Mohamed Elbanna

Experienced AML/BSA/OFAC Compliance Professional with over 15 years of expertise in transaction monitoring, sanctions compliance, remediation projects, KYC/CDD/EDD reviews, SAR investigations, and quality assurance within global financial institutions. Proven ability to identify suspicious activity, conduct complex investigations, and support regulatory compliance initiatives in accordance with BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC, and AML regulatory requirements. Strong analytical, investigative, and risk assessment skills with experience supporting regulatory lookback and remediation engagements for major international banks.

Remediation Team Member - Mashreq Bank - New York, NY

(2018-10 - 2026-03)

• Conducted comprehensive remediation reviews of Level 1 AML investigation cases related to OFAC, BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, KYC, and AML regulatory requirements.
• Reassessed historical investigations within remediation scope covering January 2018 through August 2018.
• Evaluated prior decisions to close alerts and provided detailed written rationales supporting closure or escalation recommendations.
• Recommended reopening previously closed cases where suspicious activity warranted additional investigation or SAR consideration.
• Trained and mentored new reviewers on parallel case analysis, investigative procedures, and documentation standards.
• Supported financial crime compliance initiatives involving fraud detection, sanctions screening, and suspicious activity identification.

Investigator & Quality Assurance Consultant - Mega ICBC NY Branch - New York, NY

(2017-07 - 2018-10)

• Performed quality assurance reviews for a transaction monitoring lookback project mandated by NYSDFS and federal regulators.
• Reviewed investigative case memorandums and escalated potential SAR filings to management.
• Identified documentation deficiencies, control weaknesses, and procedural gaps through trend analysis and QA reporting.
• Submitted quality matrix reports to management to support regulatory compliance oversight.
• Cross-trained in OFAC compliance and sanctions review functions to support operational needs and ad hoc compliance requests.

BSA/EDD Consultant – High-Risk Accounts - Woori America Bank - New York, NY

(2017-04 - 2017-07)

• Conducted enhanced due diligence reviews of high-risk customer accounts for suspicious activity and AML risk exposure.
• Reviewed wire activity, entities, financial institutions, and countries against OFAC and sanctions lists.
• Utilized World-Check to identify politically exposed persons (PEPs), adverse media, and reputational risk.
• Performed periodic reviews comparing historical EDD reports with current account activity to identify inconsistencies and escalation requirements.
• Documented investigative findings and provided written recommendations regarding customer risk profiles.

OFAC Consultant - Saudi Awwal Bank - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

(2016-08 - 2016-12)

• Conducted second-level OFAC reviews and dispositioned potential sanctions matches.
• Reviewed SWIFT messages and foreign exchange transactions to identify potential sanctions evasion and suspicious payment activity.
• Supported AML/KYC lookback reviews and customer onboarding risk assessments.
• Prepared detailed investigative narratives and documented case rationales for sanctions-related reviews.
• Provided English-Arabic translation support for confidential financial and compliance documentation.

Transaction Monitoring Analyst - K2 Intelligence - New York, NY

(2015-06 - 2016-07)

• Conducted transaction monitoring investigations involving multiple AML alert triggers.
• Performed KYC reviews, customer risk assessments, and PEP/adverse media screening using World-Check.
• Investigated prepaid card activity as part of a regulatory lookback engagement.
• Determined whether cases warranted closure or escalation for SAR preparation.
• Assisted in identifying suspicious patterns indicative of money laundering, fraud, and financial crimes.

Global Financial Crimes AML Investigator – Associate - JPMorgan Chase - New York, NY

(2013-08 - 2015-06)

• Investigated consumer banking transactions for red flag indicators including structuring, rapid movement of funds, and unusual cash activity.
• Conducted periodic account reviews to identify potentially suspicious activity and document investigative findings.
• Collaborated with bankers and internal compliance teams to obtain supporting documentation and verify customer activity.
• Assisted in SAR preparation in accordance with regulatory guidelines and internal procedures.
• Applied extensive knowledge of AML/KYC regulations, policies, and financial crime typologies.

Compliance Manager - Galaxia International Service - Jersey City, NJ

(2000-01 - 2013-08)

• Developed and maintained AML compliance policies and procedures for a Money Services Business (MSB).
• Designed and implemented CIP, CDD, and EDD customer risk assessment programs.
• Conducted OFAC and sanctions screening reviews for customers, entities, and financial institutions.
• Prepared quarterly and annual regulatory reports and represented the company during State and IRS examinations.
• Maintained KYC documentation and ongoing customer review processes.

Senior Accountant - Galaxia International Service - Jersey City, NJ

(2000-01 - 2013-08)

• Prepared monthly financial reports, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Assisted with budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and internal control functions.
• Managed cash reconciliation and financial reporting activities supporting executive leadership.

Master of Financial Integrity - Financial Integrity - Case Western Reserve University (2020)

Bachelor of Business Administration - General Business - Berkeley College (2002)

Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting & Auditing - Cairo University (1988)