John Ferguson
St Cloud,United States
Summary
A Seasoned Financial Investigator with 7+ years experience planning, conducting and participating in complex financial investigations within the banking industry involving fraud, anti-money laundering, and employee misconduct. Excellent written skills to explain complex financial transactions clearly and concisely. Brings extensive knowledge of commercial databases and other financial investigative techniques. Additional experience conducting quality assurance reviews on complex finance crime investigations and regulatory report filings.
Quality management/control experience within the A.M.L. banking space. In this area multiple skills including people management, leadership, report /process creation and implementation as well as S.C.R.U.M process utilization were developed.
An organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Officer
PNC Bank, NA
Remote
06.2023 - Current
- Coached and motivated large teams with trainings and education requirements
- Established new and improved QA processes by developing test processes, test cases and assigning and executing tests.
- Directed day-to-day quality assurance department activities, establishing rapport with team members to facilitate effective communication and coordination.
- Wrote and reviewed documents to preserve quality assurance processes and requirements
- Enforced compliance with federal, state, local and internal regulations related to product quality and operational activities.
- Investigated variances, performed root-cause analysis and documented corrective actions to resolve complications.
- Acted as key point of contact for QA processes and procedures
- Analyzed quality management system metrics to identify trends, lead improvement projects and prepare third-party inspections and audits.
- Developed comprehensive training materials to educate employees on proper quality control techniques, resulting in improved adherence to established guidelines.
- Promoted a proactive approach towards problem-solving within the team by encouraging open communication and collaboration among colleagues.
Detection & Investigation Quality Lead
PNC
12.2021 - 06.2023
- Utilized standard procedures and independent judgment while conducting quality analysis of the complex investigations performed by senior level staff within PNC's Anti-Money Laundering organization
- Identified systemic issues, drive correction and implement solutions
- Reviewed highly complex and/or high impact investigations prepared by staff to ensure decision making is appropriate and documented
- Ensured case narratives are complete, accurate, and comply with external guidance and internal policies and procedures
- Applied subject matter and industry knowledge to vet case decisions and resolve discrepancies appropriately
- Ensured the appropriate materials and documentation of the investigation performed are retained
- Worked with staff to develop and improve incoming quality
- Coached and mentored analysts/investigators on indicators of various typologies and emerging threats within the AML field
- Acted as a coach and mentor to less experienced investigative staff
- Identified and analyzed complex factors related to risk mitigation and protection, anticipating potential consequences and recommending appropriate controls
- Identified systemic issues, facilitate effective root cause analysis and corrective actions and implement solutions under supervision
- Elevated high profile or high risk cases to appropriate management to ensure visibility of potential reputational risks
- Drived continuous improvement where needed.
Enterprise Investigator
Wells Fargo
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Enterprise Investigator within Wells Fargo's Enterprise Investigations
- Responsible for protecting Wells Fargo’s assets, brand, and reputation by investigating allegations of team member or contingent worker misconduct specific to potential violations of law or dishonest acts
- Responsibilities include:
- Exercises discretion regarding investigative actions to identify, evaluate, and take necessary actions on an individual case basis
- Performs assessment of the risks presented by the activity and conducts investigation by applying the appropriate investigative techniques (interview, e-discovery, evidence collection, forensic examination, etc.) and utilizing internal/external technology sources and contacts to gather comprehensive evidentiary materials
- Conducts detailed investigations of internal fraud/misconduct activity within area of expertise
- Acts as the primary investigator or assist on high profile, crime ring, or complex cases, assists with computer crime investigations, and investigates breech of information security policies
- Partners with HR/ER, Legal, and line management to offer recommendations for employment decisions based on the results of the investigation
- Documents case decision making process specific to the activity being investigated
- Makes risk based decisions on behalf of Wells Fargo which are in compliance with bank, legal and regulatory requirements and recommends actions in response to investigations
- Prepares and files regulatory reports and other crime reports as appropriate
- Refers appropriate activity to law enforcement for criminal or civil prosecution
- Acts as liaison with law enforcement and legal counsel; may represent the bank in legal proceedings
- Assesses internal controls and procedures associated with assigned cases, identifying control breakdowns and making recommendations to prevent future fraud losses
- Assists Investigators and Managers with other assigned tasks, projects, and initiatives
Financial Crimes Consultant
Wells Fargo
05.2019 - 08.2020
- In the Financial Crimes Risk Management (FCRM) department which is responsible for oversight of the companys financial crimes related risk: Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), anti-money laundering and terrorist financing, anti-bribery and corruption, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, other global sanctions programs, external fraud, and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, I was part of FCRM's Anti- Money Laundering Investigations team
- This team focuses on domestic AML investigations, conducting account reviews, identifying trends, addressing any BSA concerns, etc
- I was responsible for investigative research, root cause analysis and consulting regarding highly complex financial crimes transactions, policy violations and/or suspicious situations with low, moderate, and high risk
- Duties include the following:
- Conducts investigative research using appropriate investigative techniques to determine risk
- Performs detailed analyses, maintains required documentation, files Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and acts as an escalation point for more complex cases
- Investigates using internal, open source, and external information to detect patterns, trends, anomalies and schemes in transactions and relationships across multiple businesses/products
- Develops and implements testing strategies and methodologies; evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes and internal controls; reviews and analyzes investigative findings and makes recommendations based upon outcomes; drafts corrective action plans and assists in managing change to prevent/mitigate risk; performs risk analysis and modeling as a precursor to building financial crimes strategies
- Provides input to the development and delivery of a wide range of training for team members involved
- Creates and conducts education for financial crimes awareness.
Fraud Investigator
Capital One
11.2016 - 05.2019
- Years 7 months) In this role I had the below responsiblities:
- Investigate accounts to detect and mitigate losses
- Analyze statistical data on accounts
- Understand and ensure compliance with Regulation E with respect to the timeframes that govern disputed transactions
- Respond promptly and professionally to internal and external customers regarding resolution of issues
- Exercise exceptional communication skills in an effort to optimize each contact with customers and external vendors/banks
- Responsible for continuous improvement of job knowledge by exercising strong listening skills and asking questions for clarity
- Establish and ensure compliance with departmental standards and processes to increase production and accommodate work volumes toward enhanced customer satisfaction
- Participate in special projects as needed
- Undertake other projects/duties as assigned by Management
Fraud Intake Coordinator
Capital One
12.2015 - 11.2016
- In this role I had the below responsiblities:
- Verify true customers and the activity on their account Identify fraudsters that are impersonating true customers
- Interview victims of fraud to gather all of the necessary facts for a fraud case Work with branch associates that refer fraud situations
- Thoroughly create fraud cases that are ready for an investigator to work immediately Complete low/zero dollar fraud case investigations
- Provide expert-level support to Customer Service, Sales and other areas of the bank that need to interact with Customer Security
Education
Associate of Arts (AA) - Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
St. Cloud State University
2017
Bachelor's degree - Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
St. Cloud State University
2017
Enforcement Skills program. Course meets the hand-on skills requirements for licensure with the Minnesota Peace Officers - undefined
Alexandria Technical and Community College
2016
Skills
- Mentorship and Training
- Regulations Compliance
- Performance monitoring
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-solving abilities
- Relationship Building
- Scrum Framework Familiarity
Timeline
Quality Officer
PNC Bank, NA
06.2023 - Current
Detection & Investigation Quality Lead
PNC
12.2021 - 06.2023
Enterprise Investigator
Wells Fargo
08.2020 - 12.2021
Financial Crimes Consultant
Wells Fargo
05.2019 - 08.2020
Fraud Investigator
Capital One
11.2016 - 05.2019
Fraud Intake Coordinator
Capital One
12.2015 - 11.2016
Associate of Arts (AA) - Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
St. Cloud State University
Bachelor's degree - Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
St. Cloud State University
Enforcement Skills program. Course meets the hand-on skills requirements for licensure with the Minnesota Peace Officers - undefined
Alexandria Technical and Community College