Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Idongesit Ekwere

Prosper,TX

Summary

Experienced AML/KYC Risk Analyst with over 6 years of expertise in regulatory compliance, financial crime risk management, and client due diligence within the banking and financial services sector. Skilled in investigating complex AML alerts, conducting Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on high-risk clients, and ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory standards. Known for delivering risk-based decisions, maintaining audit-ready documentation, and driving enterprise compliance through effective quality assurance, complaint resolution, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong leadership and communication skills, with a proven track record of mitigating financial crime risk while supporting organizational integrity.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Financial Intel Analyst III BSA/AML (QA/SAR)

WaFd Bank
Plano, Texas
01.2024 - Current
  • Provided guidance to internal business units on KYC documentation requirements, ensuring full compliance with BSA/AML regulations, internal policies, and evolving regulatory standards.
  • Conducted comprehensive fraud and AML investigations across banking environments, including deposit fraud, internal fraud, card fraud, ACH/wire fraud, check kiting, and money laundering typologies. Evaluated customer activity and financial transactions to detect suspicious patterns, and ensured appropriate mitigation steps were taken.
  • Managed multiple investigations concurrently while maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with BSA recordkeeping requirements, and adhering to timely case resolution standards.
  • Reviewed transactional data and customer relationships to identify red flags triggering BSA/AML escalation. Determined the need for Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), prepared detailed narratives, and ensured timely filing in accordance with FinCEN guidelines.
  • Performed quality control reviews across all SAR types to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory expectations. Maintained up-to-date knowledge of BSA/AML, KYC, and fraud prevention requirements through ongoing research and training.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive AML compliance strategy aligned with organizational objectives and federal regulatory expectations under the Bank Secrecy Act.
  • Conducted KYC outreach and follow-up with customers and internal teams to ensure proper due diligence, and the successful completion of onboarding and periodic reviews.
  • Processed chargeback disputes and electronic fund transfer (EFT) errors in accordance with Regulation E and BSA protocols.
  • Utilized automated case tracking systems to monitor deadlines, document evidence, and maintain compliance.
  • Maintained detailed records of investigative procedures, dispute resolutions, customer communications, and compliance actions in alignment with BSA/AML documentation standards.

Fraud Intelligence Analyst (QA/ SAR WRITER)

Cadence Bank
Plano, Texas
02.2021 - 11.2023
  • Developed and implemented strategies to detect and prevent fraud across various business units.
  • Evaluate reports that provide visibility into fraud trends, enabling better decision-making and response.
  • Spot emerging threats and monitor fraud activity across products and channels, identifying patterns and trends before they escalate.
  • Review, analyze, and decide on high-risk new account transactions, potential fraudulent activity, and referrals related to suspicious activity from Tier 1 operations and the back office.
  • Work with fraud victims in processing claims, assisting in clearing the negative impacts of fraud, and the next steps in managing fraud events.
  • Provide support for inbound and outbound customer contacts, and work with the Operations back office to correctly reimburse fraud victims.
  • Document all findings, dispositions, and conclusions related to the assessment, with explanations in narrative form, and draft a suspicious activity report (SAR).
  • Effectively collaborate with colleagues within the fraud team to identify instances of increased risk and fraud-ring activity related to check fraud, wire fraud, ACH fraud, credit card fraud, account take-over, etc.
  • Perform quality assurance of completed investigations, performed by associates.
  • Handle escalated issues as appropriate for advanced investigation and analysis.
  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) in AML/Fraud; provides direction and assistance on AML fraud-related issues and investigations.

AML/ Risk Analyst

Veritex Bank
Plano, Texas
03.2018 - 12.2020
  • Conducted thorough transactional risk reviews triggered by automated surveillance alerts, analyzing customer behavior, account activity, and historical data to identify potential money laundering, fraud, or other financial crimes.
  • Performed Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on high-risk clients, such as politically exposed persons (PEPs), foreign nationals, and individuals/entities in sanctioned or high-risk jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with BSA/AML, OFAC, and internal risk tolerance.
  • Supported Customer Compliance Analysts by verifying customer identities (CIP), maintaining ongoing KYC compliance, and reviewing documentation during onboarding and periodic reviews for both individual and institutional clients.
  • Utilized investigative tools and platforms, including Actimize, LexisNexis, WorldCheck, Bridger Insight, and internal case management systems, to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and document case findings.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams—such as Relationship Managers, Compliance Officers, and Fraud Investigators—to implement risk-based controls tailored to client profiles, while ensuring compliance without disrupting the customer experience.
  • Stayed current on regulatory changes and industry trends, including AML/CFT developments, FATF guidance, FinCEN advisories, and internal policies, applying this knowledge to strengthen monitoring efforts and internal control measures.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Finance

The University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
12-2022

Skills

  • Trend modeling
  • Case management (CDD), (EDD), research, and documentation
  • AML compliance investigation
  • Suspicious activity reporting (SAR)
  • Cross-functional collaboration internal policy and procedure
  • Microsoft Word 360 Tableau
  • Transaction monitoring, periodic and alert reviews, and alert investigation
  • Aml risk management
  • LexisNexis, World-Check, Actimize
  • Regulatory compliance and governance
  • Financial crimes risk management
  • Quality Assurance / Audit support
  • Risk mitigation and fraud prevention

Certification

  • CERTIFIED ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING SPECIALIST - CAMS

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Financial Intel Analyst III BSA/AML (QA/SAR)

WaFd Bank
01.2024 - Current

Fraud Intelligence Analyst (QA/ SAR WRITER)

Cadence Bank
02.2021 - 11.2023

AML/ Risk Analyst

Veritex Bank
03.2018 - 12.2020

Bachelor of Science - Finance

The University of Texas At San Antonio

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