Anti-Money Laundering Due Diligence

MO. SHARAF.

****************@*****.***

Mobile: +447*********

Professional Profile:

A dedicated and detail-oriented compliance professional with over 8 years of extensive experience in KYC/KYB and AML compliance within the financial services industry. Possesses advanced technical expertise in Anti-Money Laundering, Compliance Monitoring, and due diligence processes and procedures.

Proficient in Remediation and Onboarding with a strong understanding of Correspondent Banking (ICM), Trade Finance (TFFI), FinTech, Mortgages, Transaction Monitoring, and Corporate and Retail Banking due diligence requirements. Adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes and delivering high-quality outcomes to support organizational compliance objectives.

OTHER SKILLS:

•In-depth knowledge of the US PATRIOT Act, JMLSG 2007 Guidance Notes, Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF/CFT), FCA regulations, and sanctions guidelines issued by FATF, OFAC, NCA, and other supranational bodies.

•Comprehensive understanding of Institutional Cash Management (ICM), Correspondent Banking, and Trade Finance (TF), with extensive experience in Transaction Monitoring.

•Proven expertise in Currency Reporting, Money Laundering Alerts, identifying Red Flags, escalating suspicious activities, detecting suspicious transactions, and conducting fraud investigations within Commercial, Corporate, and Investment banking.

•Advanced proficiency with investigative tools, including Lexis Nexis, Muinmos, COSIMA, RDC, Fircosoft, GRID, Fenergo, Factiva, Bankers Almanac, Dun & Bradstreet, Accurint, World-Check, Companies House, Norkom, Bloomberg, Orbis, Experian, and OneSource.

•Expertise in KYC requirements for diverse entity types, including Commercial Banks, Correspondent Banks, Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds, Private Investment Vehicles (PIVs), Charities, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Limited Partnerships, Public Liability Companies, NGOs, and Trusts.

•Demonstrated ability to identify and classify Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), Relevant Connected Associates (RCAs), and Special Interest Persons (SIPs), as well as perform Adverse Media and Sanctioned Persons screening.

•Skilled in handling sanctions escalations, including transactional reviews of invoices and payment instructions.

•Familiarity with MIFID II, EMIR, 5th EU Derivatives, UK Financial Crime legal and regulatory requirements, and a broad understanding of AML and reputational risks, including PEPs, sanctions, and financial crime investigations.

•Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and effectively gather and present information.

•Detail-oriented with a strong analytical approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

•Proficient in using CITRIX applications, Tableau, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and other analytical tools for reporting and presentations.

•Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and deliver results while meeting tight deadlines in high-pressure environments.

•Dedicated to producing high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to challenges.

Education, Training & Qualification:

• University of Ilorin – MBA in Business Administration

• University of Ilorin – BSc Business Administration

•Anti-Money Laundering, know Your Customer (KYC) and Financial Crimes Training

•Financial Crimes & Fraud Prevention, Control, and Investigations Techniques

•Banking operations Ethics, KYC, Lending Code Data Protection and Compliance Procedures.

•Privacy, Confidentiality, and Information security.

•People Management & Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)

•People & Conflict Management

•KPI Training

•AML Refresher training

ITI Capital

KYC – Client Onboarding Officer. June 2023

•Ensured adherence to the relevant onboarding process, considering local requirements, product and regulatory classifications.

•Effectively communicate the status of onboarding to internal and external stakeholders.

•Worked closely with Account Executives regarding ongoing prioritization of prospective client pipeline and upcoming existing client reviews.

•Ensured all relevant activities are completed in respect of the collation of all onboarding due diligence and trading documentation for prospective and existing clients across international offices and product.

•Worked closely with Front Office and the Client to facilitate onboarding requests.

•Conducting end to end reviews Foreign Correspondent Banks (FCB) relationships for the bank.

•Worked together with the Front Office to make sure all the necessary documents are requested for.

•Constructed of KYC files with the required information and documentation in accordance with the policy.

•Reviewed of the existing policy and procedures to identify new requirements, top ups or renewal of information/documentation held on file.

•Ensured that customer files are kept up to date and accurately maintained, along with the spreadsheet for the new and existing clients. Update customer data through internal systems or other data repositories as needed.

•Gathering and analysing KYC documentation in accordance with the Clients policy requirements to identify risks associated with the client and assess overall risk.

•Communicate with clients and their clients to obtain information and documentation required to complete EDD/CDD KYC review.

•Conducted screening checks using third party tools to identify Sanctions, PEPs, and Adverse Media in relation to the entities and related parties within the portfolio’s and subject to current screening policies and procedures.

•Completing a risk assessment and determining the KYC risk classification of each entity and the country it is associated with.

•Ensured profile review is completed timely and within quality expectations, including review conclusions that are clear, complete, and supported by the information in the file.

•Prepared reports to MLRO committee and Executive Committee detailing the outcomes of AML monitoring findings and reported suspicious transactions.

Barclays Bank

KYC – Analyst/QC Nov 2022 – Feb 2023

•Sourced data from approved public sources using the methods outlined in policies and procedures.

•Constructed of KYC files with the required information and documentation in accordance with the policy.

•Performing KYC due diligence on new-on-boarding, remediation and / or periodic reviews

•Reviewed of the existing policy and procedures to identify new requirements, top ups or renewal of information/documentation held on file.

•Gathering and analysing KYC documentation in accordance with the Clients policy requirements to identify risks associated with the client and assess overall risk.

•Completed a risk assessment and determining the KYC risk classification of each entity and the country it is associated with.

•Escalated to the appropriate teams where information cannot be sourced or provided or where prior exceptions have been granted on existing files.

•Communicate with clients and their clients to obtain information and documentation required to complete KYC/EDD reviews.

•Conducted screening checks using third party tools to identify Sanctions, PEPs, and Adverse Media in relation to the entities and related parties within the portfolio’s and subject to current screening policies and procedures.

Santander U.K

KYC/Compliance Officer – QC July 2021 – Oct 2022

•Conducted comprehensive and robust quality checking on the work completed by KYC Analysts within a Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Team.

•Used analytical and judgement skills to determine whether correct decisions have been made with clear rationales.

•Facilitated and sharing knowledge on problems to resolve complex cases and ensured the bank’s policy and regulatory requirements are always met.

•Supported training and inductions for new agents and encouraging individual development.

•Conducted Root Cause Analysis to identify and evaluate quality trends and contributing to the improvement of controls and reports.

•Ensured that KYC and CDD checks undertaken by team members are in line with the Bank’s guidelines and processes and are compliant with relevant external regulations.

•Ensured the correct risk ratings are assigned by Analysts to customer files and identifying where information may be missing.

•Undertake secondary reviews of investigations which have generated alerts.

•Analysed client data and documentation stored in the KYC files in order to determine whether procedures, policy and regulatory requirement are met.

•Ensured correct screening has been completed for any negative news, PEPs & Sanctions on Client/Customer, Related Parties and Related Individuals.

•Organized training on the bank tools such Appian, Work Manager, Compass, and knowledge sharing sessions on FCO Customer Contact, Atlas, ANMF, FCO CCS, Charter, GWS etc.

•Carryed out 4/6 eye reviews of analysts work and delivering constructive feedback to minimise the hit rate and risk rating whilst updating previous policies and procedures to eliminate any persistent issues.

Deutsche Bank AG

KYC /AML – Quality Checker June 2020 - July 2021

•Undertaking due diligence for periodic reviews and remediation of corporate and customers in line with the Deutsche Bank’s KYC policies and procedures.

• Ensured profile review is completed timely and within quality expectations, including review conclusions that are clear, complete, and supported by the information in the file.

•Assisting in efforts regarding identified problem areas and risks associated with processes. Acts as a support resource to QC and Team member.

•Performed Due Diligence tasks on client allocated, including reviewing documentation gaps, and validating personal information, sourcing for relevant data from business if require, processing before updating key information within system.

•Flexible working – staying until the job is complete and showing a can-do attitude to helping meet targets.

•Recognised, documents and assessed key risks, control environments and applicable regulations.

•Completing relevant Business Request forms in a clear and concise manner – to request documentation and responses from the business sponsor.

•Clarifying GAPs with Business sponsor and ACO in order to complete necessary due diligence.

•Checking different product types and evaluating the risk associated – escalation if necessary.

•Identify data and documentation gaps and researching accordingly.

•Help and support for team members and other colleague on the floor to develop KYC knowledge and give training on the system we used ‘’DBCLM system’’.

Nomura Bank

Case Manager March 2020 – June 2020

•Conducted comprehensive AML and sanctions screenings on client transactions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, mitigating risks associated with financial crime.

•Performed payment screening and transactional analysis to identify and escalate suspicious activities, adhering to global financial crime prevention policies.

•Demonstrated expertise in 1st Line Financial Crime Prevention, including KYC, fraud detection, and regulatory adherence within the UK financial services landscape.

•Collaborated with wealth management teams to apply compliance frameworks, ensuring that high-net-worth client portfolios met AML and KYC requirements.

•Monitored and analysed transactions to detect unusual patterns, escalating potential red flags to the appropriate compliance and risk teams.

•Maintained a proactive approach to fraud prevention, utilising industry tools to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen financial crime controls.

•Developed detailed reports and documentation for audit and regulatory reviews, demonstrating transparency and due diligence in transaction monitoring efforts.

• Worked together with Compliance Surveillance teams in the review of trade and communications surveillance alerts.

•Escalate transactions and issues to management where appropriate.

Deutsche Bank A.G

KYC - Quality Checker Oct 2019 – March 2020

•Help in training programmed for team members to develop KYC knowledge relevant to each client and jurisdiction.

•Provides QA adjudication/SME service to case whose fail decision by Senior Reviewers are challenged by Analyst.

•Data and supporting documents gathering regarding clients from a range of independent data sources.

•Drafts and reviewed policies and procedures resulting from regulatory developments or changes in business practices.

•Review all KYC/AML documents initiated and processed updates in the policies and procedures for consistency, accuracy, completeness, relevance, approvals (sign-offs are in accordance with the bank rules and governance standard and are in line with global regulations) and the use of current quality assurance guidance templates instruction procedures and regulations for both remediation/review and clients to reduce risk to business and in accordance to policies and procedures.

•Supporting Client Management team as subject matter expert (SME) in respect of on-boarding of new clients in an AML/ KYC compliant manner

UBS (Union Bank of Switzerland)

Client Outreach July 2019 – October 2019

•Led client outreach initiatives to request and collect KYC documentation, serving as the primary point of contact for clients, bankers, operations, risk, and other internal stakeholders.

•Managed KYC client portfolios across multiple business regions, ensuring compliance with internal governance and regulatory standards.

•Monitored risks and impacts associated with non-compliance, including account restrictions, closures, and potential business growth impacts.

•Collected and analyzed client feedback on KYC policies, jurisdictional nuances, and requirements to drive process improvements.

•Identified and escalated process inefficiencies, proposing enhancements to optimize client experience and operational effectiveness.

•Conducted reviews of client activities and collaborated with bankers to determine the continuity of specific relationships.

•Supported outreach efforts for periodic refreshes, remediation projects, and region-specific compliance requirements.

•Ensured timely and accurate collection of required client documentation, including follow-ups to address gaps.

•Maintained adherence to customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) requirements, guiding clients through compliance processes.

•Achieved performance metrics by resolving exceptions within specified timeframes and upholding bank privacy policies to protect sensitive client data.

Deutsche Bank A.G

KYC - Quality Checker Mar 2017 – July 2019

•Assisted in designing and delivering training programs for team members to enhance KYC knowledge across various clients and jurisdictions.

•Provided Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Quality Assurance (QA) adjudication services, resolving challenges raised by analysts on failed decisions by Senior Reviewers.

•Gathered and analyzed client data and supporting documentation from diverse, independent sources to ensure accuracy and compliance.

•Conducted Management Information (MI) analysis to identify team performance trends, pinpoint areas for process improvements, and assist in implementing enhanced controls.

•Managed the remediation of high-risk classified correspondent banks and their associated Trade Finance businesses.

•Reviewed and updated client KYC profiles, identifying data and documentation gaps and conducting research to address deficiencies.

•Validated clients’ KYC risk profiles, flagged concerns such as negative news or discrepancies, and ensured all required AML/KYC regulatory requirements were met.

•Produced detailed client review summaries in the KYC system, documenting findings and risk assessments.

•Escalated complex issues to KYC Team Leads, Compliance, or relevant stakeholders as needed.

•Monitored and tracked outstanding cases to ensure timely completion within established deadlines, escalating delays where necessary.

•Conducted Quality Assurance (QA) assessments, ensuring accuracy and completeness in KYC Analyst work through a rigorous four-eye review process.

•Escalated high-risk issues to senior management, including the Head of Compliance & Operations, with actionable insights to mitigate potential risks.

•Played a key role in implementing updated quality assurance guidance, templates, and procedural instructions to align with evolving policies and regulatory requirements.

Deutsche Bank A.G

KYC Analyst Aug 2016 – Feb. 2017

•Demonstrated flexibility and a results-driven approach, consistently meeting tight deadlines and achieving team targets.

•Conducted public due diligence searching for required documents from approved source(s) to perform CDD, and EDD assessments and screenings on a wide range of clients and entities.

•Completed Risk Assessment Customer Scores (RACS) and applied the appropriate risk rating.

•Performed gap analysis and communicated the required Due Diligence to the Business Requestor and Sponsor

•Collaborated with the ICM and Trade Finance divisions to assess different products and evaluate the risk.

•Verified the credentials and identities of beneficial owners controlling more than 10% of businesses.

•Responded to transaction and PEP alerts, and escalated any material risks to the AML Officers.

•Remained flexible to ensure that all targets were achieved.

Referees: Available on Request

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