Zain Ali Shams
Melbourne
Summary
Experienced banking professional with over 13 years of experience in Financial Crime Risk, Corporate & Institutional Banking (C&IB), and Regulatory Compliance. Skilled in Complex AML/Fraud Investigations and adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Proven track record of implementing effective strategies to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Dedicated to driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of compliance within organizations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director Delivery Oversight-EU-FCRM
National Australia Bank
2023.09 - Current
- Performing Financial Crime Risk Assessment & Delivery oversight on EU Remedial Action Plan (RAP) activities delivery. This involves engaging with stakeholders at 1LoD level including Ubank, CIR, FCO, & Technology.
- Contributing to TDOG regarding progress on rectification activities originating from audits performed by Promontory on RAP activities.
- Engaging with FCRM assurance team and assisting with 2LOD assurance reviews to ensure closure of rectification activities while highlighting gaps and concerns.
- Managing Financial Crime Integrated Program Delivery Change forum to prepare and update on upcoming changes pertaining to financial crime.
Team Lead, Financial Crime Operations
National Australia Bank
2021.04 - 2023.09
- Managing team of 13x analysts conducting transaction monitoring/ Suspicious matter reporting of NAB, Wealth hub, Ubank etc customers across various typologies which includes Frauds, Scams, Terrorism, money laundering etc.
- Resource Planning, WIP forecasting, SLA optimization. WIP reduction of 30% in 4 months and SLA (aged items) reduced from day 136 (Nov 2022) to 73 (July 2023).
- Achieved one of the best Team Lead(90%+) and eSat Score (82%) based on glint/heart beat surveys in 2022-2023 (till date).
- Designing performance optimization plans to ensure risk minimization such as triage optimization, exits centralization, and uplifting of UAR process document.
- Preparing policy documents/ frameworks aimed at ensuring robust compliance with NAB AML /CTF Part A and B
Senior Analyst, Financial Crime Operations
National Australia Bank
2019.06 - 2021.04
- Conducting Complex Financial Crime Investigation including Fraud, Scams, money laundering
- Ring Fenced NAB Employee AML Investigations from general investigations pool and developed policy frameworks and guidance.
- Development of Senior Management Approval (SMAP) process for reporting employees to AUSTRAC/ER.
- Assisting in formulating detection scenarios including developing SOPs, control testing and coaching
- Conducting regular transaction monitoring of corporate/retail clients.
- Closure of Audit requirements and a go-to person for any employee (AML) related query
Analyst, Financial Crime Operations
National Australia Bank
2018.05 - 2019.06
- Worked on regular transaction monitoring alerts as well as UAR alerts including submitting SMRs, ECDD and SOF (Source of funds)/SOW (Source of wealth checks)/KYC
- Regularly coaching and managing training sessions of new joiners as well as performing role of Team lead delegate while achieving excellent quality/productivity scores.
Manager, Commercial Banking
Meezan Bank Limited
2017.09 - 2018.03
- Implemented Financial crime remediation/transformation plan to ensure compliance with local AML regulations pertaining to retail banking and commercial clients.
- Development of frameworks and policy statements in line with legislative regulations
- Conducted audit and assurance on work pertaining to non-compliance of AML policies/procedures as pointed out by internal auditors as part of ‘proactive risk management'. Led to reduction in non-compliance by 50% Month on Month.
- Responsible for assessing and processing loan applications to ensure regulatory compliance which included conducting AML Checks, KYC Checks, Background Checks and ensuring compliance of documentation as required by the regulator.
Relationship Manager/Manager, Business Banking
Bank Alfalah Limited
2017.01 - 2017.09
- Conducted due diligence (ECDD) process of corporate loan applications including financial/non-financial analysis,
- AML Checks, Process Mapping, KYC Checks, Background Checks and ensuring compliance of documentation as required by regulator.
- Financial crime assurance included Gap Analysis and remediation of non-compliant customers.
- Managing and leading a team of Relationship Associates
Manager, Corporate Banking
HBL
2014.10 - 2017.01
- Led the development of KYC/AML best practice of C&IB customers in line with recommendations of regulator.
- Prepared well documented control testing documents and standard operating procedures of AML/KYC policies.
- Process Mapping of existing process
- GAP analysis between target state and current state.
- Coaching and implementation of changes.
Relationship Associate, Corporate Banking
Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited
2013.05 - 2014.10
- Making periodic business calls to review clients' financial needs and opportunities for marketing bank services
- Preparing credit/loan proposals, incorporating financial and non-financial analysis
- Processing disbursements of transactions in compliance with internal guidelines.
Analyst, Consultancy, Investment Banking
Allied Bank Limited
2011.06 - 2013.05
- Provided loan underwriting consultancy services related to project financing/debt financing and uplifting of KYC/AML best practices.
- Financial Modelling incorporating detailed forecast to assess debt servicing capability of clients
Education
MBA - Finance
Institute of Business Administration
06.2016
BBA - Finance
Institute of Business Administration
06.2010
CFA Level 1 -
CFA Institute
New York2010
Skills
- Proven Leadership, framework development and Project Management skills (Waterfall methodology/Gantt Chart)
- Experience of developing financial crime risk management strategy pertaining to Corporate Clients
- Strong presentation skills including coaching and mentoring junior members.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Process Improvement Initiatives
- Experience of working with controls (PACE Accreditation in progress)
- Experience of collaboration between audit, risk and divisional controls.
Timeline
Associate Director Delivery Oversight-EU-FCRM
National Australia Bank
2023.09 - Current
Team Lead, Financial Crime Operations
National Australia Bank
2021.04 - 2023.09
Senior Analyst, Financial Crime Operations
National Australia Bank
2019.06 - 2021.04
Analyst, Financial Crime Operations
National Australia Bank
2018.05 - 2019.06
Manager, Commercial Banking
Meezan Bank Limited
2017.09 - 2018.03
Relationship Manager/Manager, Business Banking
Bank Alfalah Limited
2017.01 - 2017.09
Manager, Corporate Banking
HBL
2014.10 - 2017.01
Relationship Associate, Corporate Banking
Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited
2013.05 - 2014.10
Analyst, Consultancy, Investment Banking
Allied Bank Limited
2011.06 - 2013.05
MBA - Finance
Institute of Business Administration
BBA - Finance
Institute of Business Administration
CFA Level 1 -
CFA Institute
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