Internal Audit Leader - Regulatory Compliance Expert

THOMAS A. PENSO

Jacksonville, FL 201-***-**** ***********@**.***

INTERNAL AUDIT LEADER

A dynamic and results-driven leader with a proven track record of spearheading risk-based, data-driven audits across diverse industries, ensuring regulatory compliance, and identifying, evaluating, and reporting operational and performance management risks and controls. Adept at conducting assurance and consulting audit projects, developing and executing audit plans, identifying operational risks, and recommending process improvements to enhance corporate governance and financial integrity. Known for delivering value-added recommendations, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring sustainable risk mitigation strategies. A trusted advisor with a proven history of mentoring, training, and building high-performing teams. Demonstrates high productivity through strong collaboration and team support, fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility. Takes ownership of tasks and decisions, adapts to changing environments, and excels in multitasking and prioritization. Experience liaising with senior leadership and external stakeholders, including audit committees, regulators, Board of Directors, and external auditors to provide actionable insights and ensure adherence to internal policies and industry standards. Proficient in utilizing audit management software, including data analytics tools, conducting risk-based audits, and executing continuous monitoring strategies to safeguard organizational integrity. CORE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Internal Controls & Regulatory Compliance Regulatory & Operational Audits Risk Assessment & Mitigation Strategic Planning and Execution Data Analytics & Audit Automation Staff Training & Development Continuous Process Improvement Control Frameworks Audit Reporting & Analysis OCC Banking Regulations Cross-Functional Team Leadership Policies Implementation Stakeholders Management Complex Problem Solving SELECTIVE CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Proactive reviews, preventing the issuance of a Regulatory “MRA” and facilitated the timely closure of existing “MRA” and

“MRIA” by validating management actions and addressing weaknesses that could jeopardize the organization’s safety and soundness through the development of a comprehensive audit action plan.

Liaised with U.S. leaders in regulatory and financial crimes compliance, anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions divisions to design cohesive risk methodologies and ensure regulatory reporting to Federal Monitors.

Designed and enforced an inclusive risk management framework addressing the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Fraud, Anti-Money Laundering, and Sanctions & Embargoes, ensuring full compliance with U.S. laws, rules, and regulations.

Partnered with key stakeholders to assess, refine, and enhance risk mitigation processes, strengthening the bank’s defenses against financial crimes and regulatory violations.

Spearheaded the development of bank-wide departmental Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) to establish comprehensive organizational risk governance.

Maintained current corporate governance requirements, compliance, reporting responsibilities, and legal benchmarks set by local and federal laws.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SEACOAST NATIONAL BANK Stuart, FL 2018 to July 2025 Vice President, Internal Audit Manager

Executed audits across key banking functions, including loan operations, branch operations, credit review, borrower-in-custody, treasury management, asset-based factoring, fraud prevention, and other critical areas, ensuring compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and regulatory requirements. Standardized internal audit templates for efficiency and consistency across the audit process. Administered staff resourcing requirements and outsourcing arrangements, including drafting and approving Statements of Work. Conducted comprehensive audits, including planning, risk-control matrix, audit announcement, tollgate process, process understanding, design and operational testing, documentation, draft and final reports, issue validation, follow- up, and closure.

Oversaw internal and external audit teams to assess the bank's internal control systems' adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and accounting standards.

Delivered expert insights to Senior Management and the Audit Committee on the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend enhancements to improve operations.

Developed and implemented the Audit Department’s quarterly Continuous Monitoring program, ensuring all requirements are met and maintained.

Updated the Internal Audit Manual to align with IIA and regulatory standards, ensuring compliance and best practices.

Maintained up-to-date regulatory expertise, adapting audit plans, methodologies, and risk assessments to align with industry and business changes.

Facilitated meetings with stakeholders and senior management while proactively fostering and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues, key business leaders, and relevant support teams. DEUTSCHE BANK Jacksonville, FL 2017 to 2018

Vice President, Lead Internal Auditor - Anti-Financial Crimes Led Anti-Financial Crimes risk assessments for the Americas region and collaborated with International Audit Department Directors on global risk assessments and business monitoring at the country level. Prepared detailed audit work papers and issue reports for senior audit management review, monitored issue resolution, and validated closure of identified exceptions. Fostered and maintained strong professional relationships with colleagues, business stakeholders, and support functions, promoting collaboration across local and global audit teams.

Assessed the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls related to Anti-Financial crime risks using group audit methodology and the established risk assessment framework.

Delivered training sessions on Anti-Financial Crimes topics to risk teams and supervised the development and implementation of the Anti-Financial Crimes audit program.

Monitored regulatory, business, and industry developments, integrating key insights into updates for the department’s annual internal audit plan, methodology, and risk assessments. DEUTSCHE BANK Jacksonville, FL 2016 to 2017

Vice President, Manager-Anti-Bribery & Corruption Department Directed a high-performing team of associates in creating and delivering targeted training programs for business units, ensuring alignment with updated risk and control standards across the US. Served as a key liaison between the Anti-Financial Crime Risk

& Control function, Business Divisional Controls, and other Infrastructure Internal Controls teams to ensure seamless coordination and compliance. Developed and enforced new policies, procedures, and controls to align with evolving legislative and regulatory requirements, strengthening the organization's risk mitigation framework.

Led the execution and continuous improvement of ABC risk and control processes at internal & business levels, ensuring policies and protocols effectively mitigate risks related to gifts, entertainment, and interactions with high-risk entities.

Developed and implemented a robust U.S. Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) Risk & Controls policy, aligning with strategic objectives to safeguard the bank from financial and reputational risks associated with crimes.

Designed and executed a comprehensive Regional MI process to enhance monitoring and oversight, developing key risk indicator metrics for regular senior management reporting.

Led the operational oversight of Anti-Bribery & Corruption compliance across the US region, managing escalations related to business transactions, consultant engagements, hiring practices, gifts and entertainment, and political contributions.

Oversaw the review and approval of gifts and entertainment with the highest potential liability across the entire bank. HSBC BANK New York, NY 2014 to 2016

Assistant Vice President, Manager-Financial Crimes Compliance-Anti-Bribery & Corruption Partnered with key business stakeholders to enhance and implement a revised control framework, strengthening internal monitoring and testing processes. Balanced regulatory and governmental requirements with business-level operational needs, ensuring effective and practical compliance strategies. Produced and analyzed Key Risk Indicators and performance reports for Board of Directors and Executive Committee review, delivering insights to multiple Compliance Committees.

Designed and enforced a robust Anti-Bribery & Corruption risk management framework for the U.S., ensuring full compliance with legislative and regulatory mandates while integrating effective controls.

Created and governed a comprehensive data collection and compliance monitoring process utilizing risk-based parameters, overseeing direct reports to establish quality assurance in filtering and results analysis.

Developed and enforced a due diligence mechanism governing U.S. gifts and entertainment, hiring practices, political and charitable contributions, mergers, and acquisitions to mitigate compliance risks. EARLY CAREER

HSBC BANK, JERSEY CITY, N.J. Assistant Vice President, Controls Testing Officer-Capital Markets Testing Department SCOTIA CAPITAL INC., NEW YORK, N.Y. Senior Manager, Bank Secrecy Act- Quality Assurance CITIGROUP SMITH BARNEY/MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY, JERSEY CITY, N.J. Vice President, Senior Compliance Examiner FURTHER EXPERIENCES CAN BE PROVIDED ON REQUEST

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY, WAYNE, NJ Bachelor of Arts in Economics CERTIFICATIONS: ACAMS - Association of Anti-Money Laundering Specialists CFCS - Certified Financial Crimes Specialist

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