PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Solution-focused, detail-oriented, and highly analytical subject matter expert with a comprehensive background in legal research, AML, financial crimes, and investigations. Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects while working under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. Strong communicator who interacts respectfully and effectively with individuals across the spectrum of all social and economic backgrounds and cultures. Technical proficiency in MS Office Suite (Professional), Tableau, LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other legal software.

EXPERTISE IN:

Anti-Money Laundering

Legal Analysis/Research

Contracts

Client Relationship Management

Anti-Bribery, Corruption, and Fraud

Presentation

Sanctions

Office Management

Tax Law

Investigations

Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Laws

Auditing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MUFG (Rose International), Fully Remote (Contractor)

KYC Data Analyst (JAN. 2022–JULY 2022) ~ 40-45 hrs. worked per week

Performs Quality Control of Customer information for both new onboardings and maintenance requests.

Researches customer information using external sources such as Lexis Nexis, DnB and Avention.

Verifies accuracy of information provided in the workflow request by representing the first line of defense for all customer information prior to being sent for KYC review and risk reporting.

Department Helpdesk—Acts as subject matter expert on Department’s system and procedures by understanding the complete end-to-end life cycle of a bank customer.

Manages the consolidation of customers to ensure bank exposures are denoted accurately.

Manages multiple simultaneous requests in a high-pressure environment including on-boarding new customers, performing modifications and updates.

Presents complex issues in simple and straightforward manner to internal clients.

Proactively recognizes and manage risk.

Represents team in projects related to systems and processes.

Works with business users & technology through project requirements, design and analysis phase to ensure coverage and quality for Customer data.

Participates in system testing as required, developing and maintaining test scripts and coordinating testing activities.

Contributes ideas to improve and streamline the on-boarding process.

WELLS FARGO N.A., WASHINGTON, D.C

BSA PARALEGAL (OCT. 2018–JAN. 2022) ~ 40-45 hours worked per week

Conduct extensive, complex legal research and analysis pertaining to domestic and international banking regulations from government regulators that include FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network), HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority), Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), HM Treasury, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Interpret AML laws, Economic and trade sanctions (“Sanctions”), Anti-bribery and corruption (“ABC”) laws, regulations, and practice, including, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the UK Bribery Act 2010 related to financial crimes to identify and assess potentially conflicting banking statements and suspicious banking reporting for the prevention of illegal, unethical, or improper business practices.

Collaborates with FCRM, Asia Pacific (APAC), Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAM) regulators and stakeholders to discuss issues, recommendations of corrective action plans and escalation of matters to address money laundering and sanctions for mitigating of high risk conflicts and internal controls.

Investigate and analyze complex potential anti-money laundering and fraudulent transactions and document findings on various fraud types including, but not limited to: Online, ACH, Wire, New Account Opening, Loan and Payroll fraud, Identity Theft, Credit/Debit Cards and Deposit. Conduct due diligence, writing, preparing and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and escalating cases to the proper government enforcement authorities. Conducts financial forensic investigations from corresponding banking with AML cases involving complex transaction patterns, including internal applications, referrals from business lines, law enforcement and department intelligence.

Undertake KYC/AML reviews at enhanced due diligence level as part of new client onboarding, for new and existing individual or institutional clients, making sound judgement calls in terms of escalation and risk mitigation. Provides feedback, detailed narratives, input and suggestions on AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) issues. Perform regular AML, bank verification and global sanctions monitoring/screening checks and oversight on existing clients within the system.

Carry out the due diligence process on existing and prospective clients, including world check ensuring supporting documentation is scanned and filed correctly in the correct folders to comply with audits. Performing PEP, Sanction screening and analyzing results to eliminate or confirm matches, maintaining a log of all identified PEP and appropriate documentation. Use process to determine if there is a true match to a suspect name, review, analysis and decisioning on wire transactions and specific issues escalated to/from internal business units. Validation on positive search results and providing detailed research information to support the resolution of a match. Provides maintenance, follow-up and timely response to any OFAC matches and FinCEN 314(a) and 314(b) lists and inquiries.

Act as a subject matter expert (SME) to colleagues and senior management, enterprise-wide legal advice and guidance to lines of business (LOBs) and control function groups on interpreting and complying with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), the USA PATRIOT Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions programs, high risk information on FBARs, SARs, and UARs, and other domestic and international ASA-related laws and regulations.

Update AML and Sanctions policies and procedures as needed. Ensure that Compliance Manuals, Front Office Manuals, and procedures accurately reflect current laws, rules, and other regulatory requirements and management intent. Participate with the maintenance of the AML program and certification.

Ensure Wells Fargo’s compliance with Bank Security Act (BSA)/Anti-money laundering (AML)(including customer identification program (CIP)), Foreign Banks and Financial Accounts (FBAR), Unusual Activity Referral (UAR), suspicious activity monitoring (SAR), anti-bribery and corruption matters (including those particular to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act), and Global Sanctions issues including Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

Manage a portfolio of enforcement actions, negative news, laws, and regulations of the US and foreign countries by using internal software-driven systems for compliance of US executive orders and sanctions to present to larger focus groups, higher officials, clients of other agencies and financial institutions.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), WASHINGTON, D.C

Quality Control ("QC") Analyst/AML Investigator (July 2021–October 2021) ~ (contractor/work hours as needed)

Perform Compliance testing processes and activities in accordance with the Global Compliance Testing standards. Ensure the testing is completed timely and within quality expectations including writing clear and concise summaries and reports with the appropriate supporting workpaper documentation.

Investigate suspicious activity reporting (SAR) cases generated by the internal automated AML/BSA monitoring system or Unusual Activity Referrals reported by Branch personnel and other lines of business. Compiles supporting documents; prepares SAR narrative, based upon independent investigation and analysis, then files it through FinCEN E-filing system within 30 days of determining that the activity is suspicious to comply with Federal regulations. When necessary, determine and recommend for restrictions or closure of account(s).

Prepares detailed investigative reports for senior management which provide a recommendation as to whether a member's transactional activity is suspicious and thereby requiring a SAR filing or if a "No-SAR" determination is more appropriate. The recommendation will be based on an assessment of internal and external data sources, internet, and other sources. The recommendation will involve an analytical assessment of all available information and the exercise of judgment that includes a description of their reason(s) or rationale for recommended courses of action.

Performs 90-day reviews on account activity for submitted SARs, determines if the previously reported suspicious activity has continued or ceased. Files supplemental SAR if additional suspicious activity is identified.

Assist in identifying problem areas and risks associated with processes and make recommendations to improve quality of KYC analyst file work. Decrease regulatory and reputational risk by exercising sound judgment in approving/rejecting submitted cases. Participate in a risk-based AML-specific testing program, adhering to the Global Compliance Testing standards, in order to provide senior management with comprehensive end-to-end assessments of the regulatory control environment.

Briefs key stakeholders and management on quality assurance/control review results, trends, studies, and initiatives, and recommends courses of action.

Serves as a resource to team members and/or business and identifies appropriate issues for escalation.

CACI INTERNATIONAL, INC., US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, WASHINGTON, D.C

AML PARALEGAL (OCT. 2015–SEP. 2018) ~ 40-45 hours worked per week

Provided litigation case management support to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Department of Justice (Tax and other Divisions) and IRS special agents involving global finance and United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the Bank Secrecy Acts (BSA), reviewed case-related materials (information related to the transfer of wire and money deposits through correspondent bank accounts and payable-through accounts), Reviewed large dollar account files to assess eligibility against specific criteria that identified potentially conflicting statements requiring further investigation.

Conducted complex legal research using Automated Legal System (ALS) and edited legal documents to confirm the accuracy of and/or need to redact materials; performs research to check current state and international statutes and citations, quotations, and references in legal documents dealing with BSA/AML/ABC laws and regulations; gathers documents and background information to process motions and memorandums.

Independently performed AML investigations by reading and interpreting SARs, FBARs, CTRs, and bank statements from US and foreign regulators and financial institutions; applied the results of the investigation to assess suspected white collar crimes, money laundering and financial crimes, and prepared the investigative report based on facts from affidavits, testimony, Non-Prosecution Agreements, IID2 (correspondent bank account transaction report), Google, LexisNexis, Actimize; presented findings through presentations to law enforcement, senior attorneys, senior government officials, and senior management for potential threats, illicit acts, and prosecution. Determines and pursues the best investigative approach for each unique case, ensuring that key questions are addressed, and that compliance AML department policies and regulatory expectations are satisfied.

With independent and minimal direction from federal enforcement, IRS Special Agents, investigated correspondent banks financial accounts, wire transfers, settlements, and statements for potential suspicious activity, including those generated from an alert detection processes, subpoenas and warrants, country/corridor reviews, foreign and domestic agent matters, consumer network cases, negative media reports, as well as other sources.

Conduct advanced and highly complex research and analysis of suspicious activity, including all forms of funds transfer, open source information, closed source databases, and internal client information and account transaction databases.

Gathered, assembled and organized legal documents from a variety of internal and external sources for document production of witness files to be used in depositions and at trial; drafted responses to requests for document production; indexed and summarized documents and depositions used in discovery; tracked and controlled documents and other materials at depositions and trial; and prepared exhibits for trial.

Prepared legal materials such as, but not limited to, cases, foreign financial institution transaction account amounts, corresponding banking, for publication by consulting with IT staff on the requirements, design, development, and maintenance of publishing systems.

Team lead on multiple projects by dispersing and facilitating duties. Managed special assignments by setting priorities, delegating tasks to support teammates, and provide status updates to leadership. Trained staff on the Tableau database (used for the reporting and storing of POIs, suspicious transferring of transactions), and other software needed to meet Statute of Limitations.

Successfully helped recover over 2.1 billion dollars’ worth of tax payer money.

CAROLINAS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, CHARLOTTE, NC

COUNSELOR I/PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SEPT. 2007-OCT. 2015) ~ 30-40 hours worked per week

Entered, tracked, and edited patient information into database and files to set up client profiles and legal documentation.

Conducted interviews for analysis and documentation of client’s background to ensure the patient would be transferred to the highest quality of care.

Lead Treatment Team meetings to communicate with families to gain insight and provide resources for patients once discharged.

Communicated with insurance companies to ensure insurance coverage, proper medication management and after care services.

Participate in the planning and implementation of individualized treatment plans as well as daily treatment schedules in accordance with House/Module programming.

Responsible for providing direct supervision and direction to emotionally and behaviorally challenged children and adolescents in a compassionate and respectful manner.

AMT DIRECT, CORNELIUS, NC

LEAST ANALYST (JUNE 2015 –OCTOBER 2015) ~ 40 hours worked weekly

Assist with the development and implementation of improved business practices and procedures

Abstract/summarize property and lease documents utilizing client standards and applicable software

Review client provided information, which may include rent rolls or other reports, for accuracy and compare to legal Documents.

NC DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE (STONEWALL JACKSON), CONCORD, NC

YOUTH COUNSELOR (JULY 2009-MAY 2010) ~ 40+ hours worked weekly

Working knowledge of the methods and procedures of discipline and rehabilitation of juveniles confined in a secure long-term facility which emphasizes the use of behavior management techniques.

Counseled youth with various psychological impairments Supported development of offenders and victims

Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) with juveniles, families, and other treatment team members to explain the behavior and progress of the juvenile.

Demonstrated ability to assess clients to develop appropriate treatment plans, formulate clear goal oriented treatment plans, and document progress of juveniles.

INTERNSHIPS

LAW OFFICES OF CLOUD AND WILLIAMS, CHARLOTTE, NC (FEB. 2013-SEPT. 2015)

Assisted with drafting legal documents (memoranda, pleadings, and correspondence), contracts, and scheduling under the Supervising Attorney; conducted research through LexisNexis, Westlaw, ACIS & VCAP; conducted and shadowed client interview process with subjects, relatives, associates and other individuals knowledgeable of that circumstance to review appropriate records to obtain facts to resolve all material issues in a case or to establish the background and character of the individual being question. Conducts investigations by interviewing complainants, witnesses, and subjects. Documenting research into a detailed analysis and investigative report, independently and under the supervision of an Attorney.

IREDELL COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS, HON. MATT MCCALL, CONCORD, NC (MARCH 2015 –SEPT.2015)

Reviewed and recorded deeds, deed of trust, plats, subordination agreements, rights of way, easements, satisfactions, powers of attorney, UCC, appointment of substitute trustees, notices of foreclosure, judgements, estates, wills, scrivener’s affidavits, assumed name certificates/DBA & assignments, tracked legal documentation to process for E- Recording.

MILLS FUNERAL HOME, DIRECTOR CLEMONTE MILLS, KINSTON, NC (JULY 2015- OCT. 2018)

Remotely reviewed and explained documents regarding estate beneficiaries, executors, and other individuals regarding estate management, probate process, asset management, and asset distribution. Assisted with the understanding and writing of contracts pertaining to trusts, deeds, wills, and estates.

HARRISON IMMIGRATION LAW, WASHINGTON, D.C. (MARCH 2018 – OCT. 2018)

Interview and assist legal immigrants with organization and completing of necessary paperwork and documentation. Assisted with proper completion of visas, under supervision of immigration attorney. Volunteered with preparation of documentation for attorney to assist at CAIR with local detention centers.

EDUCATION/LICENSURES/TRAINING

BA in Psychology, Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC (December 2006)

Paralegal Certificate holder (ABA Accredited), NC Bar Association, Charlotte School of Law, Charlotte, NC (July 2015)

ACAM and PLI membership

Trained in: Audit, Immigration Law, Investigation, HIPPA, ERISA, Corporate, Real Estate, Ethics, Anti-money Laundering, Contracts, Immigration, Criminal, Civil Litigation, Family Law, Wills, Trust, and Estate, SAR preparing and reviewing

Wells Fargo AML Sanctions Credentials Program (SME and exam contributor)

Currently enrolled for Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)(testing date September 2022)

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and Know Your Client (KYC)

TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Verafin

Relativity

Actimize

NC AOC Automated Criminal Infractions System (ACIS)

Passport

FinCEN

Microsoft Office

Tableau

eDocs

Concordance

Contact this candidate