assess the apprentice’s competence against the following themes:
The EPAO must give an apprentice 3 weeks' notice of the interview.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation and generate appropriate questions for the interview. The independent assessor must use questions from the EPAO's question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO's training.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The interview must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The independent assessor must use the assessment tools and procedures that are set by the EPAO to record the response to questions.
The interview should be recorded (audio or video, including online) for quality assurance and moderation purposes. The recordings will be kept safe and stored by the EPAO in line with data protection legislation and their own internal policies.
The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The interview can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and to ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended that this is created in consultation with employers of the occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
This assessment method involves the apprentice completing a defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The scope of the work completed must meet the needs of the employer's business and be relevant to the apprentice's occupation and apprenticeship. Work towards this assessment method must be carried out after gateway. Please note: the recommendations of the written project report do not need to be implemeted as part of the EPA, but there must be evidence of all the KSBs mapped to this assessment method being demonstrated during the EPA period.
This assessment method has 2 components:
Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.
This assessment method is being used because:
The apprentice must write a report of a project that investigates a topic based on any of the following themes:
Examples of types of project that could be used for the written project report are:
The project output should be a written report summarising the analysis and findings of the investigation and the resulting conclusions and recommendations. Apprentices are not required to implement the recommendations of their report as part of the EPA.
The written report should be based on, or relevant to, the apprentice's work area and presented in a format relevant to the project topic. For example, a business proposal, a report to a committee or board, or a proposal for a change plan. The written report should be presented electronically or on paper.
This assessment method should typically take 6 weeks to complete. A suggested timeline might involve 2 weeks for research, 2 weeks for writing the report, and 2 weeks for planning the presentation. However, the suggested timeline is only guidance, and the timeline should align with organisational requirements.
Marking
The independent assessor will review and mark the project in a timely manner, as determined by the EPAO, and without extending the EPA unnecessarily. Similarly, all quality control processes will also be conducted in a timely manner, as determined by the EPAO.
Supporting material
EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:
To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO must sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.
The project output must be in the form of a written report and presentation.
The apprentice must start the project after the gateway. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within the project period, to plan and complete their project.
The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project, which could include internal colleagues or technical experts. The apprentice must however, complete their written project report and presentation unaided and they must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the written report and any presentation materials are submitted.
The written project report must include at least:
The report must also include:
Work towards this assessment method can only commence after the apprentice has gone through the gateway process. The apprentice will typically have 12 weeks in total to complete their project once the EPAO has agreed the project title and scope.
In advance of the apprentice entering the gateway process, the EPAO must provide a generic specification for a range of qualifying projects, to enable the employer to select a project that will meet the requirements of the EPA. Note that the employer is not restricted to this selection; however, the project scope and title must be signed off at the gateway by the EPAO to ensure sufficient coverage of the assigned KSBs.
The written project report must have a word count of 2500 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion. Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The apprentice must produce and include a mapping in an appendix, showing how the report evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice must complete and submit the report and any presentation materials to the EPAO by the end of week 12 of the EPA period.
The presentation with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The apprentice must prepare and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. After the presentation, the independent assessor must ask the apprentice questions about their project, report and presentation.
The presentation should cover:
The presentation with questions must last 45 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 20 minutes and questioning lasting 25 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning. The independent assessor can increase the time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. They must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is to:
The apprentice must submit any presentation materials to the EPAO at the same time as the report - by the end of week 12 of the EPA period. The apprentice must notify the EPAO, at that point, of any technical requirements for the presentation.
During the presentation, the apprentice must have access to:
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the project report and any presentation materials, to allow them to prepare questions.
The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the presentation with questions.
The apprentice may choose to end the presentation early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. They must assess the project components holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The presentation with questions must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. It should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The presentation with questions can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
EPAO must produce the following materials to support the project:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
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Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
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Delivering services
K14 S2 S3 B4 |
Explains how they plan, manage, adapt and prioritise their workload in changing or challenging situations, to meet deadlines and team performance targets. Describes how they identify and utilise systems and processes to deliver services to stakeholders. (S2) |
Evaluates the effectiveness of their service delivery to stakeholders. Evaluates their contribution to meeting individual and team performance targets and deadlines. |
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Systems and processes
K11 K12 S6 |
Explains how they manage records and apply audit requirements within the organisation and the differing responsibilities of auditor and auditee. Explains how systems, tools and processes are used to manage and mitigate compliance and risk issues. |
Evaluates their use of systems, tools and processes to manage and mitigate compliance and risk issues. |
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IT and digital
K17 S13 S14 |
Describes how they apply data protection legislation and organisational policy to record and handle data safely and securely when sharing and storing information, making use of available technology while mitigating the risks from cybercrime. |
N/A |
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Green finance
K18 |
Outlines how the current organisational policies and practices relevant to their role play a part in minimising negative impacts on the environment. |
N/A |
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Analysis and problem solving
K13 S4 S5 |
Describes how to apply organisational policies and procedures to identify strategies to reduce and mitigate non-compliance issues, and how to escalate these incidents where appropriate in line with organisational procedures. |
Justifies the ways in which they have applied policies and procedures to reduce and mitigate incidents of non-compliance. |
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Customers and products
K6 K8 K9 K10 S9 |
Outlines the products and services offered to customers within the organisation, the approaches to delivering fair customer outcomes, and how professional standards and best practice can be applied relative to their role. |
N/A |
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
|---|---|---|
|
Risk and compliance framework
K1 K2 K3 K4 S1 B1 B2 |
Describes the legal and regulatory framework for their industry and the impact of different regulators on non-compliance incidences. Demonstrates how they have interpreted and implemented legal and regulatory framework requirements, taking appropriate care with confidentiality, and showing integrity and professionalism when carrying out the specific requirements of their role.
|
Evaluates the impact of their actions in relation to the specific risk and compliance requirements of their role. |
|
Industry and company understanding
K5 K7 |
Describes how their organisation relates to other organisations within the landscape, and the impact of relevant laws and regulations on their organisation and wider industry. |
N/A |
|
Communicating and influencing
K15 K16 S7 S8 |
Uses digital tools to research and analyse data to produce evidence-based reports, and selects appropriate visualisation techniques and communication methods when presenting to stakeholders. |
Evaluates the effectiveness of their selection and adaptation of communication methods to suit the audience. |
|
Teamwork
S10 B6 |
Outlines the strategies employed to build and maintain stakeholder relationships, including situations where they have collaborated with colleagues. |
N/A
|
|
Continuous improvement
S11 S12 B3 B5 |
Describes how they seek feedback and take ownership of their development needs to maintain and update own knowledge and apply continued learning principles to deliver improved outcomes. |
Evaluates the impact of feedback on mitigating compliance and risk issues. |
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and written project report with presentation and questions in line with this EPA plan.
The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. The assessment methods contribute equally to the overall EPA pass grade. Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of: fail, pass, merit, and distinction.Independent assessors must individually grade the: professional discussion, project proposal and presentation and questions according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.An apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods to get an overall pass. To achieve an overall EPA 'pass', the apprentice must achieve a pass in both assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA ‘merit,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in one of the assessment methods and a distinction in the other. To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction’, apprentices must achieve a distinction in both assessment methodsGrades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
| Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence | Written project report with presentation and questions | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | Fail | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Merit |
| Distinction | Pass | Merit |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.
If the apprentice fails the project assessment method, they must amend the project output in line with the independent assessor’s feedback. The apprentice will be given 2 weeks to rework and submit the amended report.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
| Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
|
|
Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
|
|
EPAO |
As a minimum, the EPAO must:
|
|
Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
|
Training provider |
As a minimum, the training provider must:
|
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.
EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.
They must also appoint independent assessors who:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship aligns with: International Compliance Association (ICA) for Professional Member of the ICA (MICA) or Associate membership of the ICA (AICA)
This apprenticeship aligns with: Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) for Associate member status (ACSI)
This apprenticeship aligns with: Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) for Associate Membership ACICM
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
K1
Legal and regulatory framework relative to their industry. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K2
Role of the different regulators, and the implications of non-compliance for the organisation. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K3
Legal and regulatory requirements, for example the Financial Conduct Authority handbook, and the policies and procedures to implement these requirements. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K4
Risk and compliance requirements for their role, for example operational risk, financial crime, know your customer, training and competence, approved persons, conduct risk, complaints, data security. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K5
Range and purpose of organisations that are found in their wider industry, and their own organisation’s position within this landscape. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K6
Functions of the organisation and their relationship with risk and compliance policies and procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K7
Impact that the external environment and legal and regulatory requirements have on the organisation and on their industry. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K8
Products and services offered to customers within their organisation and their industry relative to their role. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K9
Approaches to delivering fair customer outcomes, for example identifying vulnerable customers. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K10
Professional standards and best practice, and how these are applied. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K11
Systems, tools and processes that assist in identifying, managing and mitigating compliance and risk issues. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K12
Audit requirements and the responsibilities of the auditor and auditee. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K13
Policies and procedures for the identification and escalation of compliance issues and risks. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K14
Planning, prioritising and time management techniques. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K15
Communication methods, including verbal, non-verbal and written, and how to adapt communication to different audiences. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K16
Digital tools for research, analysis, and presentation of data through visualisation techniques. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
K17
Data protection legislation and the processes for sharing and storing information safely and securely, including risks to data from cybercrime. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K18
Green and sustainable policies and practices and the role they play in the finance sector, and how to minimise negative impacts on environmental sustainability within the context of their role. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1
Implement legal and regulatory framework requirements. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
S2
Deliver risk and compliance services to stakeholders using organisational systems and processes. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S3
Plan and organise workloads to meet individual and team performance targets. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S4
Identify ways to reduce and mitigate incidents of non-compliance. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S5
Escalate compliance and risk issues where appropriate in line with organisational procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S6
Manage records in order to meet audit requirements of the organisation. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S7
Produce evidence-based reports and management information for stakeholders considering visualisation techniques when presenting data. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
S8
Select and use communication methods applicable to the audience and circumstances, for example, presentations, phone, face to face, email, virtual meetings. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
S9
Communicate about products with customers, colleagues or stakeholders in different styles, for example visually, verbally, written, using e-comms. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S10
Build and maintain working relationships. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
S11
Identify own training needs and seek feedback to improve performance and service delivered. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
S12
Apply continuous improvement techniques when delivering improved compliance outcomes and mitigating risks. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
S13
Record information electronically and make use of available technology, for example Management Information Systems (MIS), spreadsheets, presentation software, word processing, email, virtual communication. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S14
Handle data safely and securely and share information in compliance with data protection legislation and organisational policy. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1
Acts in a professional and ethical manner. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
B2
Maintains confidentiality and acts with due care and diligence. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
B3
Seeks to continuously improve and develop themselves and their team. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
B4
Adapts to, and is resilient in, challenging or changing situations. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B5
Keeps up to date with relevant legal, regulatory and other changes affecting the industry. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
|
B6
Collaborates with and supports colleagues. Back to Grading |
Written project report with presentation and questions |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Delivering services
K14 S2 S3 B4 |
Planning, prioritising and time management techniques. (K14) |
Deliver risk and compliance services to stakeholders using organisational systems and processes. (S2) Plan and organise workloads to meet individual and team performance targets. (S3) |
Adapts to, and is resilient in, challenging or changing situations. (B4) |
|
Systems and processes
K11 K12 S6 |
Systems, tools and processes that assist in identifying, managing and mitigating compliance and risk issues. (K11) Audit requirements and the responsibilities of the auditor and auditee. (K12) |
Manage records in order to meet audit requirements of the organisation. (S6) |
None |
|
IT and digital
K17 S13 S14 |
Data protection legislation and the processes for sharing and storing information safely and securely, including risks to data from cybercrime. (K17) |
Record information electronically and make use of available technology, for example Management Information Systems (MIS), spreadsheets, presentation software, word processing, email, virtual communication. (S13) Handle data safely and securely and share information in compliance with data protection legislation and organisational policy. (S14) |
None |
|
Green finance
K18 |
Green and sustainable policies and practices and the role they play in the finance sector, and how to minimise negative impacts on environmental sustainability within the context of their role. (K18) |
None |
None |
|
Analysis and problem solving
K13 S4 S5 |
Policies and procedures for the identification and escalation of compliance issues and risks. (K13) |
Identify ways to reduce and mitigate incidents of non-compliance. (S4) Escalate compliance and risk issues where appropriate in line with organisational procedures. (S5) |
None |
|
Customers and products
K6 K8 K9 K10 S9 |
Functions of the organisation and their relationship with risk and compliance policies and procedures. (K6) Products and services offered to customers within their organisation and their industry relative to their role. (K8) Approaches to delivering fair customer outcomes, for example identifying vulnerable customers. (K9) Professional standards and best practice, and how these are applied. (K10) |
Communicate about products with customers, colleagues or stakeholders in different styles, for example visually, verbally, written, using e-comms. (S9) |
None |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Risk and compliance framework
K1 K2 K3 K4 S1 B1 B2 |
Legal and regulatory framework relative to their industry. (K1) Role of the different regulators, and the implications of non-compliance for the organisation. (K2) Legal and regulatory requirements, for example the Financial Conduct Authority handbook, and the policies and procedures to implement these requirements. (K3) Risk and compliance requirements for their role, for example operational risk, financial crime, know your customer, training and competence, approved persons, conduct risk, complaints, data security. (K4) |
Implement legal and regulatory framework requirements. (S1) |
Acts in a professional and ethical manner. (B1) Maintains confidentiality and acts with due care and diligence. (B2) |
|
Industry and company understanding
K5 K7 |
Range and purpose of organisations that are found in their wider industry, and their own organisation’s position within this landscape. (K5) Impact that the external environment and legal and regulatory requirements have on the organisation and on their industry. (K7) |
None |
None |
|
Communicating and influencing
K15 K16 S7 S8 |
Communication methods, including verbal, non-verbal and written, and how to adapt communication to different audiences. (K15) Digital tools for research, analysis, and presentation of data through visualisation techniques. (K16) |
Produce evidence-based reports and management information for stakeholders considering visualisation techniques when presenting data. (S7) Select and use communication methods applicable to the audience and circumstances, for example, presentations, phone, face to face, email, virtual meetings. (S8) |
None |
|
Teamwork
S10 B6 |
None |
Build and maintain working relationships. (S10) |
Collaborates with and supports colleagues. (B6) |
|
Continuous improvement
S11 S12 B3 B5 |
None |
Identify own training needs and seek feedback to improve performance and service delivered. (S11) Apply continuous improvement techniques when delivering improved compliance outcomes and mitigating risks. (S12) |
Seeks to continuously improve and develop themselves and their team. (B3) Keeps up to date with relevant legal, regulatory and other changes affecting the industry. (B5) |
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 | Occupational standard and end point assessment revised | 05/09/2024 | Not set | Not set |
| 1.2 | Occupational standard, end point assessment and funding band revised | 29/07/2024 | 04/09/2024 | Not set |
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan and standard revised | 21/03/2023 | 28/07/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 19/09/2016 | 20/03/2023 | Not set |
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