A&D Forensics partnered with Sterling Bank Nigeria to deliver a 5-day Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Specialist (3CS) training at the Sterling Bank Academy in Ilupeju, Lagos. With the 2025 Nigerian Investment and Securities Bill granting backing to platforms and exchanges involved in the trading, management, and storage of virtual and digital assets, Sterling Bank has taken a proactive step to equip its Technology Compliance Officers, Information Security Office, Internal Audit, Conduct and Compliance Monitoring, Product Organisation, Regulatory and Financial Crimes Compliance, and Digital Corporate Banking teams with vital crypto risk management skills.
The cryptocurrency compliance training aimed to provide Sterling Bank staff with essential expertise in cryptocurrency compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and relevant regulatory frameworks. The training was conducted from May 19th to 23rd, 2025.
Overview of the Cryptocurrency Compliance Training for Sterling Bank Nigeria.
The 5-day Crypto compliance training covered key areas, including blockchain fundamentals, crypto-related financial crimes, global regulatory frameworks, AML strategies for digital assets, and hands-on sessions with blockchain compliance tools such as BitRank and Chainalysis Reactor.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive sessions, quizzes, group activities, and case analyses, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The Crypto compliance training concluded with a certification exam, and successful participants were awarded their 3CS certificates, marking their proficiency in cryptocurrency compliance.
Day 1 of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training.
The first day of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training opened with a pep talk from Oreoluwa Olaniya, Head, Learning Execution and Delivery at Sterling Academy, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the evolving world of financial technology and compliance.
Following his address, Ms. Chioma Onyekelu, Training Team Lead at A&D Forensics laid out the housekeeping guidelines, setting a collaborative and focused tone for the week ahead.
The cryptocurrency compliance training officially began with Mr. Adedeji Owonibi, Senior partner at A&D Forensics, introducing participants to the structure and goals of the 5-day program. He walked them through the five core modules, explaining how each was designed to build practical knowledge for managing crypto-related risks across various compliance functions.
Participants were taken through a deep dive into Module 1 and 2, which cover the fundamentals of blockchain technology and how it works, what makes it decentralized, and why it poses both opportunities and risks for financial institutions. They explored the different categories of crypto assets, including coins and tokens, and discussed their implications within a regulated banking environment. The focus then shifted to the misuse of cryptocurrencies in money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF).
Day 2 of the Cryptocurrency Compliance Training for Sterling Bank Nigeria.
The second day of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training started on a high note with a Kahoot quiz, an engaging and interactive way for participants to revisit key lessons from Modules 1 and 2, reinforcing their understanding of blockchain fundamentals and crypto-related financial crime.
The focus then shifted to Module 3: Cryptocurrency Laws and Regulations, delivered by Ms. Oge Anene and Mr. Adedeji Owonibi. Ms. Oge provided a comprehensive overview of legal definitions, regulatory risks, and evolving global compliance frameworks, while Mr. Deji offered deeper insights into cross-border regulations, FATF guidelines, VASP requirements, and notable enforcement actions.
Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions centered on case studies and real-world regulatory scenarios. The session highlighted how global approaches to crypto regulation can inform best practices for Nigerian institutions, emphasizing the roles of the CBN, SEC, and international bodies like FATF in shaping effective oversight.
Day 3 of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training.
The third day of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training focused on Module 4: Cryptocurrency Compliance and Financial Crime Prevention, facilitated by Ms. Chioma Onyekelu.
She led participants through the essential components of a robust compliance framework tailored for digital assets and illustrated how core AML principles apply within the crypto space, pointing out both the parallels with traditional finance and the unique challenges digital assets present.
The session emphasized the need for stronger internal controls, continuous monitoring, and a risk-based approach to managing crypto threats. Participants engaged in practical exercises, applying their knowledge to create crypto-specific AML frameworks suitable for Sterling Bank’s compliance strategy.
Day 4 of the Cryptocurrency Compliance Training for Sterling Bank Nigeria.
The fourth day of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training focused on how international standards shape crypto regulation and gave participants hands-on experience with leading blockchain tools.
Mr. Adedeji Owonibi kicked off the session by unpacking the roles of global regulators like FATF and OFAC, explaining their impact on AML and CTF efforts in the crypto space.
Participants then engaged with the Asset Chain team, who demonstrated how tokenizing physical assets on the blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in financial systems.
Later the day, the Chainalysis team showcased the Reactor tool, guiding participants through tracing transactions, identifying suspicious wallets, and investigating illicit flows using real case studies.
Final Day of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training.
The final day of Sterling Bank’s Cryptocurrency Compliance Training marked a significant milestone as participants sat for the 3CS Certification Exam putting their newfound knowledge to the test after five days of intensive learning.
After the exam, successful participants received two certificates: a Certificate of Achievement for completing the training and the esteemed Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Specialist (3CS) certificate, validating their expertise in crypto compliance and financial crime prevention.
The atmosphere was celebratory filled with smiles, handshakes, and group photos as participants reflected on the journey, shared key takeaways, and appreciated the collaborative spirit of the week.
The training concluded on a joyful note, leaving the Sterling Bank teams energized and well prepared to lead the charge in crypto compliance training within Nigeria’s financial sector.
Participants’ Perspectives On The Cryptocurrency Compliance Training for Sterling Bank Nigeria.
Among the participants, Mr. Ahmed Husseini expressed his satisfaction with the cryptocurrency compliance training, stating, ‘I enjoyed everything, as the team consists of top professionals. Every question was answered, and every concern regarding crypto compliance was addressed”.
Uchechi Vivian shared her positive impression of the session. She remarked, “The question-and-answer segment between the students and the facilitator provided a more in-depth analysis for some of us who had no prior knowledge before the training.”
Also, Bonaventure Uzowuni highlighted the practical relevance of the cryptocurrency compliance training to his profession. He mentioned, “The course was very informative and well taught. The facilitators had a strong grasp of the concepts and conveyed them clearly. I believe this will help me significantly, and I hope to apply what I’ve learned”.
Empowering Financial Institutions with Practical Cryptocurrency Compliance Knowledge across Nigeria.
A&D Forensics also trained First Bank of Nigeria through a 10-day Certified Cryptocurrency Compliance Training, equipping their teams with essential skills in crypto risk management and regulatory compliance. As we continue to support more financial institutions, our goal remains strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem through expert led cryptocurrency compliance training.
Conclusion
The 5-day cryptocurrency compliance training marked a significant milestone for Sterling Bank, as it joins the league of forward-thinking financial institutions preparing their teams for the evolving realities of digital finance. By empowering their staff with practical, hands-on crypto compliance skills, Sterling Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to proactive risk management and regulatory excellence in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Are you a Financial Institution, Virtual Asset Service Provider or a Cryptocurrency Exchange in Africa?. Reach out to us today to equip your teams with the critical skills needed to strengthen your institution’s approach to crypto risk management.
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