Table of Contents
CME-2B: Saudi Capital Market Rules and Regulations – Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering
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The Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) uses CME-2 (Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering) for people entering specified compliance and AML/CFT functions. The qualification has two parts: international compliance in CME-2A and Saudi rules in CME-2B.
[!NOTE] Are you looking for the US Accounting CMA? A quick clarification for our readers: This guide specifically covers the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) regulatory licensing exams. If you are searching for the IMA’s Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam fees or dates, that is a separate accounting credential.
This guide separates the two parts, records the current published exam figures and shows what to verify before booking.
1. What is the CME-2 Certification?
The CME-2 (Capital Market Examination 2) route covers the compliance function, financial crime, governance and the Saudi capital-market rules that apply to compliance and AML/CFT work.
The Financial Academy describes CME-2B as mandatory for people to be registered for a function in compliance and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. Passing the exam does not by itself complete employer nomination or CMA registration.
CME-2 Modular Structure
The current route is split into two distinct modules, and both are required for the CME-2 qualification:
CME-2A: International Financial Compliance
This module tests your understanding of global compliance frameworks and best practices.
- Key Topics: The international regulatory environment, the role of the compliance function in a multinational firm, risk management, corporate governance, and cross-border financial crime regulations.
- Preparation Focus: Distinguish the roles of the board, senior management, the compliance function and international standard setters; then practise applying controls to short scenarios.
CME-2B: Saudi Specific Compliance & AML
This module focuses on Saudi capital-market rules, compliance, AML and CFT.
- Key Topics: Capital Market Institutions Regulations, investment funds, market conduct, corporate-finance rules, investment accounts, AML and terrorist-financing offences.
- Preparation Focus: Build a table for each rule showing the responsible person, trigger, recipient, deadline and required record. That prevents similar notification and reporting duties from being confused.
2. CME-2 Exam Details for 2026
If you are planning your 2026 exam schedule, here is the critical data you need to know.
| Published detail | CME-2A (International) | CME-2B (Saudi Specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70 marks | 17 marks |
| Exam fee | SAR 2,100 | SAR 1,700 |
| Language Options | English & Arabic | English & Arabic |
| Exam Provider | Financial Academy | Financial Academy |
The Financial Academy pages publish scores rather than percentages. Do not convert the CME-2B score into a rounded percentage when planning how many questions you can miss.
For CME-2B, the published chapter allocation is 20%, 16%, 12%, 12%, 8%, 20% and 12% across its seven chapters. The two 20% chapters together account for 40% of the paper, but the remaining five chapters still account for most marks.
Exam Dates & Registration
Use the Financial Academy portal to see the dates, language and delivery options currently available to your account. Before payment, verify the part number: CME-2A and CME-2B are separate bookings with different durations, pass scores and fees.
Free CME-2B: Saudi Capital Market Rules and Regulations – Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Practice Questions & Exam Preview
Try 15 CME-2B: Saudi Capital Market Rules and Regulations – Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering practice questions from AML/CFT and Customer Due Diligence
Practice CME-2B: Saudi Capital Market Rules and Regulations – Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering exam questions with answers and explanations. The full course includes 5 mock exams and chapter study tools.
Exam Preview
In the context of money laundering, what does the 'Layering' stage involve?
Flashcards
What are the notification timeframes for a CEO resignation?
Focus Learn
- Timelines for CMA notification (within 2 days for CEO resignation, 7 days for other material changes, 30 days for address/structural changes).
- Conditions surrounding the cancellation or withdrawal of authorisation.
- Requirements for the safe custody of client assets and regular client statements.
- Close Links — 30 days' advance notice before establishing.
- Approved Persons — CMA approval required for registrable functions.
- Record-keeping obligations — 10-year retention period.
This chapter covers the regulatory framework governing capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia under the Capital Market Authority (CMA). Authorised persons must meet ongoing obligations including notification requirements — for example, notifying the CMA within 2 days of a CEO resignation, within 7 days for other material changes, and within 30 days for certain structural changes such as address or name changes and close links. The CMA has the power to cancel or withdraw authorisation if conditions are breached. A central focus is the safe custody of client assets: firms must strictly segregate client money from their own funds, maintain proper records, and provide regular client statements. Client money cannot be pooled with firm money under any circumstances, even temporarily. The ch…
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Open every chapter’s key areas, pitfalls, exam traps and key numbers.
3. What Completing Both Parts Shows
The two-part route tests different evidence. CME-2A covers international compliance concepts and the operation of a compliance function; CME-2B tests how Saudi capital-market rules apply to compliance, AML and CFT work. Passing both demonstrates exam knowledge across those areas, but it is not evidence of a particular salary, job title or completed CMA registration.
4. How to Prepare Without Burning Out
The two papers require different preparation. CME-2A allows 120 minutes and rewards connected understanding; CME-2B is a 30-minute local-rules paper where fast distinction between similar duties matters.
Shift to Active Recall
After each chapter, answer a short set without notes and record the rule behind every error. For CME-2B, repeat mixed sets under its 30-minute limit; for CME-2A, explain why each rejected option fails as well as why the selected answer works.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the difference between Saudi CMA and US CMA?
The Saudi CMA (Capital Market Authority) regulates financial markets in Saudi Arabia and issues the CME series exams for licensing. The US CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is an accounting credential issued by the IMA. They are completely different certifications.
2 Who must take the Saudi CME-2 Exam?
The Financial Academy describes CME-2B as mandatory for people to be registered for work in compliance and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. Candidates should confirm the exact registrable-function requirement with their employer and the CMA.
3 What is the pass mark for the CME-2 in 2026?
The Financial Academy publishes a pass score of 70 marks for CME-2A and 17 marks for CME-2B. Both parts are required for the CME-2 qualification.
4 How do I register for the CME-2 exam dates?
Registration is handled through the Financial Academy. Check the live portal for the dates and delivery options available to you instead of relying on a fixed annual schedule.
5 Do I have to complete CME-1 before taking CME-2?
The current Financial Academy CME-2 exam pages do not list CME-1 as an entry prerequisite. Your employer or CMA registration route may have separate requirements, so check those before booking.
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