Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Josphat  Chikoti

Josphat Chikoti

Pickerington

Summary

Experienced AML Compliance Analyst with a strong background in cryptocurrency and blockchain investigations. Skilled in using tools like Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Actimize, and Salesforce to manage complex financial crime cases. Proficient in sanctions screening using LexisNexis, global watchlists, and OSINT, with advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting. Proven ability to detect illicit crypto activity, perform enhanced due diligence, and produce clear, regulatory-ready investigations. Adept at working cross-functionally to mitigate financial crime risk in both traditional and digital asset environments.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Crypto & Blockchain Investigations Manager

Robinwood
01.2024 - Current
  • Lead end-to-end investigations into suspicious crypto asset flows involving high-risk wallets, darknet markets, privacy coins, mixers/tumblers and DeFi platforms using tools such as Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, and Elliptic.
  • Trace complex transaction patterns across blockchains like BTC, ETH, linking wallet addresses to real world identities using open-source intelligence (OSINT) and internal customer data.
  • Produce detailed investigative reports with risk assessments and recommendations, aligned with FinCEN, FATF, and local regulatory guidance.
  • Use Chainalysis Case Management and Actimize to manage high volumes of cases, ensuring compliance with investigation timeframes and escalation protocols.
  • Maintain audit trails, documented rationales for disposition decisions, and ensured SAR readiness for regulatory filings.
  • Integrate Salesforce into the investigation lifecycle to streamline customer data collection and facilitate interdepartmental coordination.
  • Conduct customer and transaction screening using LexisNexis WorldCompliance, Global Watchlists like OFAC, UN, and internal risk indicators.
  • Flagged potential sanctions breaches and escalated high-risk alerts through formal review channels, ensuring alignment with AML and sanctions policies.
  • Perform Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on high-risk customers, PEPs, and crypto exchanges with limited transparency or operating in high-risk jurisdictions.
  • Utilize Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, and macros) to analyze large datasets, visualize trends in transaction behaviors, and detect anomalies indicative of layering or structuring.
  • Compile key metrics and risk indicators for reporting to senior compliance leadership and supported SAR narrative development with supporting data.
  • Act as a subject matter expert on virtual assets within the compliance function, supporting product, legal, and tech teams in implementing crypto-focused AML controls.
  • Collaborate with internal risk and fraud teams to share intelligence, optimize alert thresholds, and implement risk scoring models for crypto transactions.
  • Participat in external regulatory reviews and internal audits, demonstrating the firm’s capabilities in managing digital asset risks.
Key Accomplishments:
  • Uncover a large-scale peer-to-peer laundering scheme using crypto ATMs and unhosted wallets, leading to actionable SARs and internal policy updates.
  • Develop blockchain-specific red flags and typologies that enhanced Robin Wood’s transaction monitoring rules and staff training.
  • Reduce false positives in sanctions screening by refining matching logic in LexisNexis, improving efficiency by 30%.
  • Support the implementation of a crypto-specific risk assessment framework for onboarding VASPs and digital wallets.

Senior AML Project & Compliance Analyst

Genpact
05.2023 - 01.2024


  • Lead lookback case investigations to identify potential money laundering, fraud, and sanctions violations, ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations.
  • Assessed AML and sanctions risks across high-risk transactions and customer behaviors, escalating cases as appropriate.
  • Made well supported recommendations on case dispositions, contributing to reduced rework and improved decision consistency.
  • Performed Quality Control on case files, RFI documentation, and escalations; provided structured feedback to investigators to enhance case quality.
  • Communicated regularly with Engagement Managers and functional teams to address case related issues and align on escalation protocols.
  • Managed a small team of investigators, monitored performance metrics, and conducted regular case review meetings with leadership.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to implement best practices in workflows, address gaps in quality, and optimize case throughput.
  • Conducted audit validation and remediation testing related to BSA/AML consent orders, MRAs, and regulatory exam findings.
  • Reviewed and assess the design and operational effectiveness of AML program components, including transaction monitoring systems, CDD processes, and sanctions screening.
  • Validated closure packages, assess root cause analysis, and evaluate sustainability of corrective actions.
  • Prepared thorough audit workpapers in alignment with regulatory expectations and internal audit standards.
  • Collaborated with business units and compliance teams to ensure timely and compliant resolution of outstanding issues.Utilize Verafin to manage alerts, perform enhanced due diligence (EDD), and complete case investigations aligned with internal risk policies and regulatory standards.
  • Maintained current knowledge of CAMS best practices, OFAC sanctions compliance and regulatory trends through continuing education and industry webinars.
  • Supported the BSA Officer in monitoring the Bank’s BSA/AML compliance program, ensuring strict adherence to BSA, AML, CIP, CDD, and OFAC regulatory requirements.
  • Conducted in depth reviews of transactional activity flagged in alerts and cases, utilizing internal systems and external sources to assess and recommend appropriate actions to management.
  • Investigated and managed complex customer relationships, including multiple-linked accounts and layered ownership structures, to identify potential suspicious activity.
  • Drafted comprehensive Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), including well-supported narratives, in accordance with regulatory guidelines and institutional standards.
  • Reviewed and verified Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for accuracy and completeness prior to submission.
  • Performed daily screening and disposition of OFAC and other watchlist alerts to ensure compliance with U.S. Treasury sanctions programs.
  • Collaborated with management on BSA/AML compliance projects and initiatives, contributing to risk assessments and policy enhancements.
  • Delivered training and guidance to front line staff to strengthen awareness and compliance with BSA/AML requirements.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of casework and ensured timely reporting in alignment with regulatory deadlines.
  • Participated in internal audits and regulatory exams by preparing documentation and supporting compliance inquiries.

Senior Compliance Analyst - AML/KYC

Genpact
01.2022 - 05.2023
  • I excelled in my position by effectively managing compliance investigations and enhancing operational policies.
  • Performed ongoing Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on customer accounts, ensuring accuracy in KYC information.
  • Completed Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in line with FinCEN requirements, maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance.
  • Liaised with compliance teams to address inquiries and maintain up-to-date knowledge of local and international regulations.
  • Performed comprehensive KYC onboarding and periodic reviews for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and high-risk clients, verifying source of funds, beneficial ownership, and customer risk profiles.
  • Conducted KYC/CDD reviews for over 1,000+ client files, achieving 100% compliance with internal SLAs and regulatory deadlines.
  • Investigated customer transactions for potential AML/CTF violations, analyze account activity, and recommend appropriate course of action.
  • Conducted open-source and media research to assess reputational risk and identify potential financial crime exposure.
  • Prepared and submit detailed Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in compliance with BSA, FinCEN, and OFAC regulations.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to address policy gaps, identify control enhancements, and ensure adherence to AML compliance frameworks.
  • Monitored regulatory changes affecting AML and KYC requirements; participate in annual compliance training and professional development programs.
  • Utilized compliance tools such as Actimize, LexisNexis, WorldCheck, and other screening databases for customer vetting and case investigations.

KYC Analyst - AML Compliance

Citigroup
02.2016 - 01.2022
  • Managed end-to-end KYC onboarding and periodic reviews for a diverse portfolio of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, PEPs, corporations, and correspondent banks.
  • Performed extensive customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD), verifying complex ownership structures, beneficial ownership, source of wealth, and sanctions screening.
  • Completed over 950+ client onboarding and periodic KYC reviews while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and internal compliance standards.
  • Conducted adverse media checks, sanctions screening, and politically exposed person (PEP) assessments using industry tools such as WorldCheck, Dow Jones, and LexisNexis.
  • Ensured compliance with global AML regulations including BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC, FATF, EU AML Directives, and FinCEN guidelines.
  • Collaborated with AML Investigators, Compliance Officers, and Relationship Managers to resolve KYC deficiencies and remediate outstanding issues.
  • Provided recommendations for risk mitigation and escalate high-risk matters to senior compliance management when necessary.
  • Stayed current on evolving regulatory requirements through continuous training, webinars, and active participation in industry compliance forums.
  • Made recommendations to the AML Financial Intelligence Function Manager regarding suspicious activity monitoring and investigations to ensure ongoing improvement and evolution of governance programs and practices in response
    to identified risks and/or gaps in the system.
  • Maintained a current thorough understanding of money laundering and terrorist financing issues, including policies, procedures, regulations, industry best practices, criminal activities and developing trends.
  • Served as a resource on suspicious activity monitoring to Lines of Business by communicating AML compliance and risk management requirements and implications to their operations.
  • Investigated potentially suspicious activity, make risk-based SAR recommendations and prepare SARs.
  • Conducted initial reviews of new foreign correspondent banks (FCBs) and foreign non-bank financial institutions (FNBFIs).
  • Investigated potentially suspicious activity escalated by the Alert Adjudication Unit, make risk-based SAR recommendations.

AML/Fraud Investigator

Ally Bank
01.2013 - 02.2016
  • Successfully reviewed and analysed over 850 high-risk customer cases, resulting in timely escalation and resolution of AML concerns.
  • Conducted comprehensive AML investigations by analyzing transactional activity, customer data, and behavioral patterns to identify potential money laundering or suspicious activity.
  • Performed in-depth research using open-source intelligence (OSINT), adverse media, and internal data sources to support investigative conclusions.
  • Prepared detailed investigative documentation, maintaining thorough case notes, supporting evidence, and regulatory research findings.
  • Drafted and submit high-quality Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when investigations warrant regulatory reporting.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with internal departments, including Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Operations, to gather and verify information pertinent to investigations.
  • Recommended appropriate actions such as SAR filing, case escalation, customer account closure, or referral to specialized teams based on investigation outcomes.
  • Consistently met or exceed established production goals and quality assurance standards for timely and accurate case resolution.
  • Supported ongoing compliance initiatives and perform additional duties as assigned, contributing to the continuous enhancement of the financial crime compliance program.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Finance

The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
2013

Bachelor of Science - Finance

University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe
01-2012

Skills

    Crypto & Blockchain Investigations
  • Cryptocurrency transaction tracing (BTC, ETH, stablecoins, DeFi)
  • Wallet attribution & on-chain risk scoring
  • Blockchain forensics using Chainalysis & TRM Labs
  • Typology development for crypto-related financial crime
  • AML & Compliance Operations
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF)
  • Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on high-risk clients and VASPs
  • Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) preparation & filing
  • Regulatory frameworks: FATF, FinCEN, OFAC, FCA, EU AMLD
  • Tools & Technology
  • Chainalysis Reactor – wallet analysis, case documentation
  • TRM Labs – blockchain risk intelligence
  • Actimize – case management, alert handling
  • Salesforce – compliance case tracking and KYC workflows
  • LexisNexis WorldCompliance – sanctions screening, PEP identification
  • Microsoft Excel – pivot tables, lookups, data cleansing, trend analysis
  • Sanctions & Screening
  • Global sanctions screening (OFAC, UN, EU, HMT)
  • Adverse media, PEP, and watchlist screening
  • Open-source intelligence (OSINT) for identity verification
  • Investigation of flagged entities, high-risk jurisdictions
  • Reporting & Communication
  • Drafting detailed investigative reports for regulatory readiness
  • Visualizing data trends in crypto transactions
  • Cross-functional collaboration with legal, product, and fraud teams
  • Supporting internal audits and regulatory exams

Certification

ACAMS - Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

CFCS - Certified Financial Crime Specialist (Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists)

CGSS - Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (ACAMS)

CFE - Certified Fraud Examiner (ACFE)

ICA Certifications (International Compliance Association)

CFCS (Certified Financial Crime Specialist)

Personal Information

Timeline

Crypto & Blockchain Investigations Manager

Robinwood
01.2024 - Current

Senior AML Project & Compliance Analyst

Genpact
05.2023 - 01.2024

Senior Compliance Analyst - AML/KYC

Genpact
01.2022 - 05.2023

KYC Analyst - AML Compliance

Citigroup
02.2016 - 01.2022

AML/Fraud Investigator

Ally Bank
01.2013 - 02.2016

Bachelor of Science - Finance

The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science - Finance

University of Zimbabwe
Josphat Chikoti