AML Training Real Estate Spain: Why Authorities Expect More Than a Policy

Having an AML policy is no longer enough. Authorities increasingly expect staff to actually understand and apply it, says Andréas Hobbelin, Founder of CostaAML.

According to Hobbelin, AML training real estate Spain has become a central focus area for regulators — particularly in high-risk, international markets such as the Costa del Sol.

During inspections, authorities are not only asking if training exists, but what kind of training it is, how often it is delivered, and whether staff can demonstrate practical understanding.

He explains that generic AML courses often fail to meet expectations.

Many real-estate agencies rely on banking-style AML training that has little relevance to property transactions. Agents need training that reflects real scenarios — reservation deposits, foreign buyers, complex ownership structures, and source-of-funds questions.

Hobbelin also highlights that training must be documented and repeatable.

AML training real estate Spain must be tailored, recorded, and updated regularly. If an agency cannot prove who was trained, when, and on what content, it becomes a weakness during any review.

From a commercial perspective, Hobbelin sees a clear upside.

Agencies that can demonstrate structured AML training signal professionalism to clients, developers, and partners. In today’s market, verifiable compliance is increasingly a competitive advantage.

CostaAML provides sector-specific AML training and certification designed exclusively for real-estate professionals operating in Spain.