Achini Wanninayake
AML/Financial Crime Analyst
Wantirna,VIC
Summary
Experienced AML professional with a strong background in financial crime detection and prevention. Skilled in conducting thorough investigations, analysing complex data, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Known for effective team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs, consistently driving results and reliability. Proficient in risk assessment, transaction monitoring, and report generation. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
ASSOCIATE, FINANCIAL CRIME OPERATIONS
National Australia Bank (NAB)
Melbourne, Victoria
08.2023 - 02.2025
- Conducted comprehensive AML investigations, resulting in the identification of suspicious activity and timely submission of SMRs.
- Independently investigated escalated transaction monitoring alerts, applying sound judgement in line with NAB's AML/CTF program.
- Conducted in-depth customer due diligence, retrieving and analysing information from multiple internal systems and through formal RFI processes.
- Authored and submitted high-quality SMRs to AUSTRAC, consistently achieving accuracy ratings above 92%, while also maintaining submission volumes in line with KPIs.
- Assessed complex transactional activity involving syndicates, mule accounts, and identity theft, uncovering links to networks involved in sexual exploitation and cyber-enabled fraud.
- Led the drafting of exit documentation for repeat high-risk customers and coordinated their off-boarding process with the Exit team.
- Participated in quality control reviews of level 1 investigations and provided structured feedback to junior analysts for continuous learning and improvement.
- Engaged in peer collaboration to improve workflows and efficiency, including extraction of complex datasets via Quantexa and contributing to team presentations for senior stakeholders.
- Maintained regulatory knowledge through continuous learning and internal training, ensuring full compliance with AUSTRAC and internal AML standards.
- Enhanced AML investigation efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new analytical tools.
- Actively participated in industry conferences and training sessions to maintain expertise in current AML trends and regulations.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of the AML Investigations team by sharing best practices and lessons learned from completed cases.
- Developed robust case management practices, increasing the overall effectiveness of AML investigations.
- Evaluated transaction patterns and customer profiles to identify potential money laundering trends and typologies.
- Provided valuable input during policy reviews, contributing to the enhancement of AML program guidelines.
- Assisted with the successful completion of internal and external audits through meticulous documentation and timely responses to inquiries.
- Reduced false positives in transaction monitoring by refining alert thresholds and parameters.
- Promoted a culture of compliance within the organization through targeted training programs and employee awareness campaigns.
- Mentored junior analysts, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development.
- Investigated fraud referrals and performed research to minimize risk and resolve inquiries.
- Assessed emerging risks and potential vulnerabilities in the AML program, proactively implementing mitigation strategies.
AML INVESTIGATIONS ANALYST
Bank of Queensland (BOQ)
Melbourne , Victoria
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed daily assessments of transaction monitoring alerts, internal fraud referrals, and lending-related suspicious activity.
- Conducted risk-based investigations into customers exhibiting complex or suspicious financial behaviour, identifying indicators such as layering, structuring, and identity misuse.
- Produced comprehensive reports and SMRs, ensuring each met AUSTRAC submission standards and internal SLAs.
- Performed enhanced due diligence (ECDD) reviews for high-risk customers and business entities, incorporating open-source research, media checks, and relationship mapping.
- Identified and recommended customer retention or exit decisions based on regulatory risk appetite and policy alignment.
- Contributed to team knowledge sessions and AML project work, and was publicly recognised for upholding BOQ's values within the first month of employment.
- Attended and contributed to weekly AML operational meetings, sharing typology insights and continuous improvement suggestions.
AML ANALYST (Contract)
ING Bank Australia
, Victoria
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Reviewed and investigated transaction monitoring alerts with a focus on high-risk jurisdictions (UHRC/HRC), applying a deep understanding of global sanctions regimes and money laundering red flags.
- Submitted detailed SMRs for review by Quality Control and Compliance teams, ensuring completeness and clarity of risk narratives.
- Ensured compliance with AML/CTF legislative obligations and internal processes under time-sensitive conditions.
- Analysed financial and customer information to detect and prevent fraudulent behaviours.
COMPLIANCE & SETTLEMENTS SPECIALIST
RACV Finance
Melbourne, Victoria
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Delivered end-to-end loan processing and compliance checks, ensuring applications met internal policies and aligned with AML/CTF obligations.
- Reviewed supporting documentation for red flags or discrepancies, escalating high-risk files for further investigation.
- Handled complex settlement tasks including preparation and lodgement of caveats through PEXA, coordination with legal teams, and GlobalX settlement bookings.
- Reconciled sovereign suspense accounts, ensured funds were correctly allocated, and managed daily compliance reporting.
- Provided compliance analysis for loan portfolios and reported irregularities, contributing to internal audit readiness.
- Nominated for Employee of the Month for demonstrating diligence, integrity, and teamwork within the first 2 months.
BANKER / TELLER
Westpac Banking Corp
Melbourne, Victoria
07.2016 - 10.2019
- Delivered high-quality customer service while ensuring all KYC, AML/CTF and responsible lending requirements were met for account onboarding and maintenance.
- Managed deceased estates including beneficiary verification, documentation review, and account closure in accordance with policy.
- Detected and escalated potential fraud including identity theft and account compromise, using in-branch risk tools and judgment.
- Recognised with a STAR Award for going above and beyond in customer care, achieving consistent positive feedback and strong NPS ratings.
- Supported lending staff with document preparation, contract processing, and escalation of risk-based applications.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance
Deakin University
Melbourne 01.2016 - 01.2018
Skills
- POS systems
- Sovereign Global
- Adobe Acrobat
- ORACLE
- Data analysis
- SQL and databases
- Risk analysis
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Report preparation
- MS Excel
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Fraud Detection
- Sanctions compliance screening
- Suspicious activity reporting
- Transaction analysis
- NROD
- GlobalX
- Salesforce proficiency
- PEXA platform expertise
- Quantexa expertise
Certification
Certified Transaction Monitoring Analyst (CTMA), Ongoing
Skills And Technical Proficiencies
AUSTRAC Online, Quantexa, Workware, PEXA, Salesforce, GlobalX, NROD, CDD/ECDD, Sanctions Screening, Fraud Detection, Microsoft Office (Excel – Advanced, incl. PivotTables, LOOKUP, Macros), ORACLE, ASIC Database, Adobe Acrobat, Sovereign Global, CRM Systems, EFTPOS & POS systems, Report Writing, Critical Thinking, Customer Dispute Resolution, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Regulatory Knowledge (AML/CTF, AUSTRAC), Attention to Detail, Time Management, Communication Skills
Timeline
ASSOCIATE, FINANCIAL CRIME OPERATIONS
National Australia Bank (NAB)
08.2023 - 02.2025
AML INVESTIGATIONS ANALYST
Bank of Queensland (BOQ)
11.2022 - 05.2023
AML ANALYST (Contract)
ING Bank Australia
04.2022 - 06.2022
COMPLIANCE & SETTLEMENTS SPECIALIST
RACV Finance
05.2021 - 03.2022
BANKER / TELLER
Westpac Banking Corp
07.2016 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance
Deakin University
01.2016 - 01.2018
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