Elvis Itepu
Dallas,TX
Summary
Results-driven Financial Crime Risk Investigator with 10+ years of experience in AML, BSA compliance, and Fraud detection prevention/investigation. Skilled in risk assessment, transaction monitoring, and compliance - OFAC SANCTIONS, with a proven ability to identify suspicious activities, and strengthen detection strategies to improve regulatory adherence, and mitigate risks. Demonstrated success in investigating and reducing financial crime exposure using tools such as Actimize, Verafin, and LexisNexis. Expertise includes SAR preparation, KYC/CDD/EDD reviews, QA/QC, and risk management strategy development. Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices, with a track record of safeguarding institutions while enhancing compliance frameworks.
CERTIFICATION
CAMS - Scheduled Feb 2026.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
21
21
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Financial Crime-Transaction Monitoring QA/QC Analyst
Pegasus Bank
Dallas, Texas
04.2025 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive investigations into potentially suspicious activities, using internal databases and external sources to identify financial crime risks.
- Analyzed complex financial transactions and customer behavior to uncover patterns indicative of money laundering, fraud, or other illicit activities.
- Reviewed, prioritized, and dispositioned alerts generated by transaction monitoring systems and detection tools for escalation or closure.
- Collected and evaluated supporting documentation, including KYC/KYB data, transaction histories, and customer records, to inform investigative decisions.
- Interpreted data to identify financial crime trends, providing insights that supported data-driven decision-making, and enhanced risk mitigation strategies.
- Prepared clear, detailed investigation reports outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations for escalation, or corrective action.
- Drafted and filed Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in accordance with regulatory requirements, FINCEN guidelines, and internal policies.
- Liaised with external financial institutions and law enforcement agencies as part of investigative processes and SAR escalation.
- Maintained accurate records of investigations, SAR filings, and case documentation to support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries.
- Performed QA/QC reviews of transaction monitoring investigations, SAR drafts, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory and policy standards.
- Provided recommendations for process improvements, technology enhancements, and workflow efficiencies to strengthen detection and reporting processes.
- Assisted with backlog reviews, look-back projects, and special compliance initiatives.
- I stayed up to date on emerging financial crime typologies, regulatory changes, and industry standards to ensure effective prevention and detection.
FRAUD / RISK INVESTIGATOR II
Diamond bank
Lagos, Nigeria
08.2014 - 12.2023
- Monitored reports and systems to identify suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity, resolving alerts and taking swift action to minimize risk.
- Investigated fraud cases end-to-end, including interviewing members or related parties, reviewing documents and evidence, and documenting findings.
- Analyzed fraud patterns and trends, providing actionable recommendations to reduce exposure and strengthen prevention strategies.
- Researched fraudulent transactions (e.g., deposits, ATM, debit/credit disputes) and pursued recovery of funds on behalf of the institution.
- Partnered with internal teams and external agencies, utilizing fraud detection tools to monitor accounts, file police reports, bond claims, and other required documentation.
- Supported fraud prevention programs by staying ahead of emerging fraud schemes and recommending proactive countermeasures.
- Ensured compliance with check hold requirements and special account handling procedures, escalating issues as needed.
- Maintained accurate and organized fraud documentation to support audits, investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
- Assisted members impacted by fraudulent activity, providing case support, guidance, and resolution.
- Contributed to fraud awareness initiatives and collaborated with stakeholders to identify evolving risks and enhance mitigation techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration(Accounting&Financing)
PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY GHANA
Abetifi, Kwahu 10.2004 - 10.2025
Skills
Core competencies and skills
- Financial crime investigation, fraud detection, prevention, and end-to-end case management
- Transaction monitoring, suspicious activity identification, and SAR preparation in compliance with regulatory mandates
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and advanced pattern recognition in complex financial data
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), Customer Identification Program (CIP), and Know Your Customer/Business (KYC/KYB) reviews
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies across high-risk customer profiles and financial transactions
- Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance with OFAC, FinCEN, and BSA/AML frameworks
Tools and technologies
- Core banking and compliance systems: FLEXCUBE, Fenergo, Nucleus
- Screening and investigative platforms: LexisNexis, World-Check, Microsoft 365
- Fraud detection and monitoring systems: Fidelity Information Services (FIS), Actimize, Verafin, Mantas, CEW, Check Image, Nautilus Web, Wire Watch, Falcon, SAS, FICO, Brighterion
Timeline
Financial Crime-Transaction Monitoring QA/QC Analyst
Pegasus Bank
04.2025 - Current
FRAUD / RISK INVESTIGATOR II
Diamond bank
08.2014 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration(Accounting&Financing)
PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY GHANA
10.2004 - 10.2025