Change Management Money Laundering

Marliena A. Rees

BSA & AML Compliance Analyst

*********@*****.*** • 716-***-****

LinkedIn • Lockport, NY 14094

Summary

Highly focused and results-driven professional with comprehensive experience in BSA/AML, financial crime detection and prevention within the banking sector. Demonstrated exceptional proficiency in conducting thorough Enhanced Due Diligence, KYC/CDD reviews, and transaction monitoring. Expert in navigating complex financial investigations, identifying, and mitigating money laundering and terrorist financing activities. Proven track record of operationalizing process improvements, spearheading change management controls, and enhancing compliance frameworks across multiple business units.

Areas of Expertise

Enhanced Due Diligence

USA Patriot Act

Financial Transaction Monitoring

Financial Crime Investigation

Regulatory Compliance

AML Software Change Management

Suspicious Activity Reporting

Continuous Process Improvement

Cross-functional Collaboration

Financial Document Analysis

Risk Assessment & Mitigation

Investigative Research

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Principles

OFAC and Sanctions Regulations

Confidential Information Management

Analytical & Quantitative Skills

Complex Issues Resolution

Investigative/SAR Narratives

Assisting Others

Career Experience

Northwest Bank, Williamsville, NY 10/2017 – 01/2024

BSA/AML SAM Investigator II

Spearheaded suspicious activity investigations, identifying patterns indicative of money laundering and terrorist financing, aligning with regulatory compliance. Executed detailed analysis of SAM reviews, including alert generation and case escalation, to pinpoint and mitigate financial crimes. Offered BSA consultative guidance across various business units, enhancing organization-wide awareness and adherence to AML standards. Analyzed customer and transaction data to detect and report unusual or suspicious activity, leveraging knowledge of money laundering and terrorist financing typologies. Evaluated alerts for escalation in accordance with Northwest policies, ensuring accurate risk assessment and regulatory compliance, filing SARs when necessary.

Streamlined operational efficiency by spearheading a volunteer project to consolidate hundreds of dispersed procedure data/files into a centralized SharePoint location for third-party vendor access.

Achieved and maintained a daily target of 15 high-quality transaction alert reviews by innovating a personalized review process, incorporating Actimize-generated alerts, comprehensive document analysis.

Contributed to backlog reduction by cross-training in case review, successfully handling an average of 1-2 complex cases daily through meticulous six-months or longer transaction reviews, LexisNexis research, 314b inquiries, and completed SARs.

Earned CAMs Certification (09/2019) and completed Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Certification (07/2020), reinforcing expertise in anti-money laundering (AML) principles.

Elevated documentation quality, achieving unparalleled accuracy and attention to detail in line with Northwest and regulatory guidelines, thereby fortifying the bank’s compliance framework.

Presented vital BSA information at Northwest SAR committees, ensuring widespread knowledge and adherence to AML regulations.

M&T Bank, Buffalo, NY 05/2013 - 10/2017

BSA, AML EDD, FDD

Conducted comprehensive reviews of KYC information for Wealth Management Customers (WISD), incorporating external research and negative news screening, ensuring thorough customer due diligence. Analyzed transactional activity across low, medium, and high-risk customer segments to identify and escalate patterns indicative of money laundering and terrorist financing. Led regulatory and sanction screenings, supporting complex periodic review processes to maintain stringent compliance with evolving regulations. Delivered consultative BSA guidance to diverse business units, reinforcing the bank's commitment to anti-money laundering standards. Ensured meticulous documentation and safeguarding of customer files and records, aligning with M&T Bank's rigorous quality and accuracy standards.

Enhanced the EDD/FDD process through the implementation of advanced analytical techniques, leading to a notable improvement in the detection of financial crimes.

Identified and escalated significant cases of potential money laundering, contributing to bank's robust risk management framework.

M&T Bank, Buffalo, NY 6/2011 - 5/2013

Visa Fraud Analyst

Evaluated account activity for signs of Visa, merchant, and retail fraud, implementing measures to mitigate losses to the bank. Initiated customer contact through various channels to verify transactions and prevent fraud, employing alternative communication methods as necessary. Identified and acted upon potential account takeover and kiting cases, enhancing the bank's fraud detection capabilities. Collaborated with merchants, other banks, and law enforcement to verify transaction legitimacy and address merchant fraud concerns.

Streamlined the fraud detection process, significantly reducing financial losses due to Visa and merchant fraud.

Developed and executed a communication strategy to effectively engage with customers and verify suspicious transactions.

Played a key role in identifying and mitigating first-person fraud, enhancing the overall security of customer accounts.

Fostered strong relationships with external stakeholders, improving the bank's ability to combat fraud through collaborative efforts.

Allied Barton Security Services, Buffalo, NY 07/2007 - 06/2011

Control Room Operator and Lieutenant

Monitored an extensive network of over 1,500 alarms, ensuring swift responses to security breaches. Managed the retrieval of surveillance footage from VHS tapes and DVRs, aiding in investigative efforts. Programmed alarm panels and the MasterMind System, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations. Developed and implemented a monthly alarm testing schedule for over 800 branches, ensuring optimal operational integrity.

Instituted a robust monthly alarm testing protocol, significantly improving the reliability of security systems across the organization.

Enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for bank operations.

Trained and mentored new control room officers, elevating team performance and operational readiness.

Optimized security operations through the innovative use of technology and systematic testing schedules, setting a new standard for security excellence.

Additional Experience

Security Officer, Shift Supervisor, Securitas Inc

Sales Representative, Combined Life Insurance

Childcare Worker, HopeVale Inc.

Burns Security Officer, HSBC and Motorola

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Buffalo State College

National Student Exchange Program California State University of LA

Cybersecurity Bootcamp University at Buffalo/ThriveDX Certificate of Completion

Technical Proficiencies

Actimize, LexisNexis, Nautilus, Microsoft Office, WirexChange, Image Center, SharePoint, WireShark

Soft Skills

Attention to detail, Critical Thinking, Integrity, Teamwork, Communication, Time Management, Promoting Employee Engagement, Adaptability, Problem Solving, Creativity, Work ethic, Organizational skills.

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