CEA’s 2025 AML Guide: Key Compliance Obligations for Real Estate Salespersons (AMLG)

Generic Category: Adaptability (2 CPD credits awarded, subject to KEO’s approval)

Course Duration: 3 hours

Funding available: Nil

Course Synopsis:

The CEA’s latest 67-page AML Guide represents a shift in expectations for real estate agencies and salesperson. This course is designed to make those complex regulations accessible, actionable, and directly relevant to salespersons.

With real-world examples and simplified workflows, participants will walk away with a working knowledge of how to protect themselves, their clients, and their agency from AML-related enforcement risks.

This is for the RES on the ground – how to carry out day-to-day compliance:

• Understanding important concepts and obligations
• How to comply and which forms to use
• Handling corporate clients & source of funds
• ECDD in high-risk situations
• Filing Suspicious Transaction Report to protect yourself

Interactive case studies and sample risk profiles will be used to bring the regulations to life. This Generic CPD course equips RES and agency leaders to comply confidently with the AML regime in Singapore’s property landscape.

Course Outline:

By the end of the session, learners will be able to: -

• Understand the intent, structure, and application of the CEA AML Guide (30 June 2025)
• Identify and apply the proper Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced CDD (ECDD) procedures
• Spot red flags and suspicious transactions in day-to-day property work
• Understand the role of RES vs KEO/management in AML obligations
• Learn to complete risk rating assessments and lodge Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) where required

Trainer Profile

Heng Eam is a lawyer by training and was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 2005 and the Singapore Bar in 2014. He began his legal career in private practice, where he gained broad experience in compliance, litigation, and corporate matters. In 2015, he transitioned to the real estate industry, joining Huttons Asia. He later moved to PropNex in 2021, where he served as Assistant Vice President (Legal) and subsequently led the Legal and Compliance Department. With 6 years at Huttons and 4 years at PropNex under his belt, he has honed the ART of balancing compliance and business needs of estate agencies and real estate salespersons.

In 2025, Heng Eam returned to legal practice and now heads the Real Estate Compliance and Regulation practice at Donaldson & Burkinshaw LLP. He brings a wealth of experience in applying legal principles to the operational and regulatory challenges faced by estate agencies and salespersons. His areas of expertise include the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care, the Professional Services Manual, anti-money laundering regulations, and the Council for Estate Agencies’ disciplinary frameworks.