Joseph Awad

Ph.D. in Economics, master’s degree in Banking and Financial Sciences, and extensive experience in regulatory compliance, AML, policy development, financial analysis, and research.

Banking Advisor - Royal Bank of Canada - Winnipeg, MB

(2026-03)

• Engage proactively with clients and local businesses to analyze financial needs, providing tailored advice and identifying opportunities.
• Educate clients on financial products, maintaining a strong understanding of current market trends and their impact on the clients’ financial situation.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure the delivery of timely, accurate financial advice to clients.

Compliance Vice President - Watani Financial Brokerage Company - Kuwait

(2017-09 - 2025-07)

• Led the development and implementation of the company’s policies and procedures, ensuring organizational adherence to regulatory frameworks.
• Prepared regulatory reports and policy briefs, for presentation to stakeholders and executive boards.
• Acting as a key advisor on regulatory risks, analyzed regulatory changes and assessed their relevancy to organizational policy directions and procedures.
• Designed and maintained a comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and sanctions compliance framework and transaction monitoring programs.
• Directed the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR).
• Led organization-wide financial crime training initiatives.

Compliance Manager - Tijari Financial Brokerage Co. - Kuwait

(2014-06 - 2017-09)

• Created and managed company policies and procedures.
• Wrote and presented compliance reports to the executive board.
• Tracked regulations changes and advised leadership on how to adapt.
• Built and ran the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and transaction monitoring programs.
• Managed the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) process.
• Trained staff across the company on preventing financial crime.

Risk Consultant - RSM Kuwait - Kuwait

(2008-07 - 2012-08)

• Developed policies for clients based on best practices.
• Developed and delivered visualized data reports to clarify financial positions and support data-informed decisions.
• Delivered regulatory reports to clients such as Internal Control Review (ICR) and Risk Assessment.

Citizen Member, Board of Directors - Winnipeg Public Library Board - Winnipeg, MB

(2025-12)

• Appointed by Winnipeg City Council to review regulations, shape local policies, and collaborate with municipal government stakeholders.
• Gained practical understanding of the political and community landscape in Manitoba through active committee participation and public governance duties.

Ph.D. - Economics - University of Duisburg-Essen (2018)

Master’s Degree - Banking and Financial Sciences - Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (2008-06)

Bachelor's Degree - Economics - Damascus University (2005-06)