AML & Fraud Investigations and OFAC Screening (Transactions & Client Reference Data)

Correspondent Banking Compliance

Developed team's performance by delivering BSA/AML related training programs for new and existing staff. Conduct post-training program evaluations to gauge training effectiveness. Involved in coaching and mentoring team analysts and perform as a subject matter expert for escalation of suspicious customer/ activities. Provide recommendations concerning training needs and Prepare and present training sessions to staff and supervisors. Investigation on Alerts (Manual and Automated), remediating high risk clients (New and Existing), Transactional analysis (Transactions Look back), Closing cases/ alerts or filling SARs and 90 day follow up. ● Assess and mitigate the risks associated with high risk customers through enhanced due diligence review and suspicious activity identification throughout M&T Bank Corporation to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations and to minimize penalties and reputational losses. ●Enhance and optamize the onboarding process with implementation and adherence to KYC Processes and procedures. ●Implement internal policies and control procedures with a thorough knowledge and understanding of guidance, laws and regulations. Make recommendations to improve policies and procedures to maximize departmental resources. ●Detect, monitor, analyze and report suspicious activity with respect to money laundering and terrorist financing.

 Investigation on suspicious transactions and alerts (Automated & Manual).  Performed transaction look backs, reviewing transactions for OFAC violations, Gather KYC and customer identification information, review and prepare SARs. Reaching out to line of business through RFI’s and completing customer’s profile information.  Presented case finding to board in case of suspicious activity discovered in a case and SAR is warranted.

Transaction look backs, KYC file remediation projects, AML gap assessments, AML compliance monitoring, customer identification programs and the review and preparation of SARs. Conduct data gathering activities including document review and quality control of data entry activities. Investigation of web referrals, system generated alerts and manual branch referrals cases.Filing SAR or closing cases as NFA in case management system.Assisting JPMC Compliance team in different investigation requirements.

 Conducted monthly Self- Risk Assessments for the entire North region of Fraud Risk Management (FRM) to assess the performance within the region.  Performed GAP analysis in relation to fraud risk assessment to make best use of current resources and managed offices at 3 different locations.  Documented and implemented policies & procedures to ensure that core FRM strategy of Prevention, Detection, Recovery and Deterrence are in place for all banking segments which includes but not limited to Consumer Assets, Liabilities/Commercial and Retail Banking, Small Medium Enterprises.  Monitored, Investigated, Reported & Filled SARs for North Region. Spearheaded policies and procedures for the implementation of Due Diligence Process, Enhanced Due Diligence & Anti-Money Laundering/ Anti-Terrorist Financing methodologies. Ensured that all the Compliance functions are performed according to Federal Regulations. Conducted regional branches review to ensure compliance functions are performed according to regulatory requirements and AML/KYC policies. Reported suspicious and/or fraudulent cases to Federal Investigation Agencies and interacted with International Law enforcement agencies via Interpol & National Central Bureau (NCB) for necessary arrest and extradition of white-collar criminals. Represented Bank in legal proceeding pertaining to different fraud cases as defendant or complainant and coordinated with legal firms to address and safe guard bank’s interest.  Managed customer disputes by conducting initial investigation and responding to customers with results and observations. Managed issues highlighted through whistle blow policy and fraud information forum.

 Supervised the Skip Tracing & Recovery Unit, which was responsible for the recovery in Fraud cases reported to FRMU. Performed vigilance exercise on a sample size of approved applications of Personal Loans, Line of Credits, Mortgages, Auto loans and Credit Cards in conformity with bank’s approved policies and procedures. Coordinated with different departments within the bank in case of any fraudulent activity. Handled credit card disputes of customers and conducted investigation of Counterfeit cards and identity theft complaints. Investigated fraud reported by associations (VISA & MASTER CARD- Bi-weekly Reports).