Curriculum Integration Kernel Financial Services Compliance Administration Program

Curriculum Integration Statement

The FCA program strives to create a culture that is familial and familiar, where students learn in an environment that is free from discrimination and that celebrates diversity of opinions. We want students to be their authentic selves, knowing they are in a safe space to make mistakes and learn from their experiences as they develop into best-in-class compliance professionals.

Setting the Context

An effective way to integrate EDI and sustainability into FCA is for students to examine how and why women are affected by money laundering, and to propose regulatory changes within financial systems. FCA students can engage with EDI and sustainability by analyzing case studies of financial literacy programs for women which helped remove money laundering risks and promote financial security for women around the globe.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Case Study and Digital Showcase

By the end of this activity, students will be able to:

• Investigate real-world financial literacy or inclusion programs for women.
• Analyze how these programs address AML/CFT risks.
• Reflect on gender-specific barriers to financial inclusion.
• Recommend reforms that promote inclusive financial monitoring.

Description

Students work in groups to select and investigate a financial literacy and inclusion program that removes financial barriers for women. Students will develop a digital presentation or infographic that overviews the case and recommends regulatory reforms. These presentations will be peer-reviewed and posted on a shared digital space.

Considerations for Enhancement and Adaptation

Faculty are encouraged to consider the following in preparation for this assignment, or to consider possible adaptations of this assignment.  Review/Summarize the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines on promoting financial inclusion while implementing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures and analyzing how marginalized populations (including women, immigrant, or older adults) may be disproportionately affected by overly strict AML controls.  Review/Summarize how cryptocurrencies can support the economies of underdeveloped nations with limited banking access, and the increased risks that come along with that. 

• Promote regional diversity in case study selection to emphasize global perspectives.
• Provide a rubric for both the showcase and peer feedback.
• Consider inviting guest reviewers (e.g., industry professionals or alumni).

Sample Assignment

STEP 1: Select a Case

Groups will select a financial literacy and inclusion program that addresses AML/CFT risks and supports a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Examples include: Kenya – M-Pesa mobile money platform India – Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Bank Indonesia – Amartha P2P lending platform Pakistan – Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) When selecting a case, students must look for the following:

• How their case mitigates money laundering risks for women, and
• How their case aligns with an SDG. For example: SDG Target 5.7: Equal Rights to Economic Resources, Property Ownership and Financial Services.

STEP 2: Research & Analysis of their Case

• Program Overview: Country, target population, delivery method.
• Impact on Women: Financial inclusion outcomes, empowerment, access to credit.
• AML/CFT Considerations: How the program mitigates money laundering risks.
• Gender Barriers Addressed: Cultural, legal, or economic challenges.
• Policy Lessons: What regulators or financial institutions can learn.
• Recommendations: Propose three recommended regulatory conditions/decisions that reduce barriers for the women featured in this case study

STEP 3: Digital Showcase

Upload to Showcase Platform Students will post their presentation to a shared digital space (e.g., Padlet wall, Discussion Board, Google Drive Folder).

STEP 4: Peer Feedback

Each student or group reviews 2–3 peers’ presentations using this format: 1. What I/we liked: Highlight strengths in clarity, insight, or creativity. 2. What I/we learned: Share a new idea or perspective gained from the case study. 3. What I/we wonder: Pose a question or suggest an area for deeper exploration. 4. Suggestions for improvement: Offer constructive feedback on content, analysis, or presentation design.

Optional Add-ons

Use emojis or icons to rate engagement, clarity, and relevance. Create a “Top Takeaways” board where students post one insight from each peer review.

Summary

This module integrates gender equity and sustainability into financial compliance education by examining how women are disproportionately affected by money laundering and financial exclusion. It encourages students to explore real-world financial literacy and inclusion programs that mitigate AML/CFT risks and promote gender equity.

Benefits to Students

Students will benefit from this learning activity in several meaningful ways—academically, professionally, and personally. First, by analyzing actual financial inclusion programs, students connect theory to practice. They learn how gender inequities manifest in financial systems and how compliance frameworks can either perpetuate or mitigate these issues.

This activity also strengthens students' analytical and decision-making skills—core competencies for compliance professionals. For instance, they are challenged to investigate complex, real-world problems, evaluate the effectiveness of financial literacy initiatives, and propose regulatory reforms that promote equity and reduce AML/CFT risks.

In addition, exploring case studies from diverse regions (e.g., Kenya, India, Pakistan) helps students understand how gender norms vary globally, appreciate the intersection of culture, law, and economics in financial regulation, and develop inclusive perspectives essential for working in international or multicultural environments.