Syed Abdi

An accomplished Senior Financial Crime Specialist with a background of 20+ years leading the design and implementation of robust systems, procedures and controls that enable financial services firms to meet regulatory requirements and standards. Proven track record of leading high performing teams and driving complex projects through full lifecycles, with deep knowledge of the UK regulatory environment and FCA rules covering systems and controls relating to AML, CTF, KYC, CDD and anti bribery / corruption. Well versed in advising senior stakeholders, shaping financial crime frameworks and embedding governance over key controls, whilst championing a strong culture of compliance across businesses.

AML QC Lead - BCB Digital

(2025-03 - 2026-04)

• Led end-to-end quality control assessments across AML, KYC, CDD, EDD, fraud and transaction monitoring functions, setting the standard for compliance with internal policies and regulatory expectations.
• Spearheaded thematic reviews of QC outputs to surface trends, control weaknesses and opportunities for continuous improvement, translating findings into actionable enhancements across processes.
• Partnered with the MLRO and senior leadership on SAR investigations and reporting activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, accuracy and sound decisioning on complex cases.
• Collaborated directly with Senior Directors on strategic initiatives, including product development and risk appetite frameworks, contributing a financial crime lens to key business decisions.
• Reviewed, strengthened and enhanced compliance controls to deliver best-in-class financial crime prevention and detection capabilities.
• Drove cross-functional alignment on financial crime standards, ensuring consistent application of controls and expectations across all areas of the business.
• Shaped governance and reporting processes by delivering insights into QC findings, risk trends and control effectiveness to senior stakeholders.
• Led improvements in QC methodologies by introducing structured approaches and standardised assessment frameworks, raising the bar for consistency and rigour across functions.
• Mentored and upskilled junior colleagues, providing structured feedback, coaching and targeted guidance that raised individual performance and embedded a high standard of quality across the team.

Financial Crime Consultant - Protiviti

(2024-07 - 2025-01)

Corporate Client

• Designed and reviewed financial crime policies, processes and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and industry standards.
• Identified, assessed and managed financial crime risks across business units, ensuring effective ownership and oversight of mitigation strategies.
• Performed 2nd line compliance monitoring and testing to evaluate control effectiveness and regulatory adherence.
• Collaborated closely with Internal Audit to strengthen 3rd line assurance and ensure comprehensive governance coverage across risk frameworks.
• Escalated identified risks and provided strategic recommendations to mitigate exposure and improve controls.
• Conducted horizon scanning to identify emerging risks, regulatory updates and evolving financial crime threats globally.
• Provided subject matter expertise to strengthen defences and enhance compliance frameworks across operations.
• Supported cross-functional collaboration between compliance, audit and operational teams to ensure consistent risk management application.
• Contributed to the continuous improvement of financial crime frameworks through insights, analysis and advisory.

Financial Crime Consultant - DCM

(2024-06 - 2024-12)

Fintech Client

• Developed and implemented strategies to detect and prevent financial crimes including fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Conducted risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen financial crime prevention frameworks.
• Analysed transactional data using advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to detect suspicious activities.
• Investigated suspicious activities, prepared SAR reports and liaised with law enforcement agencies where required.
• Designed and delivered training programmes to educate staff on financial crime risks and prevention methodologies.
• Guided the client in developing enhanced EDD policy procedures to strengthen 2nd line defence capabilities.
• Improved transaction monitoring processes, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency and enhanced alert detection rates.
• Ensured effective implementation and maintenance of CDD and KYC frameworks through robust systems and controls.
• Identified emerging financial crime threats and developed proactive risk mitigation strategies to address evolving risks.

AML Manager - Genpact

(2021-08 - 2023-05)

• Led a team of 12+ AML analysts, QCs and SMEs to ensure effective supervision and delivery of AML casework.
• Implemented controls and processes to ensure compliance with regulatory reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
• Oversaw high risk customer reviews, approving analysis and ensuring adherence to AML and compliance standards.
• Coordinated with senior management to align project delivery with strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Conducted root cause analysis of AML and KYC knowledge gaps and developed targeted action plans to remediate.
• Enhanced team performance through coaching, training and continuous professional development initiatives.
• Mentored teams across the UK, US and Poland, driving collaboration and a high performance culture across locations.
• Optimised workload distribution to enhance productivity and ensure timely completion of investigations and reviews.
• Strengthened stakeholder engagement through regular reporting and communication of project progress and risks.

Financial Crime Manager - Sanlam

(2020-09 - 2021-04)

• Directed the development and execution of the financial crime strategy, aligning policies and controls with evolving regulatory expectations and enterprise risk appetite.
• Led on governance over AML, CTF and sanctions frameworks, ensuring robust compliance with FCA, PRA and JMLSG requirements across operations.
• Oversaw high risk client reviews, making executive decisions on retention, remediation or exit based on comprehensive risk assessments.
• Managed and mentored the Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) Team, setting performance standards and providing technical leadership on complex financial crime investigations.
• Acted as a senior escalation point for PEP, sanctions and adverse media cases, delivering authoritative decisions on match resolution and risk exposure.
• Spearheaded EDD reviews for complex corporate structures, offshore entities and high-risk jurisdictions.
• Partnered with senior stakeholders across compliance, legal and risk functions to embed financial crime controls into business processes.
• Led engagement with internal audit and regulatory stakeholders, ensuring timely resolution of findings and strengthening control effectiveness.
• Delivered executive level reporting on financial crime risks, control performance and emerging threats to senior management and governance forums.
• Drove continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen controls and elevate the organisation's financial crime capability.

Senior Financial Crime Compliance Consultant - Eversheds Sutherland

(2018-09 - 2020-03)

Financial Crime Manager - HSBC UK

(2017-08 - 2018-07)

KYC Manager / Client On-Boarding - Barclays Corporate

(2016-09 - 2017-02)

Senior AML Advisor - Santander UK

(2016-05 - 2016-07)

Senior AML Manager - JP Morgan Chase UK

(2014-01 - 2016-05)

Senior KYC Analyst - Lloyds Banking Group

(2013-07 - 2014-01)

Change Analyst (Corporate Banking) - RBS

(2012-05 - 2013-03)

Team Lead (Corporate Cash) - RBS

(2008-09 - 2012-05)

Business Banking SME - Citibank

(2004-03 - 2006-09)

International Diploma