Crypto compliance analyst: which AML cert actually matters (and how do I prove skills without real cases)?

I’m trying to move into crypto compliance / AML analyst roles from banking ops, and I’m stuck at the “what should I learn” stage. Everyone recommends a different certification, and most advice is just “learn KYC/AML” without saying what hiring teams actually treat as real signal.

If you’re working in compliance or hiring for it, what actually makes the decision point for an entry-level candidate?

• Do you care about certifications (ACAMS / ICA / etc.) or more about understanding transaction monitoring + investigations workflows?

• In interviews, how deep do you expect someone to explain Travel Rule, wallet risk scoring, and basic sanctions / typologies in plain language?

Also — what does a “portfolio” look like for compliance? I can’t publish real investigations. Would any of these be taken seriously:

• short write-ups on public sanctions / enforcement cases,

• a mock SAR (structure + reasoning), or

• a simple triage framework for wallet risk?

I’m based in India, but I’m seeing more openings in UAE / Singapore / UK. If you had 60 days to make yourself employable for a junior crypto compliance role, what would you prioritize?

If you want it even more human, add one small line like: “I can study ~1 hour/day and don’t want to waste money on the wrong cert.”