Robert Abatecola Email and Phone Number

Built a business that is committed to helping local communities with their financial services needs, launching the Stamford, CT, branch of Family Financial Centers, a licensed Money Services Business, to provide check cashing, money transfer, debit card sales and bill payment services. Oversee all aspects of sales, operations, compliance and financial management, and personnel management. Highlighted AchievementsBuilt a successful franchise business from inception, going from start-up to profit within one year of operation as a result of hard work, hands-on involvement in the business, and daily engagement in client development-side of the business. Achieved strong and sustainable growth through ongoing commitment to customer service and client relationship management, building a strong following and referral business based on these relationships, trust and credibility.Partnered with B2B clients to help manage and grow their business through ongoing education and service. Ensured utmost compliance with Dodd-Frank Consumer Act and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, functioning as Compliance Officer in overseeing the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of regulatory compliance. Provided recommendations to the CEO to improve marketing, business development, operations and compliance areas of the business, as the company grew from 20 to 40+ franchises over a 3-year period.

Functioned as a Market Maker and Sales Trader concentrating in the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector for this high-touch global equity trading and fund services company, a member of FINRA and SIPC.

Functioned as a Market Maker in the REIT and Consumer sectors for this privately held global investment, trading and technology firm. Used firm’s capital in facilitating customer orders; interacted on a daily basis with multiple customers, analysts and banking professionals.

Advanced to progressive levels of leadership within this publicly owned financial services company. Promoted to Managing Director to lead a team of 15 Market Makers executing $200M in commission revenue. Monitored the profit and loss of a desk, maintaining a 10 – 12% loss ratio. Earlier, as SVP, Sector Head, Equity Trading, managed the Consumer sector comprised of 5 traders generating 30% of the firm’s commissions. Led by example, quickly building trust, respect and buy-in from the newly formed team following company’s decision to consolidate of 2 desks to one newly integrated role.Sought out often within the division for guidance and input as a trusted advisor and peer. Continually educated staff/peers internally on compliance, trading technique and strategy and client relationship management. Managed risk involved with the pricing of multiple seven-figure Block transactions in the REIT space. Chosen to serve as Compliance Liaison in 2000, as the industry became increasingly regulated. Assumed this responsibility for 7+ years for a division comprised of 25 to 30 traders at its peak. Worked closely with Compliance, IT and Operations to ensure 100% compliance of both mandated internal and external guidelines. 
Provided ongoing training to ensure the floor’s understanding of compliance issues and processes. Monitored trader activity daily. Researched, investigated and addressed non-compliance issues as they arose. Helped shape compliance policy, providing feedback and guidance to Compliance and IT from a trader’s perspective on how to ensure compliance while enabling traders to continue to do their job. Mentored traders to own up to mistakes quickly to ensure the company’s brand and reputation were not jeopardized. Reduced compliance variances and infractions by an estimated 90% in 3 months through these efforts. Promoted to Sector Head in 2000; chosen to lead the team during a time of significant transition within the industry and within Prudential.