Cresinda Pope
Newark,DE
Summary
Dynamic leader in BSA/AML compliance with over 14 years of experience in financial crime risk management and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated success in implementing risk mitigation strategies and optimizing AML programs, driving measurable improvements in compliance integrity and operational efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialist, FIU Quality Control
BREAD FINANCIAL
08.2021 - Current
- Identified as a primary resource for QA review processes (2026)
- Identified risks and gaps within AML Quality Controls, escalated matters to Sr. Leadership, and implemented agreed-upon action plans to enhance compliance integrity.
- Provide support within various AML/BSA compliance and risk management initiatives and ongoing reviews ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks and industry standards (i.e. CDD, Subpoena).
- Collaborated with financial institutions to assess client risk profiles and optimize AML programs, providing strategic compliance recommendations that strengthened regulatory adherence.
- Led and created various topics within the AML/BSA landscape to include proper documentation and overall practice of correctly handling SAR filing procedures in accordance to FinCEN guidance(i.e. 314b).
- Developed and implemented a quality control framework for internal subpoena LOB, disseminating and training QC team on updated procedures and standards to ensure consistent compliance.
- Utilized SQL to extract and analyze large datasets supporting quality control and BSA/AML risk assessments; monitored system outputs and collaborated with IT to recommend rule enhancements aligned with FinCEN guidance and internal risk thresholds.
- Recognized for exceptional performance in quality output as the top contributor.
Sr. AML Investigator I (Fraud and AML/BSA), RST QA
CAPITAL ONE
09.2016 - 07.2021
- Oversaw daily operations and team deliverables within the AML risk section, ensuring timely completion of compliance reports, audits, and statutory filings in line with federal regulations.
- Evaluated financial crime risks and control effectiveness, ensuring compliance with BSA/AML regulatory expectations.
- Created and led training guidance within recent updates within AML regulatory changes that directly involved the overall Quality review.
- Contributed to the development and delivery of AML/OFAC training programs, identifying knowledge gaps and designing content to support regulatory readiness across teams.
- Established training standards for new LOBs lacking AML controls and guidance, including ACBS/ALS loans and other internal banking products.
- Leveraged SQL-based data mining to assess alert effectiveness, enhancing suspicious activity detection strategies.
- Provided expert-level regulatory issue remediation, verifying corrective actions and ensuring long-term compliance integrity.
- Advised senior management on governance best practices, leveraging risk data analytics to refine AML controls and enhance monitoring processes.
- Identified compliance process gaps and conducted regulatory research to implement sustainable improvements.
AML Investigator II (Fraud and AML/BSA), Tuning of Alerts/Team Lead
CAPITAL ONE
04.2014 - 09.2016
- Led team of 5-18 AML professionals, ensuring compliance investigations met regulatory standards across banking sectors.
- Designed and implemented process improvements, enhancing AML rule configurations and transaction monitoring effectiveness.
- Planned and developed targeted risk assessment scopes for high-risk transactional activity and alert categories in alignment with regulatory expectations.
- Managed testing of compliance with procedures, refining workflows to improve investigation accuracy and efficiency.
- Partnered with IT and analytics teams to evaluate AML system performance, providing input on enhancements to improve rule effectiveness and investigative workflows.
- Employed SQL during alert tuning processes to validate data inputs and test rule logic effectiveness across multiple lines of business.
- Extracted and mined data sets to test new rule strategies and triggers for Actimize database.
- Created cross-functional risk mitigation strategies, integrating control features within financial crime risk intelligence interfaces to enhance overall compliance.
- Implemented mentorship program to foster professional development and knowledge sharing within AML division.
Education
Master of Science - Management and Leadership
Western Governors University
07-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Delaware
08-2004
Skills
- Anti-money laundering (AML) strategies
- Regulatory compliance
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
- Know Your Customer (KYC)
- Fraud detection techniques
- Financial crime prevention
- Quality assurance and control (QA/QC)
- Performance management
- Supervisory and team leadership
- Data analytics
- SQL querying
- Data extraction techniques
- Information security controls
- Risk management
- Trend analysis
- Process improvement methodologies
- Continuous improvement practices
- Investigative skills
- Enterprise risk identification and mitigation
- Strategic advisory services
- Policy implementation strategies
- System optimization strategies
- Complex problem-solving abilities
- Decision-making skills
- Complex problem-solving abilities
- Decision-making skills
Certification
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), 05/22
- Certified Cryptoasset AFC Specialist (CCAS), 05/23
- Cybersecurity Certification (CC), ISC2, 05/25
Training
Break Into Tech - SQL for Data Analytics, 04/25, Gained in depth hands-on experience using SQL to analyze and detect various data constructs. Built queries to detect fraud patterns, optimize alert rules, and support regulatory reporting.
Executive Value Proposition
A visionary compliance leader with a passion for driving regulatory excellence and mitigating financial risks. Adept at navigating complex compliance landscapes, training out enhancing operational efficiencies, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. Excels in strategic advisory roles, partnering with executive leadership to fortify compliance frameworks and uphold the highest industry standards.
Timeline
Specialist, FIU Quality Control
BREAD FINANCIAL
08.2021 - Current
Sr. AML Investigator I (Fraud and AML/BSA), RST QA
CAPITAL ONE
09.2016 - 07.2021
AML Investigator II (Fraud and AML/BSA), Tuning of Alerts/Team Lead
CAPITAL ONE
04.2014 - 09.2016
Master of Science - Management and Leadership
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Delaware