Rita Amalu

I am a Risk and Compliance professional with 5 years of experience in banking, fintech, and oil & gas servicing sectors, specializing in regulatory compliance, AML/CFT controls, KYC reviews, customer due diligence, risk assessment, compliance monitoring and internal controls. Skilled in identifying regulatory and operational risks, conducting due diligence investigations, and monitoring compliance frameworks, I have a proven ability to implement effective controls that mitigate risk and strengthen organizational resilience.

Risk & Fraud Analyst (SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS UNIT) - Guaranty Trust Bank (GTCO) - Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

(2024-03 - 2025-11)

• Analyzed and investigated fraudulent transactions using fraud monitoring tools, contributing to a 20% reduction in fraud-related losses.
• Monitored customer transactions using Fraud Sniper and other fraud detection tools to identify suspicious activities and resolve customers inability to transact.
• Ensured adherence to financial regulations by conducting thorough transaction monitoring, contributing to improvements in compliance metrics.
• Prepared and presented fraud trend analysis reports to senior management, providing insights that supported targeted fraud prevention initiatives.

Internal Control Officer (RISK AND COMPLIANCE UNIT) - HabariPay Limited (GTCO) - Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

(2022-06 - 2024-03)

• Led the internal control function by developing and implementing audit plans and spot-check procedures, resulting in a 30% improvement in internal compliance and a 25% reduction in audit findings.
• Performed risk-based screening of merchant applications using G2 Web Services, supporting the identification and prevention of fraudulent, high-risk, and non-compliant onboarding attempts.
• Drafted, reviewed, and continuously monitored SOPs and compliance frameworks to ensure alignment with regulatory standards and internal control requirements.
• Conducted second-level KYC reviews and risk assessments, in line with regulatory compliance policies, using G2 Web Services, resulting in the mitigation 95% of fraudulent and high-risk profiles, which reduced overall fraud cases by 30% and enhanced compliance accuracy by 20%.
• Prepared and presented detailed weekly and quarterly reports to the Group Internal Audit team, providing actionable insights for risk mitigation and compliance improvements.
• Maintained records and documentation relating to daily reports, transaction reports, Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) investigations on persons of interest, spot checks, and audit reports.
• Conducted Enhanced Due Diligence investigations for high-risk customers and suspicious signups.
• Ensured company and staff adherence to regulatory and organizational standards, respectively.
• Supported remediation efforts where control gaps were identified.
• Collaborated with operations, engineering, and other cross-functional teams to strengthen controls and ensure compliance requirements were effectively embedded in business processes.

Compliance & Administrative Assistant - NUE Offshore Resources Limited - Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

(2020-12 - 2022-05)

• Supported the HSE Manager in creating and documenting over 20 HSE Observation Cards and safety-related documents, contributing to a 15% improvement in safety compliance.
• Monitored and maintained office security systems, achieving 85% adherence to company protocols and preventing unauthorized access.
• Coordinated with the procurement department to source PPEs, ensuring 87% compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Assisted the Managing Director with administrative tasks, including scheduling 5+ meetings per month as well as job interviews and maintaining accurate records.
• Managed an average of 15 monthly visitor processes, logging and directing them according to company security policies.

Compliance Support Officer - Austason Multi-Company Nigeria Limited - Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria

(2020-09 - 2020-11)

• Assisted in maintaining security and telecommunications systems, contributing to a 10% increase in compliance with safety protocols.
• Supported the Business Development Manager in preparing compliance-related documentation, improving record accuracy, and client interaction tracking.
• Managed the scheduling and coordination of 5+ meetings related to compliance and risk assessments.
• Facilitated inter-departmental communication, ensuring adherence to internal policies and procedures for a team of 7 employees.

BSc - Agriculture (Animal Science) - University Of Benin (2013 - 2018)