Head of Risk, BSA/AML and Anti-Fraud Compliance – US Operations at INTER&CO (Nasdaq: INTR) (2024-05 – Present)
Strategically designed, built, and executed the comprehensive BSA/AML/OFAC compliance framework for a de-novo financial institution, successfully securing BSA/AML regulatory activation from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) and the Federal Reserve.
- Assisted in the drafting and implementation of foundational policies, operational procedures, and risk assessment methodologies customized to the bank's risk profile.
- Established robust transaction monitoring, inclusive of the hiring of a newly onboarded third-party vendor, and designed customer due diligence (CDD/EDD), and sanctions screening processes, ensuring day-one compliance.
- Functioned as the liaison for regulatory examiners, during the pre-opening and kickoff phases, instilling strong governance and a culture of compliance that seamlessly aligned operational growth with federal and state regulatory expectations.
- Develops, implements, and oversees the organization's BSA/AML compliance program, Operational Risk, and Fraud Prevention departments for multiple verticals for an MSB, in addition to the de novo bank branch to ensure adherence to laws and regulations preventing financial crimes.
- Supports direct reports and staff with sound judgment direction and objective responses to enhance customer onboarding (CDD/EDD) processes, including KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures and ensure that proper CIP is executed.
- Coordinates timely regulatory submissions of SARs, CTRs and the completion of the 314a review as the POC (person of contact) within the BSA Filing System.
- Methodically enhanced the sanctions screening program in accordance with recommended practices, audits, and assessments to maintain sound alert rules encompassing the SDN listings within the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other regulatory bodies in the US and abroad.
- Provides strategic guidance and develops training on BSA/AML and Fraud matters for internal stakeholders.
- Presents quarterly reports to senior management committees on the status of the BSA/AML compliance program, fraud mitigation efforts, and operational controls implemented to ensure decision making guidance is available to upper management.
- Directs compliance initiatives supporting the maintenance of state licensing across multiple jurisdictions for the MSB, serving as the liaison between the BSA team and the regulatory compliance team to ensure timely deliverables on responses to Multistate Examinations.
Compliance Program Management - Bank Partnerships Lead at BLOCK, INC - CASH APP (NYSE: XYZ) (2022-05 – 2024-05)
- Orchestrated with external banks and financial institutions serving Block's ecosystem provisions and management of resources for proper alignment between strategic bank partner's' BSA/AML compliance programs, Cash App's requirements, and regulatory needs.
- Ensured that compliance programs were implemented to support the design of internal controls that address inherent risk exposure, potential financial crimes, and reputational threats.
- Oversaw due diligence processes, supported risk controls, and managed project responsibilities for a top-tier compliance program to be executed.
- Skilled in managing ambiguity, connecting ideas, engaging stakeholders, and mediating with banks and partners to ensure organizational mission was achieved under proper controls to mitigate consumer risk.
Regional Compliance - Advisory Manager Latin America – Caribbean at MONEYGRAM INTERNATIONAL (2020-09 – 2022-05)
- Led initiatives as a second line of defense in risk management and provided expertise to the region as a subject matter expert.
- Conducted regulatory policy reviews for multiple countries, guiding the oversight team in Latin America and the Caribbean to support strategic partners.
- Collaborated with regional regulators, including Central Banks, Financial Intelligence Units, and law enforcement agencies, to support the mitigation of financial risks such as terrorist financing, money laundering, and fraud.
- Regular travel to the region ensures policy alignment with strategic partners and verifies that compliance programs are properly implemented according to international standards.
- Extensive knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, FCPA, Patriot Act, and other international industry guidelines.
Regional Compliance Manager Latin America - Caribbean at MONEYGRAM INTERNATIONAL (2016-10 – 2020-08)
- Managed oversight of institutional partners within the Latin America and Caribbean region as a subject matter expert.
- Served as the primary compliance resource, delivering Compliance and Anti-Fraud program deliverables, including transactional analysis investigations on agent partners to identify patterns of concern and mitigate risk.
- Led Anti-Fraud training and awareness initiatives by developing policy and communication materials to ensure agents follow Global Compliance standards and best practices.
- Demonstrated proficiency in sanctions, with strategies implemented to ensure compliance by strategic agents in accordance with the licensees' country regulatory framework. Collaborated with partners and key stakeholders to develop and improve anti-fraud policies and procedures, adhering to BSA standards, addressing fraud typologies, conducting transactional analysis, and mitigating risk based on critical factors.
- A strategist, implementing controls to successfully comply with the Department of Justice and FTC mandates under rigorous monitorship and a Deferred Prosecution Agreement.
Market Director at SERVICE CORP. INTERNATIONAL (2010-04 – 2015-06)
- Provided strategic leadership to a market with seventeen operating locations within Southern California.
- Spearheaded business development and management of the territory with the goal of maximizing revenue while appropriately managing resources ensuring that tailored services covered the needs and traditions of the customers served.
- Directed strategies aimed to define revenue goals, administrative tasks, and performance management.
- Raised awareness about the industry and services provided enhancing customer engagement and strengthening community relations.
- Coached and mentored the performance of direct seven direct reports through proper training and development utilizing performance management strategies and team building initiatives.
General Manager at SERVICE CORP. INTERNATIONAL (2006-10 – 2010-03)
- Directed the operation of high-performing teams within four business units and managed all aspects of the business from operations, revenue, accounting, marketing, and facilities maintenance.
- Led efforts to promote the offering of services by dedicated teams managing the sales force.
- Provided critical tools, direction and training for the Location, Sales, and Office Managers to succeed in securing a revenue stream that provided sustained profitability, exceeded goals, and enhanced operational efficiencies.
- Promoted to Market Director after successful completion of the operational objectives for this role.
Management Trainee at SERVICE CORP. INTERNATIONAL (2006-04 – 2006-09)
- Led special projects involving operational and financial analysis allowing upper management to determine the feasibility of the use of third-party vendors for the lawncare and maintenance of locations applying economies of scale.
- Oversaw the contract negotiation and administration for various third-party vendors contracted and traveled extensively across the country supporting various projects.
- Produced reports assessing locations "State of Affairs" to upper management during training program aimed to achieve savings while executing special outsourced projects and SWOT analysis of internal processes.
Portfolio Administrator at FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTMENTS (2000-09 – 2006-03)
Conducted quantitative analysis of financial data forecasting portfolio results, identifying future trends, and assessing risk.
