Christopher Carnahan Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Az, Us

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Led testing design and execution for compliance processes, controls, and milestones in support of Compliance Processes for Corporate Risk as part of Compliance Monitoring Controls and Quality Assurance Team. Team lead in the review of testing strategies and methodologies; evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, products, and internal controls; and identifying issues resulting from internal or external compliance examinations.• Perform assessments through fact finding and data requiring creative approaches to solving complex issues and develop appropriate solutions or recommendations. • Leads planning and scoping activities and assessment of adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, and systems, and ensures market/ business/ regulatory changes are incorporated.• Leads engagement execution activities and performs quality reviews, assesses findings, and escalates to engagement management. Leads report preparation, review, and distribution activities ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with procedures. Present testing results to stakeholders in an objective and unbiased manner.• Collaborate and consult with members of the Business Execution team and team leaders to drive strategic initiatives• Leads collaborative team activities support of engagement’s overall review activities. Manages stakeholders’ relationships exercising effective communication behaviors. Influence, guide and lead less experienced Strategy and Execution staff within the team.

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Plan, oversee and control internal compliance, timely address all compliance-related issues, administer escalations, and strategize adequate action plans to surmount them. Lead compliance and risk management programs, as per business demands and needs, as well as assess and review policies and implement changes mandated by new laws and regulations. Steer the execution of enterprise-wide compliance assessment. Provide independent oversight and support to Consumer & Small Business Banking (CSBB) lines of business including Branch Banking, Small Business, Consumer Data, Engagement Platforms, Chief Administrative Office, Marketing, and Operations.  Lead role in the monitoring for compliance engagement in change initiatives. Responsibilities include applying regulations, policy, and procedures in the development of monitoring programs to ensure active business-aligned compliance engagement on a risk-based basis. Assess the complex developmental process and interpret authoritative sources by thoroughly analyzing related data; manage ad-hoc reports and administer special projects. Determine and evaluate regulatory compliance and perform root cause analysis; guide employees regarding risk management, as well as design/deploy the risk management framework. Deliver effective support to senior management in navigating potential risks affecting business lines; design compliance/ risk management programs and craft reports for informed decision-making.

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Developed, designed, and implemented the Independent Testing and Validation (IT&V) Consumer Lending Branch Review Program from the ground up. Led onboarding of staff and guided them regarding all operations pertaining to testing and validation of regulatory conduct, reputational risks, and sales practice behaviors nationally. Managed team performance by evaluating variables associated with their productivity. Consistently reviewed new regulations and stayed current on new developments in policy and procedures within the industry. Assisted senior management with informed decision-making by developing detailed reports related to test findings. Provided program oversight and strategic leadership to 3 direct reports, as well as managed offshore indirect reports.  Led the execution of second-line independent targeted testing/audit of Distributed Mortgage Sales Activities through the facilitation of independent reviews of randomly selected branches. Supervised multiple concurrent testing activities/audits within defined timelines. Led testing and validation of Regulatory, Conduct, Reputational risks, and sales practice behaviors on a national scale. In-scope regulatory items include: HMDA FCRA, REPSA, Reg. B, Reg. Z, BSA/Anti-Money Laundering, and UDAAP. Prepared test narratives, test procedures, and Annual Test Plans, as well as developed, updated, and maintained test scripts. Drafted Issues Memos and created testing/audit reporting, including trending of results. Led monthly partner calls with stakeholders to identify and address areas of opportunities, findings/gaps, and escalation of issues. Additionally, led and coordinated Tollgate meetings to escalate items of significant risks and potential issues. Contributed to designing and developing program framework as business expectations/requirements in coordination with senior management; administered all documentation including testing schedule, work papers, deferrals, and deviations.

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Assessed and evaluated all risks within existing processes and promptly implemented mitigation strategies. Administered a myriad of escalations and ensured their on-time resolution without compromising operational efficiency. Strengthened internal controls and devised/deployed improved testing methodologies as per the changing demands of the business. Ensured strict regulatory compliance with RESPA, UDAAP, Regulation X - Affiliation Business Range Exposure Applications for Regulatory Business Exposure, and Regulation Z. Determined and assessed all risks associated with the operations/processes and implemented adequate action plans to mitigate them. Performed Control Testing to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, systems and internal controls. Analyzed business or system changes to determine impact an identification of potential gaps. Demonstrated professional skepticism and self-reliance while serving as a marketing and advertising subject matter expert (SME); led and managed all projects related to risks analysis, management, and mitigation. Analyzed risk trends and initiated programs to mitigate them in coordination with senior management, as well as drafted comprehensive operational risk performance reports; collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute key projects. Assisted in increasing brand awareness by reviewing numerous marketing and advertising collateral including internal training guides, applications, and chat features.

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Managed end-to-end operations for the Branch Inspection Program related to the Pacific Division of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage with Real Estate Compliance and Operational Risk (RECOR). Led team and trained them to accurately report compliance/risk-related issues in time. Ensured day-to-day activities were carried out as per best standards and practices. Contributed to maintaining strict regulatory compliance within the retail mortgage sales branches by onboarding and training 16 QA analysts and assisted them in leading on-site audits. Performed second-level reviews of work and credible challenged risk errors/findings noted by Quality Assurance Analysts. Developed quality assurance standards, created scripting, as well as testing/audit strategies and methodologies. Designed, monitored, and assessed action plans for effectiveness and accuracy.

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Planned and directed audits to maintain strict regulatory compliance. Documented audit findings and provided effective recommendations to the QA analysts. Assisted in the successful implementation of operational controls. Performed online sleuthing activities and drafted security inspection procedures for internal team members. Created an interview training tutorial and conducted peer reviews. Independently managed and completed assigned QA workload/reviews within assigned timelines. Recognized by senior management due to outstanding performance and served as a trainer for new hires.

Chandler, Arizona, United States

Business System Consultant/Store Vision Teller, Technical GroupPerformed cost analysis for $4M system enhancement project; prepared financial data and forecasts to support project.

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Financial Consultant, Connectivity ServicesConducted financial analysis and reporting for $4.8M telecommunications service line.

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Built and managed team of 20 in driving sales and operational improvements; received Sales Leadership Award, Top Sales Producer, Best of the West and Circle of Stars, as well as Top 10% Sales Producer status.

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Supported clients in obtaining first mortgage, home equity and personal loans.