Candace Clarke

As the BSA/AML Lead Examiner for a large bank, I have successfully developed comprehensive strategies, led complex risk-based examinations, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance internal controls, earning recognition for creating the Compliance team’s OCC exam strategy.

• Led risk-based examinations for a mega bank with over $2.1 trillion in assets, identifying and mitigating compliance risks, resulting in significant improvement in regulatory adherence.
• Directed multiple high-complexity examinations, reducing examination cycle times by 20% through advanced technical analysis and streamlined processes.
• Designed the Compliance team’s OCC exam strategy for FY 2022–2023, recognized with an on-the-spot award for driving a 25% increase in team efficiency.
• Delivered BSA/AML training to 50+ examiners, improving examination quality.
• Maintained strong client relationships with financial crimes stakeholders by delivering high-quality and sound strategic change management solutions as stakeholders transitioned through significant KYC and sanctions program changes.

As a global leader of audit teams, I successfully executed BSA/AML and Sanctions audits, developed robust testing programs aligned with IAA standards, and provided actionable recommendations to senior executives, enhancing compliance with financial crime regulations.

• Managed global teams of up to 10 audit professionals, completing 100% of audits on schedule and within budget.
• Developed and delivered 15+ training sessions to the Internal Audit Department, increasing team knowledge of financial crimes risks.

Led examinations of high-risk financial institutions with over $800 billion in assets, overseeing teams to ensure timely completion of reviews, delivering actionable recommendations to senior management and boards, and resolving regulatory issues related to BSA/AML compliance and enforcement actions.

Conducted compliance audits and provided regulatory consulting to enhance compliance and mitigate risks for clients under enforcement actions focused on BSA/AML (KYC, Suspicious Activity Monitoring, and Sanction), and Fair Lending.

• Directed risk-based consumer compliance examinations, including BSA/AML reviews for financial institutions with assets ranging from $100 million to $9 billion, while developing supervisory strategies, addressing deficiencies and maintaining effective communication with senior management.