Catherine A. Okoh

Ethics and Compliance

ad04gh@r.postjobfree.com • +1-346-***-****

Houston, TX, 77021, US

Dedicated professional hands-on experience in steering organizational ethics and all-encompassing compliance programs. Seasoned in strategizing and implementing compliance-driven objectives that bolster corporate reputation. Proactive with a proven record in identifying potential risks, developing risk mitigation strategies, and fortifying enterprise-wide trust. Accomplished in liaising with regulatory bodies ensuring full compliance to all relevant legal and industry-specific standards. Articulate communicator capable of building and maintaining effective working relationships internally and externally. Highly skilled and well-versed in training, monitoring, and advising teams on any ethics and compliance-related matters. Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS), and Certified AML Fintech Compliance Associate (CAFCA) and Chartered Accountant (FCA).

Areas of Expertise

Regulatory Compliance

Program Management

Compliance Management

MS Office Suite

Transaction Monitoring

Risk Mitigation

Internal Audit

Anti-Money Laundering

Strategic Planning

Operational Risk Management

Communication & Collaboration

Anti-Terrorist Financing Regulation

Professional Experience

VISA Inc. May 2018 – Jan 2023

Regional Ethics and Compliance Director

Spearheaded the development and implementation of ethics and compliance program. Initiated and executed regular ethics and compliance trainings to foster transparency and ethical corporate culture. Monitored adherence to regulatory requirements and laws across multiple countries, ensuring business continuity and safeguarding corporate reputation. Led the implementation and revision of internal policies and procedures, enhancing operational efficiency and risk management. Undertook exhaustive Additional Due Diligence (ADD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) investigations, optimizing risk management strategies. Endorsed global client due diligence team in periodic KYC requirements, fostering cordial client relationships and increased customer satisfaction.

Anti-Money Laundering

Conflict of Interest

AML/ATF Staff Trainings

Visa Direct Program Risk Assessment Review

Anti-Terrorist Financing

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Prepaid Program AML/ATF Risk Assessment Review

Sanctions

ADD/EDD Investigations/SAR

Client / Merchant Onboarding Due Diligence

Diamond Bank SA May 2014 – Mar 2018

Director, Internal Control and Compliance,

Administered regulation-compliance risk assessments, liaising with department leaders. Developed remediation strategies for identified control issues, mitigating potential risks. Supervised a dynamic team of over 30, focusing on the implementation of compliance and internal control programs. Enforced internal control measures, oversee information system controls, business process assurance, and compliance throughout various countries. Pioneered Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF) training programs, ensuring adherence to local regulations and bank procedures. Constructed a robust Know Your Customer (KYC) program, enhancing the bank's client relations and understanding. Showcased skills in managing operational risk by implementing risk management strategies.

Compliance Program

Information System Control Group Internal Control Program

Electronic Archiving

Internal Control Program

Business Process Assurance- Policies and Procedures

United Bank for Africa Mar 2013 – May 2014

Director, Internal Control

Streamlined internal control procedures by identifying and evaluating business control, threats, process inadequacies, and workflow inefficiencies. Alleviated organizational compliance issues and fortified robust preventive mechanisms. Fostered operational efficacy, uncovered, and eliminated fraudulent activities while securing adherence to applicable regulations. Overhauled the Internal control program policies and procedures. Bolstered risk management strategies through regular data analytics and risk assessments. Conducted efficacious training sessions for employees on risk management and compliance standards.

Played a pivotal role in reducing process gaps by 30% within a year by implementing efficient control measures. Promulgated an effective risk response strategy that reduced instances of fraud by 20% within 18 months.

Additional Experience

Internal Auditor, United Bank for Africa (Uba), Benin Republic, Sep 2012 – Mar 2013

Internal Control Officer, United Bank for Africa, Benin Republic, Aug 2009 – Mar 2011

Accounts Assistant, Kingdom Bank, United Kingdom, Aug 2009 – Feb 2009

Accountant, RCCG - Non-Profit, Nottingham, United Kingdom, Oct 2008 to Feb 2009

Quality Assurance Auditor, Pork Farms, Nottingham, United Kingdom, Mar 2004 – Aug 2007

Accountant, Ste Dana Investment Co., Sarl Cotonou, Republic of Benin, Sep 2003 – Dec 2003

Accounts Assistant, Central Bank of Nigeria, Aug 2002 – Sep 2003

Education

Professional Development, 2023

Houston Community College

Master of Science in Financial Services Management, 2021

University of Salford, Manchester, UK

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, 2002

University of Calabar, Nigeria

Diploma in Business Administration, 1997

University of Calabar, Nigeria

Affiliations

Member, Certified AML FinTech Compliance Associate – (CAFCA) - 2023

Member, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (CAMS)– 2018

Fellow, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-FCA)- 2013

Member, Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA- an Ethisphere Community)

Member, National Association of Black Compliance and Risk Management Professional (NABCRMP)

Languages

English - Fluent

French - Fluent

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