TrustCrypto Institute
TCCS Reading List
Recommended external materials for examination preparation. Public sources only.
Version 2.6.0 ā¢ Effective 1 January 2026 ā¢ Last reviewed February 2026
TCCS Reading List
Recommended Materials for Examination Preparation
Version: 2.6.0 (Final ā Controlled Scope)
Effective: 1 January 2026
Last Review: 1 January 2026
Note on Domain 3:
Domain 3 (Professional Judgement & Decision Making) is assessed through application of the Institute frameworks listed below and does not have standalone reading materials.
TrustCrypto Institute Guides (Primary Resources)
Domain 1 & 2: AML/KYC & Blockchain Forensics
TrustCrypto Blockchain Forensics Framework v1.0
š Available: TrustCrypto Institute Learning Portal
ā± Study Time: 18 hours
Coverage:
- Transaction tracing (Bitcoin UTXO, Ethereum, DeFi)
- Obfuscation techniques (mixers, CoinJoin, peel chains, privacy coins)
- Red flag indicators (60+ across 4 categories)
- Evidence collection and chain of custody
- Case typologies (ransomware, darknet, fraud, sanctions)
- Legal framework (MLRs 2017, FATF, sanctions)
Domain 4: Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
TrustCrypto SAR Submission Framework v1.0
š Available: TrustCrypto Institute Learning Portal
ā± Study Time: 8 hours
Coverage:
- Legal obligations (POCA 2002 sections 330-332)
- Knowledge vs suspicion standard
- Essential SAR components and crypto-specific details
- Consent SARs (DAML) procedures
- NCA glossary codes
- Record retention requirements
TrustCrypto Travel Rule Compliance Guide v1.0
š Available: TrustCrypto Institute Learning Portal
ā± Study Time: 6 hours
Coverage:
- FATF Recommendation 16 requirements
- USD/EUR 1,000 threshold
- Required data fields (originator + beneficiary)
- Technical implementation solutions
- Compliance challenges (unhosted wallets, non-compliant VASPs)
- Record keeping obligations
TrustCrypto Financial Promotions Framework v1.0
š Available: TrustCrypto Institute Learning Portal
ā± Study Time: 3 hours (recommended)
Coverage:
- October 2023 promotional ban
- Section 21 FSMA approval requirements
- Risk warnings and prohibited practices
Domain 5: Ethics & Professional Conduct
TrustCrypto Code of Professional Conduct v1.0
š Available: TrustCrypto Institute Learning Portal
ā± Study Time: 2 hours
Coverage:
- 7 Core Principles (Integrity, Competence, Confidentiality, Independence, Client Protection, Regulatory Cooperation, Professional Responsibility)
- Crypto-specific ethical scenarios
- CPD requirements (20 hours annually)
UK Legislation
Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
The Money Laundering Regulations 2017
š https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/692/contents
ā± Study Time: 8 hours
Focus on:
- Part 1: Definitions (Regulations 1-13)
- Part 2: Customer Due Diligence (Regulations 14-39)
- Part 3: Record-Keeping (Regulations 40-41)
- Part 5: Cryptoasset Registration (Regulations 54-59C)
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA)
š https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/29/contents
ā± Study Time: 4 hours
Focus on:
- Part 7: Money Laundering Offences (sections 327-340)
- Section 330: Failure to disclose (regulated sector)
- Section 331: Failure to disclose (MLROs)
- Section 333A: Tipping off
- Section 335: Consent SARs
FCA Guidance
FCA Guidance for Cryptoasset Businesses on MLRs (PS20/10)
š https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/policy/ps20-10.pdf
ā± Study Time: 6 hours
Coverage:
- Registration requirements
- Risk assessment
- CDD/EDD procedures
- Ongoing monitoring
- SAR filing
- Record-keeping
FCA Handbook: Senior Management Arrangements (SYSC)
š SYSC 3: https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/sysc3
š SYSC 6: https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/sysc6
ā± Study Time: 3 hours
Coverage:
- Governance frameworks
- Three lines of defence
- MLRO responsibilities
- Compliance function
International Standards
FATF Virtual Assets Standards
FATF Updated Guidance for a Risk-Based Approach to Virtual Assets and VASPs (October 2021)
š https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/fatf-gafi/en/publications/Fatfrecommendations/Guidance-rba-virtual-assets-2021.html
ā± Study Time: 3 hours
Coverage:
- VASP definition and scope
- Risk-based approach
- Travel Rule implementation
- Licensing and supervision
- Information sharing
FATF Virtual Asset Red Flag Indicators (2020)
š https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/fatf-gafi/en/publications/Methodsandtrends/Virtual-assets-red-flag-indicators.html
ā± Study Time: 2 hours
Coverage:
- Technology/anonymity risks (mixers, privacy coins)
- Transaction pattern indicators
- Customer behavior red flags
- Geographic risks
- Source of funds concerns
Study Tip: Use FRACTION acronym: Frequency, Round amounts, Anonymity tech, Cross-border red flags, Transactions inconsistent, Incomplete KYC, Origin unknown, Networks of wallets
FATF Recommendations (amended October 2025)
š https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/Fatfrecommendations/Fatf-recommendations.html
ā± Study Time: 1.5 hours
Focus on:
- Recommendation 10: Customer Due Diligence
- Recommendation 15: Virtual Assets obligations
- Recommendation 16: Travel Rule
Sanctions Compliance
OFAC Sanctions Compliance Guidance for the Virtual Currency Industry
š https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/913571/download
ā± Study Time: 1.5 hours
Coverage:
- Virtual currency = fiat for sanctions purposes
- Screening obligations
- Risk-based compliance program
- Blocked property reporting
- Geographic/IP screening
OFAC Digital Currency FAQs
š https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/594
ā± Study Time: 0.5 hours
Coverage:
- Digital currency wallet addresses on SDN list
- Screening procedures
- Reporting requirements
OFAC Sanctions List Search Tool
š https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov
Use: Search sanctioned persons, entities, and digital currency addresses (use "ID #" field for crypto addresses)
Risk Assessment
JMLSG Guidance (Part I)
š Available as PDF download from www.jmlsg.org.uk
ā± Study Time: 6 hours
Key sections:
- Chapter 3: Risk assessment methodologies
- Chapter 5: Customer due diligence
- Chapter 6: Enhanced due diligence
- Chapter 8: Ongoing monitoring
Study Strategy
Stage 1: Institute Foundations (40 hours)
Complete all TrustCrypto Institute guides:
- Blockchain Forensics Framework (18 hours)
- SAR Submission Framework (8 hours)
- Travel Rule Compliance Guide (6 hours)
- Financial Promotions Framework (3 hours)
- Code of Professional Conduct (2 hours)
- Review and practice (3 hours)
Stage 2: UK Legal Framework (18 hours)
- MLRs 2017 (8 hours)
- POCA 2002 (4 hours)
- FCA PS20/10 (6 hours)
Stage 3: International Standards (10 hours)
- FATF VA/VASP Guidance (3 hours)
- FATF Red Flag Indicators (2 hours)
- FATF Recommendations (1.5 hours)
- OFAC Sanctions Guidance (2 hours)
- JMLSG Guidance (6 hours)
- FCA SYSC (3 hours)
Total Study Hours: 68 hours
CPD Hours Awarded: 40 hours
Exam Preparation Tips
- Prioritize Institute guides: These are aligned directly with exam content and cover 59% of your study time.
- Focus on application: The exam tests real-world compliance scenarios, not passive recall. Practice applying frameworks to case studies.
- Use legislation strategically: You don't need to memorize every regulation. Focus on key sections and understand the principles.
- Master red flags: The FATF red flag indicators and Institute Forensics Framework are heavily tested.
- Understand Travel Rule: This is a complex area - ensure you understand thresholds, data requirements, and technical challenges.
TrustCrypto Institute
š§ exams@trustcrypto.co.uk