Karen De La Torre
Woodbridge,NJ
Summary
Financial Crime and Compliance professional with 6 years of experience conducting AML and sanctions investigations within a retail banking and global correspondent banking environment. Experienced in sanctions risk assessments, regulatory requests, SAR preparation, due diligence, and complex investigations involving legal and regulatory matters. ACAMS and CGSS certified with a proven ability to assess risk, collaborate across stakeholders and support regulatory compliance initiatives.
Overview
2
2
Languages
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
AML Investigator
Standard Chartered Bank
02.2022 - Current
- Conduct complex AML and sanctions investigations within the Legal, Regulatory & Response Group, including grand jury subpoenas, 314(a)/(b) requests, civil litigation support, demand letters, and internal referrals, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
- Partner with Special Investigations, Compliance, Legal, Sanctions, and other cross-functional stakeholders to support intelligence referrals, high-priority matters, and regulatory inquiries.
- Prepare clear, risk-based investigative summaries, Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and Continuing Activity Reports (CARs) for senior management, compliance partners, and external law enforcement agencies.
- Provide advisory guidance and presentations to managers, team leads, and business partners on complex investigations, emerging typologies, and regulatory risk considerations.
- Draft Requests for Information (RFIs) and 314(b) requests, coordinating information gathering and documentation to support timely case resolution and regulatory compliance efforts.
- Utilize internal and external research tools to conduct due diligence, sanctions exposure analysis, and risk assessments in support of investigative and regulatory objectives.
- Train and mentor new team members, promoting consistency in documentation, regulatory adherence, and investigative best practices.
BSA Analyst
Magyar Bank
02.2020 - 02.2022
- Reviewed transaction alerts, wires, and sanctions screening hits (OFAC, BIS) to identify potential financial crime risks.
- Conducted Additional Due Diligence (ADD) reviews on high- and moderate risk customers, ensuring compliance with BSA/AML policies.
- Authored clear, risk-based narratives for both internal transactions, cases, and SARs to support regulatory reporting.
- Provided training to new hires and acted as a point of contact across the bank on AML and sanctions matters.
KYC AML Risk Analyst
Investors Bank
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Investigated suspicious alerts using FCRM, Lexis Nexis, Salesforce and D&B to identify money laundering, or sanctions exposure.
- Completed reviews within regulatory timeframes while maintaining high-quality analysis for escalation and SAR decision-making.
- Facilitated transparent communication with customers regarding compliance requirements, improving understanding of regulatory obligations.
Senior Teller
Bank of America
12.2010 - 09.2018
- Delivered strong customer service while ensuring adherence to AML monitoring and escalation requirements.
- Identified and reported suspicious activity, supporting the banks BSA/AML compliance program.
- Coached and guided junior tellers, supporting team development and operational excellence.
Education
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist -
ACAMS
Certified Global Sanctions Specialist - undefined
ACAMS
Bachelor of Arts - International Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
05.2018
Skills
- Sanctions Compliance (OFAC, UN, EU, BIS)
- AML Investigations & Correspondent Banking
- Legal & Regulatory Response (Subpoenas, 314(a)/(b))
- Financial Crime Typologies & Circumvention Risks
- Risk-Based Analysis & Advisory Support
- Tools: Arachnys, Lexis Nexis, Lloyd’s List, Panjiva
- Leadership & Training
- Pattern recognition
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
AML Investigator
Standard Chartered Bank
02.2022 - Current
BSA Analyst
Magyar Bank
02.2020 - 02.2022
KYC AML Risk Analyst
Investors Bank
09.2018 - 07.2019
Senior Teller
Bank of America
12.2010 - 09.2018
Certified Global Sanctions Specialist - undefined
ACAMS
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist -
ACAMS
Bachelor of Arts - International Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice