Heather Lemaster Email and Phone Number

Position accountable for research, analyzing, and the recommendation of potentially suspicious activity.Prepare Suspicious Activity Reports and other required reports in compliance with established regulatory guidelines and timeframes.Prepare and thoroughly document factual and impartial findings in an accurate and timely manner for reportable and non-reportable cases.Communicate with branch and department managers in researching and investigating cases.Develop contacts with federal and state law enforcement agencies to facilitate investigations.Thoroughly investigates cases involving all types of potentially suspicious activity, including potential OFAC violations, Bank designated high risk countries, and potentially hazardous wire transfers.

Cadence Bank – Birmingham, ALDue Diligence Manager, CAMS, CFE 2014-presentDeveloped the customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) process for the bankWrote all policies and procedures related to the newly created due diligence departmentCreate and implement due diligence questionnaires to be sent to the branch for additional information related to the subject of the reviewCoordinate training with branch personnel and lines of business to create a culture of complianceManage a staff of 11 due diligence analysts and researchers providing guidance and best practices to complete due diligence reviews; delegate duties as neededReview the effectiveness of the program parameters to ensure regulatory compliance and implement/change procedures as necessary Quality review of completed due diligence reviews to verify thoroughness and accuracy of information Ensuring proper documentation is retained to support all due diligence reviewsAssist in the development of the bank’s risk profileCoordinate risk rating of customers based on the bank’s approved risk modelsComplete monthly reports for tracking of employee productionAssist with responses to internal and external Due Diligence related audits, including implementation of action plansCarry out the planning and execution of the due diligence audits with federal regulatory examinationsProvide input to the due diligence staff as well as other lines of business regarding rulings from FinCEN related to the proposed beneficial ownership rulingSupport the implementation and updates of the AML monitoring system in order to document completed due diligence reviews; including completion dates and anniversary datesMaintain knowledge of the BSA/AML/CDD/OFAC related regulations and receive ongoing education related to my fieldParticipate in Bank meetings and initiatives to boost BSA/AML/CDD/EDD compliance efforts

Accountable for research, analyzing , and the recommendation of potentially suspicious activity.Prepare Suspicious Activity Reports and other required reports in compliance with established regulatory guidelines and timeframes.Prepare and thoroughly document factual and impartial findings in an accurate and timely manner for reportable and non-reportable cases.Communicate with branch and department managers in researching and investigating cases.Develop contacts with federal and state law enforcement agencies to facilitate investigations.Thoroughly investigate cases involving all types of potentially suspicious activities, including potential OFAC violations, Bank designated high risk countries and personnel, and potentially hazardous wire transfers.

Prepare and review files involved in foreclosure effortsRetain working relationship with attorneys to expedite foreclosure efforts.Refer files to Special Assets as needed for REO (Real Estate Owned) for deed and redemption information, and various title issues.

Retain and maintain working relationships with repossession agents for location of Regions Bank collateral Counseled Regions Bank customers regarding efforts to redeem collateral Attempted various collection efforts for past due loans prior to repossession