Framework Details

Artificial Intelligence Framework

Overview

Artificial Intelligence is no longer experimental — it is embedded in national infrastructure, financial systems, public services, and critical decision-making. Yet the global certification landscape remains fragmented, overly theoretical, and disconnected from operational risk.

The GCAF AI Accreditation Framework establishes a rigorous, evidence-based structure for certifying AI-focused programs, certifiers, and training bodies. It is engineered for modularity, auditability, and regional adaptation — while remaining benchmarked against the highest international norms.

Scope of Application

This framework applies to:

Certification bodies delivering AI ethics, governance, auditing, or development tracks
Institutions offering AI-related courses, bootcamps, or skilling programs
Public or private programs designed to train AI developers, users, or evaluators
Any training or testing system referencing:
- Explainability
- Model governance
- Data ethics
- Bias mitigation
- Risk-based deployment strategies

Alignment & Reference Standards

Standard / Body	Reference
ISO/IEC 42001:2023	AI Management System Standard
NIST AI RMF v1.0	Risk Management Framework
EU AI Act (Title III-IV)	Risk-based classification + obligations
OECD AI Principles	Human-centricity, robustness
IEEE P7000+ Series	Ethical system design
GCAF Internal Benchmarks	Quarterly-reviewed operational checklists

Certification Categories under This Framework

Tier	Intended Audience	Scope of Review
Level 1	General Literacy (AI awareness)	Terminology, social impact, historical evolution
Level 2	Applied Ethics + Risk	Bias, explainability, regulatory classification, dual-use risk
Level 3	Developers & Builders	Model design principles, data handling, architecture ethics
Level 4	Institutional Governance	AI governance policy, accountability frameworks, board-level risk posture

Accreditation Criteria (Excerpt)

Each program is reviewed against:

Curriculum coverage of ISO/IEC 42001 and NIST AI RMF core functions
Demonstrated application of risk tiering (minimal, high-risk, prohibited)
Case-based training on real-world AI failures and mitigation design
Bias detection methods (data provenance, protected class handling)
Alignment with GCAF’s Responsible Innovation Declaration
Instructor qualification (practitioner + academic blend)
Data use protocols (collection, consent, labeling ethics)
Local legal compliance: GDPR, AI Act, or local equivalents
Explainability tools and post-deployment monitoring practices
Inclusion of global majority/non-Western contexts in curriculum

Required Attachments for Accreditation

Course syllabus + lesson plan (mandatory)
Sample assessments or capstone projects
Instructor CVs and proof of credentials
Documented link between curriculum and ISO/NIST benchmarks
Recertification policy or annual update plan
Independent audit report (if applicable)

Downloadable Files

📘 AI Accreditation Framework (Full PDF)
📋 Evaluator Rubric & Scoring Guide
📑 Sample Curriculum Mapping Sheet (Excel)
📎 AI Risk Classification Matrix
📎 Explainability Module Sample (PDF)

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Framework

Overview

As digital infrastructure expands across every sector — from banking to border control — cybersecurity and data protection are no longer technical concerns, but national and organizational imperatives. The GCAF Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Framework ensures that training, auditing, and certifying programs meet the highest thresholds of technical competence, risk assurance, and legal alignment.

This framework serves to accredit entities preparing learners and systems for compliance with global security mandates and ethical data handling practices — across public, private, and hybrid infrastructures.

Scope of Application

This framework is applied to:

Training programs for cybersecurity fundamentals, risk analysis, and secure development
Privacy and data protection certification tracks (e.g., DPO, CIPP-style courses)
Corporate or government compliance workshops focused on ISO/NIST/FATF-aligned standards
Certifier-level entities claiming to provide cybersecurity or privacy certifications
University or technical courses on security architecture, risk modeling, or data ethics

Alignment & Reference Standards

Standard / Body	Reference
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)	Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
NIST Privacy Framework	Data governance, usage, disclosure
ISO/IEC 27001:2022	Information Security Management Systems
ISO/IEC 27701	Privacy Information Management
FATF Recommendations	Cyber-finance risk and anti-money laundering (AML)
EU GDPR / Global Equivalents	Personal data rights, storage, breach protocols
GCAF Quarterly Criteria	Rapid-response policy updates

Certification Categories under This Framework

Tier	Audience	Scope of Review
Level 1	Awareness Programs	General literacy in security threats, data rights, and safe practices
Level 2	Risk Management & Controls	Threat modeling, mitigation strategies, incident planning
Level 3	Governance & System Design	Architecture design, policy frameworks, audit & logging enforcement
Level 4	Institutional Implementation	Full compliance programs, staff-wide training, internal audit systems

Accreditation Criteria (Excerpt)

All submissions are reviewed for:

Curriculum coverage of ISO/IEC 27001, NIST CSF, and NIST Privacy Framework
Inclusion of data ethics, especially regarding consent and non-discrimination
Coverage of breach notification protocols and incident containment practices
Demonstrated integration of regulatory frameworks like GDPR, PDPA, or CCPA
Technical depth: firewalls, IDS/IPS, zero trust, encryption and key management
Data lifecycle models (collection, access control, storage, destruction)
Risk quantification frameworks (CVSS scoring, heat mapping, etc.)
Role-based access control (RBAC) concepts and enforcement logic
Assessment of instructor credentials and audit trail design in training materials
Update frequency of materials (minimum once/year required)

Required Attachments for Accreditation

Curriculum outline mapped to NIST/ISO alignment
Policy examples: breach, encryption, data access
Instructor CVs and proof of hands-on experience
Evidence of continuous improvement policy
Sector-specific data handling annexes (e.g., health, finance, education)
Risk matrix sample or vulnerability scoring logic

Downloadable Files

📘 Cybersecurity Accreditation Framework (PDF)
📋 GCAF Evaluator Scoring Sheet (Excel)
📑 Data Privacy Risk Matrix (CSV)
📎 Breach Management Flowchart (PDF)

📎 Sample Role-Based Access Policy

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Framework

Overview

In an era where digital systems govern financial controls, public procurement, and cross-border regulation, Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) training and audit programs must be more than procedural. They must ensure system-level accountability, real-time visibility, and policy-to-execution alignment.

The GCAF GRC Framework sets the gold standard for accrediting entities that prepare professionals in internal audit, risk modeling, compliance reporting, and governance oversight — especially in high-risk or regulated sectors such as banking, health, public sector, and digital infrastructure.

Scope of Application

This framework applies to:

Certification bodies offering internal audit, ethics, or enterprise risk programs
Corporate training on enterprise GRC, ISO/ITGC frameworks, or public sector oversight
Universities delivering compliance & regulatory affairs tracks
Programs using or referencing:
- Control frameworks (e.g. COSO, COBIT, NIST 800-53)
- Anti-fraud and whistleblower governance
- Third-party risk management and digital GRC tools
- Regulatory frameworks (SOX, AML/CFT, DORA, Basel III)

Alignment & Reference Standards

Standard / Body	Reference
ISO/IEC 37301:2021	Compliance Management Systems (CMS)
COSO ERM	Enterprise Risk Management Framework
NIST SP 800-53	Security & Privacy Controls Catalog
ISO/IEC 31000:2018	Risk Management Principles
Basel Committee	Operational risk + bank-level compliance
EU DORA	ICT risk management for financial entities
GCAF Internal Protocols	Quarterly-reviewed sector GRC checklists

Certification Categories under This Framework

Tier	Intended Audience	Scope of Review
Level 1	General Compliance Awareness	Ethics, fraud basics, responsibility frameworks
Level 2	Operational Risk & Controls	Risk registers, mitigation, legal exposure, 3LoD model
Level 3	Regulatory Alignment & Reporting	Compliance frameworks (SOX, AML, ESG), audit readiness
Level 4	Enterprise-Wide GRC Systems	Organization-wide GRC rollouts, dashboards, digital tooling (RSA Archer, LogicGate)

Accreditation Criteria (Excerpt)

To be accredited under the GCAF GRC Framework, programs must demonstrate:

Alignment with ISO 37301 or equivalent CMS model
Clear delivery of policy-to-control-to-reporting workflow
Risk scoring methodology with example application (e.g., heat maps, impact scoring)
Regulatory mapping methodology (regional + international standards)
Integration of governance themes like transparency, accountability, and whistleblower policies
Third-party risk monitoring coverage (vendors, outsourcing, SaaS providers)
Audit prep simulations or case-based compliance scenarios
Multi-sector adaptation ability (e.g., finance, government, energy)
Trainee assessment that includes both theoretical and applied GRC exercises
Annual update policy with regulatory intelligence sources

Required Attachments for Accreditation

Curriculum and full content mapping to ISO/COSO/NIST
Sample risk register or mitigation plan
Governance structure & whistleblower process sample
Regulatory compliance map or jurisdiction checklist
Trainer/instructor experience in cross-sector GRC delivery
Digital tools or dashboards used (if applicable)

Downloadable Files

📘 GRC Accreditation Framework (PDF)
📋 Trainer Qualification Matrix
📑 Sample Risk Scoring Template (Excel)
📎 Third-Party Risk Evaluation Sheet
📎 Control Implementation Checklist

Blockchain & Digital Assets Framework

Overview

Blockchain systems are redefining ownership, transaction infrastructure, and identity across industries. Yet, decentralized doesn’t mean unregulated — and digital asset ecosystems face increasing pressure for proof of compliance, transparency, and security.

The GCAF Blockchain & Digital Assets Framework offers a structured pathway to accredit certification bodies, institutions, and sector programs delivering education or audits related to blockchain, crypto assets, DeFi systems, token standards, and ledger governance.

This framework blends technical audit depth with policy relevance, ensuring learners and organizations meet the world’s highest compliance and innovation readiness expectations.

Scope of Application

This framework is applied to:

Certification programs covering blockchain architecture, smart contracts, Web3 governance, or crypto finance
Regulatory readiness tracks for financial institutions and fintech operators using blockchain
Auditing and token design assurance training (e.g. security token compliance, KYC integration)
Institutions preparing candidates for AML/CFT enforcement within crypto exchanges or protocols
Programs teaching NFT issuance, custody, asset tokenization, or decentralized governance models

Alignment & Reference Standards

Standard / Body	Reference
FATF Updated Guidance (2023)	Virtual asset providers (VASPs), Travel Rule, AML/CFT scope
ISO/TC 307 Series	Blockchain frameworks, smart contracts, privacy-preserving systems
MiCA (EU)	Markets in Crypto Assets — token classifications & rules
OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework	Cross-border crypto tax compliance
SEC & CFTC Guidances	U.S. regulatory posture on tokens, exchanges, and DeFi
GCAF Quarterly Review Sheets	Risk exposure map, custody compliance, DAO risk index

Certification Categories under This Framework

Tier	Intended Audience	Scope of Review
Level 1	General Blockchain Literacy	Ledger types, immutability, decentralization vs. centralization
Level 2	Compliance & Token Fundamentals	Custody risks, crypto AML/CFT, KYC onboarding, risk tiering
Level 3	Smart Contract & Protocol Oversight	Secure coding, contract logic audits, governance automation risks
Level 4	Institutional Policy & Audit	Crypto policy drafting, asset tokenization frameworks, on-chain audit

Accreditation Criteria (Excerpt)

To earn accreditation, programs must meet standards including:

Mapping curriculum to ISO/TC 307 structure (blockchain architecture, interoperability)
Full inclusion of FATF crypto AML/CFT principles (risk-based approach, suspicious activity)
Teaching of token classification (security vs. utility vs. payment)
Demonstration of DAO risk assessment methods
Smart contract audit knowledge (common bugs, testing frameworks, coverage tooling)
Wallet security and recovery concepts (MPC, cold storage, seed phrase risks)
Crypto tax awareness: jurisdictional reporting and exchange liability
NFT ethical considerations (IP, duplication, metadata immutability)
Coverage of stablecoins, CBDCs, and cross-chain bridging challenges
Verification of instructor blockchain/crypto operational experience

Required Attachments for Accreditation

Full curriculum and instructor credentials
Breakdown of covered regulations by jurisdiction (MiCA, FATF, etc.)
Sample use cases: DeFi onboarding, token audit walkthroughs, VASP mapping
Evidence of real blockchain tools used (testnet, wallet labs, etc.)
Data on annual curriculum updates to reflect tech/regulatory change
Policy template samples (KYT, AML disclosures, DAO governance charter)

🔹 Downloadable Files

📘 Blockchain & Digital Asset Accreditation Framework (PDF)
📋 GCAF Token Risk Scoring Matrix
📎 Smart Contract Audit Training Flowchart
📎 FATF Travel Rule Checklist (VASP Template)
📑 DAO Governance Rubric (PDF)

Fintech & RegTech Framework

Overview

Financial innovation is accelerating, but with it comes increased scrutiny, risk complexity, and the need for demonstrable regulatory alignment. As digital banks, payment systems, and API-driven compliance tools scale globally, there is a critical demand for education and certification that is both technically relevant and jurisdictionally accountable.

The GCAF Fintech & RegTech Framework provides rigorous criteria for accrediting programs that train professionals and assess platforms in next-generation finance, compliance-as-a-service, digital identity, open banking, and automation of regulatory processes.

Scope of Application

This framework applies to:

Certification and training programs for fintech product teams, policy advisors, or compliance managers
Digital banking and e-wallet curriculum developers
RegTech vendors providing KYC/AML, transaction monitoring, or regulatory reporting solutions
Payment processors, lending platforms, or API-driven credit systems
Academic or enterprise programs focused on embedded finance or decentralized compliance tooling
Programs teaching alignment with PSD2, DORA, eIDAS, and other regional standards

Alignment & Reference Standards

Standard / Body	Reference
ISO/IEC 20022	Financial data interchange messaging
EU PSD2 / PSD3	Payment Services Directive – access, consent, open banking
DORA (EU 2023)	Digital Operational Resilience Act for financial entities
FATF Recommendations	Fintech AML/CFT design and risk tiering
BIS Open Finance Reports	Global interoperability & banking infrastructure governance
GCAF Quarterly Compliance Benchmarks	Covering real-time regtech deployments, data risk scores

Certification Categories under This Framework

Tier	Intended Audience	Scope of Review
Level 1	General Fintech Literacy	Overview of digital finance evolution, challenger banks, payments architecture
Level 2	Risk & Compliance Fundamentals	AML/CFT layers, digital KYC, fraud prevention, reg sandboxing
Level 3	Platform & Product Governance	Lending algorithms, API monitoring, real-time alerting, UX-compliance bridge
Level 4	Institutional RegTech Implementation	System-wide policy automation, audit trails, resilience testing, regulatory APIs

Accreditation Criteria (Excerpt)

To receive accreditation under this framework, programs must demonstrate:

Curriculum alignment with PSD2/3, FATF, ISO 20022, and regional frameworks
Full treatment of digital KYC, onboarding friction, and fraud signal response
Governance of financial algorithms (credit scoring, lending, limit enforcement)
Architecture of embedded finance flows (BNPL, wallet orchestration, P2P rails)
Integration of automated audit trails and case management simulation
Understanding of RegTech product ecosystem: risk scoring, KYB, sanctions filters
Regulatory change monitoring and automated compliance adjustment
Hands-on labs or simulations with sandbox APIs or synthetic transaction data
Clear instructor experience in financial compliance or fintech architecture
Optional coverage of DeFi compliance bridges, if applicable

Required Attachments for Accreditation

Full course outline mapped to regulation-specific outcomes
Examples of fintech/regtech system simulations or APIs used in delivery
Instructor credentials and real-world financial compliance experience
Alignment table of curriculum vs. PSD2/AML5/ISO 20022 frameworks
Recertification schedule with update policy to reflect new directives (e.g. MiCA, DORA)

🔹 Downloadable Files

📘 Fintech & RegTech Accreditation Framework (PDF)
📋 Open Banking Compliance Flow Map (PNG)
📎 Risk-Based Onboarding Scorecard (Excel)
📎 Transaction Monitoring Lab Guide
📎 GCAF Tier Scoring Sheet (Fintech Programs)

Cross-Border Digital Standards Alignment Framework

Overview

In an increasingly fragmented digital regulatory landscape, the ability to operate, certify, and train across borders requires a new layer of assurance. GCAF’s Cross-Border Standards Alignment Framework is purpose-built to accredit programs that enable interoperability, legal equivalence, and mutual recognition of trust, particularly for AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital identity systems.

This framework addresses the challenges faced by multinational certifiers, digital training providers, and governance bodies working across regulatory regimes — providing an enforceable layer of certification consistency, legal awareness, and jurisdictional harmonization.

Scope of Application

This framework applies to:

Programs that train on or certify for regulatory harmonization and cross-jurisdictional compliance
Certification providers operating across multiple legal domains
Digital standards translation bodies or institutions involved in interoperability governance
AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, or GRC programs that need region-specific validation (UAE, EU, LATAM, APAC, Africa)
Government institutions seeking mutual recognition of standards or oversight reciprocity

Alignment & Reference Standards

Standard / Body	Reference
ISO/IEC 17011 / 17021 / 17029	Accreditation and conformity assessment integrity
NIST / EU AI Act	Crosswalk between U.S. and EU AI governance requirements
OECD Guidelines	Cross-border data, ethics, interoperability
WTO TBT Agreement	Recognition of technical standards across member states
UNCITRAL / Digital Trade Norms	Global legal frameworks for e-signatures, identity, and contract validity
GCAF Comparative Compliance Index	Updated quarterly — maps legal compatibility across sectors and regions

Certification Categories under This Framework

Tier	Intended Audience	Scope of Review
Level 1	Foundations of Digital Harmonization	Principles of standards equivalence, digital sovereignty, mutual recognition
Level 2	Jurisdictional Comparison & Mapping	Side-by-side regulatory audits, gap analysis, compliance delta identification
Level 3	Legal + Technical Equivalence Training	Certification policy translation, legal language adaptation, standards labeling
Level 4	Treaty / Regulatory Interoperability Tracks	Strategic policy implementation across ministries, certifier networks, or unions

Accreditation Criteria (Excerpt)

To be accredited under this framework, the program must demonstrate:

Clear comparison methods across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., UAE vs. EU vs. ASEAN)
Training on global governance instruments: AI Act, GDPR, FATF, DORA, NIST, ISO
Legal vocabulary translation techniques and standards referencing accuracy
Inclusion of sovereignty-aware models (data localization, hybrid compliance)
Case-based learning on real conflicts of law (e.g., AI use cases regulated differently)
Evidence of regional participation or advisory collaboration
Usage of GCAF’s Comparative Compliance Index in curriculum or audit logic
Cross-certifier policy simulation or conflict resolution protocols
Delivery of strategies for harmonizing high-risk tech standards across geographies
Dynamic update mechanism to reflect quarterly legal changes and resolutions

Required Attachments for Accreditation

Mapping matrix showing multi-jurisdictional alignment
Legal conflict case studies or teaching materials
Instructor bios with cross-border policy, regulatory, or treaty background
Documentation of regional advisory participation or endorsements
Sample of standards comparison tool or assessment module
Quarterly update protocol + data source transparency

🔹 Downloadable Files

📘 Cross-Border Standards Framework (PDF)
📋 Jurisdiction Mapping Matrix (Excel)
📎 Legal Equivalence Casebook (PDF)
📎 GCAF Compliance Crosswalk Tool (CSV)
📎 Multi-region Certification Simulation Guide