Jerusalem Derbew
Dallas,TX
Summary
Detail-oriented and analytical compliance professional with over 5 years of experience in anti-money laundering (AML), fraud detection, KYC due diligence, and regulatory compliance across major financial institutions. Adept at investigating suspicious activities, conducting risk assessments, and drafting SARs in alignment with BSA/AML regulations. Proven ability to manage complex investigations, identify risk patterns, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate resolution of escalated cases. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Science at the University of North Texas, combining a strong technical foundation with deep compliance expertise. Bilingual in English and French, with excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fraud/KYC Analyst
Bank of America
Dallas, TX
05.2023 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive background investigations, transactional reviews, and customer research using internal systems and third-party tools.
- Assess and validate documentation to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations, mitigating money laundering and fraud risks.
- Execute in-depth due diligence on customer activities and provide tailored recommendations to support risk-based decisions.
- Review customer data, alerts, and business profiles to ensure determinations are accurate, compliant, and well-documented.
- Consolidate findings from multiple sources to draft and escalate SARs in line with Bank Secrecy Act requirements.
- Investigate customer transactions to detect suspicious patterns and escalate when risk thresholds are breached.
- Perform sanctions and PEP screenings, validating identity and matching against global watchlists.
- Deliver concise, actionable reports on fraud trends and investigation outcomes to senior compliance leadership.
- Conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on high-risk customers and assess escalation pathways for regulatory reporting.
- Ensure full compliance with federal regulations, internal controls, and institutional standards for fraud prevention.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve complex fraud cases and provide data-supported recommendations.
Fraud/AML Analyst
American Express
Richardson, TX
02.2019 - 04.2023
- Ensured timely and accurate analysis of AML/ATF alerts and risk assessments for high-risk clients and transactions.
- Conducted adverse media checks and open-source intelligence reviews to identify reputational and financial risks.
- Managed and interpreted large volumes of structured and unstructured data using advanced tools and systems.
- Delivered detailed investigation summaries with clear justifications for SAR filings and case closures.
- Supported regulatory filings and internal audits through accurate documentation of all casework and review processes.
- Led due diligence and transaction monitoring for onboarding and existing customer reviews, ensuring AML policy alignment.
- Handled escalated investigations involving international and politically exposed clients, leveraging RDC and World Check tools.
- Performed case reviews spanning 12-month lookbacks to assess cumulative risk and inform escalation decisions.
- Facilitated inter-agency communication for regulatory reviews and audit requests, ensuring seamless coordination.
- Drafted STRs and RFIs when applicable and supported law enforcement collaboration as needed.
- Composed professional reports with findings and rationales, aligning with internal policy and regulatory guidance.
Education
Data Science
University of North Texas
Denton, TX05.2025
Associate of Science - Business
Dallas College
Dallas, TX01.2021
Skills
- Advanced Data Analysis & Visualization (Excel, Power BI, Python)
- AML, KYC, EDD, and Transaction Monitoring Expertise
- Regulatory Compliance & Investigative Research
- Critical Thinking and Analytical Decision-Making
- SAR Drafting & Risk-Based Case Escalation
- Proficient in RDC, World Check, Trulioo, and Sanctions Screening Tools
- Exceptional Communication (Written & Verbal)
- Fluent in English and French
- Multitasking, Prioritization, and Time Management
- Strong Collaboration Across Cross-Functional Teams
- Accurate Data Entry and Documentation
- Confidentiality, Integrity, and Compliance-Driven Mindset
Certification
CAMS – Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
Projected Completion: July 2025
Timeline
Fraud/KYC Analyst
Bank of America
05.2023 - Current
Fraud/AML Analyst
American Express
02.2019 - 04.2023
Data Science
University of North Texas
Associate of Science - Business
Dallas College