Experience

Bank of Singapore, Asia's Global Private Bank

• Singapore
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Compliance Manager

  • Aug 2022 - Present

• Compliance Manager

  • Aug 2019 - Present

   Hands-on experience in reviewing the existing controls of an organization to put emphasis on critical risk areas of the business activities of the DIFC branch while identifying gaps or areas for improvement, developing new policies and reviewing training materials. Conducting a robust fraud risk assessment and prevention to achieve the highest level of business integrity through sound corporate governance, internal controls and transparency.  In-depth knowledge of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedures to detect, prevent and disrupt financial crime and, in particular, sanctions risk by implementing reasonable and scalable solutions (such as customer profiling, sanctions screening, blacklist screening, etc.).  Developing and conducting financial crime training programmes for employees and relevant professionals in accordance with globally recognized good practice standards in the investigation of financial crime.  Staying abreast with the latest developments and changes in the regulatory compliance pertaining to sanctions, AML transaction monitoring and customer database screening in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Sound knowledge of the relevant policies and regulations in terms of the collection, management, disclosure and use of personal data in the DIFC, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), DIFC Data Protection Law (DPL) and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Establishing a long-term strategic view of operational processes by reducing organizational complexity to eliminate unnecessary activities and streamline processes throughout the organization. Overseeing the development and implementation of, and compliance with, key corporate policies, including policies regarding corporate governance, social responsibility, risk management and financial reporting. In-depth understanding and expertise in tailoring various solutions to guide and support clients with diverse needs. Show less



J. Safra Sarasin

• Switzerland
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• VP Compliance

  • Jun 2015 - Jul 2019

   Served an integral role as a lead advisor on the matters related to regulatory compliance, and applying multi-disciplinary knowledge for providing guidance on strategic planning, business strategy formulation, and risk management.  Successfully delivered an effective anti money laundering and compliance training programs throughout the organization with strong focus on understanding internal operations regulations, account reviews and reconciliations, transaction monitoring and detection, as well as reporting protocols in case of illegal financial activities.  Offered strategic and insightful advice to the Group and the business by ensuring that critical risks are dealt in a timely manner, communicating any change or development in the regulatory framework through effective change management.  Demonstrated extensive knowledge of regulatory standards including Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Monetary Authority of Singapore, (MAS), Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC), Financial Services Authority (FSA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), as well as cross-border country guidelines.  Hands-on experience in Compliance Monitoring and Trade Surveillance to detect potential market abuse and other forms of financial crime, as well as ensure that the overall policies and procedures of the bank adhere accordingly.  Undertook the suitability assessment to specify the client's demands and needs while ensuring clients are being recommended the most suitable investments.  Contributed strategic inputs and action plans in the on-boarding of new accounts including complex structures and funds & periodic review for the low, medium & high-risk clients in line with the bank and local regulatory frameworks and AML/KYC requirements. Show less



Standard Chartered Bank

• United Arab Emirates

• Manager - Compliance/ CDD Advisor- Private Banking

  • Jul 2014 - Jun 2015

   Playing a significant role as an AML and KYC Compliance Advisor by providing valuable insights that help companies to carry out background screening procedures on customers including their financial dealings to mitigate fraudulent activities.  Exemplified strong expertise in managing and overseeing all facets of major compliance systems, including KYC Verification and Customer Screening, Transaction Monitoring, FATCA Compliance and Trade Surveillance.  Staying abreast with the latest developments and changes in the regulatory compliance pertaining to sanctions, AML transaction monitoring and customer database screening in accordance with the regulatory requirements of Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)  Adequately equipped all employees in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, including corporate governance and compliance risks/controls to mitigate any financial crime risk.  Ensured that the overall implementation of strategic plans are accomplished in accordance with business goals and objectives while improving existing processes and systems to drive maximum efficiency, quality and excellence. Show less



Julius Baer

• United Arab Emirates

• Associate Director - Senior Compliance Officer

  • Feb 2013 - Jul 2014

  Lead the Integration Monte Bre project as part of the Merrill Lynch - Julius Baer acquisition Lead the Integration Monte Bre project as part of the Merrill Lynch - Julius Baer acquisition



Merrill Lynch

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Vice President - Senior Compliance Officer

  • Dec 2006 - Jan 2013

   Ensured adherence to the Global KYC policy and complying with all regulatory and Wealth requirements/procedures/controls and recognizing/managing risk.  Demonstrated proficiency in Compliance & AML account opening documentations for Corporate and Individual accounts. Familiar with complex corporate structures like partnerships, LLC, PHC and Trusts.  Identified opportunities to improve current procedures and ways of working to the benefit of clients, oversaw Account opening procedural compliance across the branch including KYC to avoid any regulatory issues.  Quickly understood the AML business issues, analyzed Source of Wealth and reviewed Office of General Counsel on Enhanced Due Diligence for clients for citizens and residents of Sensitive countries.  Mediated with Foreign /Local counsel for legal review on corporate account opening for maintenance of internal and external compliance / regulatory requirements.  Applied technical knowledge of DFSA, FSA and FINMA regulations, adhered to compliance requirements for purchasing of Mutual funds and ETF's as well as transactions monitoring.  Build governance around AML projects Show less



Standard Chartered Bank

• United Kingdom
• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Snr Officer

  • Mar 2000 - Nov 2006