Laura A Cook
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Experienced and detail-oriented compliance professional with over 15 years of corporate and banking experience. Highly motivated and hardworking, eager to contribute combined knowledge and skills to enhance business performance. Excels at adapting to different processes and driving company objectives with a seasoned work ethic. Resourcefulness and results-driven mindset fuel passion for growth and efficiency, enabling the meeting of company needs and increased service value. Strong background in banking, customer service, and account management brings a meticulous approach to every task. Ready to apply knowledge and skills to any challenge that comes my way.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Guardian Life Insurance Company
08.2024 - Current
- Oversee daily operations and HR functions, including hiring, training, onboarding, and termination processes, to ensure a compliant and efficient workforce.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by leading workshops and training sessions on best practices and innovative operational strategies.
- Streamlined communication channels within organization, implementing comprehensive internal communication platform that facilitated real-time information sharing.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Drive strategic initiatives by aligning operational strategies with company objectives, fostering a growth-oriented and productive work environment.
- Lead cross-functional teams to enhance performance, streamline processes, and implement cost-effective improvements across departments.
- Manage budget planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to support data-informed decision-making and operational resilience.
- Coordinate high-impact projects and events, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with organizational goals.
Fintech BSA/AML Regulatory Analyst
Evolve Bank
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted comprehensive onboarding and maintenance of fintech platforms, ensuring regulatory compliance through thorough audits and evaluations
- Served as the subject matter expert on all regulatory matters, including Reg E, Reg CC, Reg DD, disclosures, and terms and conditions
- Managed third-party oversight reviews, KYC/KYB audits, and critical service provider reviews to ensure adherence to compliance standards
- Provided client support, engaged in direct communication with business partners, and led policy creation and updates
- Handled vendor management, application configuration, and conducted manual reviews for flagged KYC applications
- Delivered detailed reports and recommendations based on findings to maintain up-to-date compliance practices
- Conducted detailed audits of Fintechs, Aggregators, Independent Sales Organizations, and direct merchants for KYC/KYB compliance
- Evaluated identity verification, OFAC sanction screening, fraud detection, and collected user lists for backtesting
- Identified and mitigated risks associated with user approvals, ensuring alignment with bank standards
- Performed manual reviews of flagged applications, assessing documentation and making approval or denial decisions
- Reviewed CSPs for compliance with KYC verification, transaction monitoring, and payment processing regulations
- Ensured Critical Service Providers met due diligence requirements, federal regulations, and Master Service Agreement terms
- Collected and evaluated Critical Service Provider documentation, including policies, procedures, solution demonstrations, and audit reports
- Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements and bank compliance standards
- Developed and updated bank policies to reflect regulatory changes and industry standards
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement new policies and procedures
- Validated fintech platform structures and documentation for compliance
- Identified and escalated potential AML concerns during onboarding and ongoing reviews
- Responded to client inquiries, assisted on client calls, and engaged directly with clients
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of current regulatory requirements and customer due diligence standards
- Analyzed complex company legal structures, including PEPs, sanctions, and adverse media screening
Senior Quality Control Analyst
Silvergate Bank
06.2019 - 05.2023
- Performed Quality Assurance review for new onboarding, KYC, OFAC, PEP, periodic reviews, ad-hoc reassessment and FINCEN activities; facilitated adherence to compliance and regulatory objectives and managed client-specific projects
- Provided support to Legal Team regarding Subpoena requests
- Reviewed customer files for high-risk clients based on stratified risk level guidelines
- Helped AML team to track and complete case files to investigate suspicious activity
- Maintained a current understanding and knowledge of AML, KYC, Due Diligence, financial issues, Sanctions, and oversight of the quality control department processes and procedures
- Utilized proprietary and software/database such as KYC, LexisNexis, World-Check, World Base
- Performed the due diligence on new Clients, requesting the KYC information, documentation, review and verification of received documentation and making an analytical risk assessment
- Performed final reviews of completed onboarding business documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal quality standards
- Implemented and conducted reviews and analysis to ensure adherence to KYC, Due Diligence processes, and other regulatory compliance policies
- Managing day-to-day assignments and training a team of KYC/Due Diligence onboarding specialists
- Investigated transaction monitoring program alerts, reviewed transaction, user activity, OFAC, PEP, and determined suspicious activity warranting SAR filings
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address compliance issues and escalate as necessary
- Provided support, collaborated, and training to associates within the Customer Operations, Business Development, Legal, and Compliance teams, ensuring a high level of customer service, audits, and operational efficiency
- Reviewed negative news and OFAC/Watch List/PEP alerts generated by automated systems
- Researched and interpreted corporate documentation to determine business and ownership structure
- Reviewed daily, weekly, and monthly transactions alerts, reporting, client trading activity, client file review, conducted due diligence searches and metrics
- Evaluated transactions and customer relationships for suspicious activity, identifying red flag issues, and escalating with the AML framework for further investigation
- Managed internal controls to ensure compliance with audit requirements, minimizing controllable losses through policy and procedure adherence
- Ensured prompt and appropriate error resolution, maintaining a focus on excellent customer service
Deposit Operations Wire Supervisor
Silvergate Bank
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Confirmed, verified, and reconciled all types of Wire Transaction including Foreign Exchange deals conducted by Traders
- Processed domestic / international wire transaction, wire investigations, customer service, OFAC monitoring and disposition, returns, NSF, service, recall, and confirmation messaging
- Successfully managed a team of wire transfer specialists, ensuring accurate and timely processing of domestic and international wire transactions
- Perform OFAC/Sanctions related alert investigations, analyze sanctions regulations, and determine permissible transactions and business activities
- Confirmed, verified, and reconciled all types of wire transactions, including foreign exchange deals conducted by the Front Office trader as well as domestic and international payment instructions
- Analyzed data to identify trends and anomalies in customer behavior, proactively identifying exposure risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies
- Coordinated and supported audits and examinations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies
- Implemented operational controls and security measures to prevent fraud and ensure adherence to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
- Managed the workflow of the department, prioritizing work, and delegating tasks to ensure proper coverage and efficient processing of transactions
- Generated and maintained reports for risk mitigation, production, quality, quantity, and high service levels for internal and external customers
- Stayed updated on federal and state laws, regulations, and the bank's policies and procedures, ensuring departmental compliance
- Provided leadership for critical risk management activities, including daily OFAC review and case management
- Demonstrated excellent time management, prioritization, multitasking, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment
- Created test cases for new system processes
- Reviewed negative news and OFAC/Watch List/PEP alerts generated by automated systems
Service Manager 2
Wells Fargo Bank
04.2006 - 08.2017
- Mentored and Coached team in customer service / sales goals with great attention to details and accuracy skills
- Directed others while building a high performing team through the attraction, on-boarding, coaching and development of branch team members
- Partnered with Branch Manager to support entire team for success by fostering a positive work environment
- Led a team of branch employees, including personal bankers and tellers, fostering a positive and high-performing work environment
- Ensured the delivery of exceptional customer service by establishing a customer-centric culture within the branch
- Identified and resolved customer issues and inquiries, maintaining high customer satisfaction levels
- Developed and implemented strategies to drive sales and business growth, exceeding sales targets through proactive cross-selling and customer needs analysis
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements and bank policies, conducting audits and reviews to mitigate risks
- Built and maintained relationships with key internal stakeholders, collaborating effectively with district managers and regional service consultants
- Optimized branch operations and processes to enhance efficiency and productivity
- Partnered with District Manager and Regional Service Consultant to coordinate, lead, and facilitate monthly Service Manager meetings for district
Education
Associate of Arts - General Business
American River College
Sacramento, CASkills
- Multitask
- Attention to Detail
- BSA/AML Laws & Regulations
- Leadership
- Positive Attitude
- Communication & Collaboration
Teamwork - Microsoft Word/Excel
- Internal Policy Implementation
- KYC/EDD/CIP
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Assessment & Analysis
Creativity - AML Investigation, Strategic Planning & Implementation
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Inspection/Control
- Policy & Procedure Development
Goal-Oriented - Dependable & Reliable
Languages
Romanian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Operations
Guardian Life Insurance Company
08.2024 - Current
Fintech BSA/AML Regulatory Analyst
Evolve Bank
10.2023 - 08.2024
Senior Quality Control Analyst
Silvergate Bank
06.2019 - 05.2023
Deposit Operations Wire Supervisor
Silvergate Bank
08.2017 - 06.2019
Service Manager 2
Wells Fargo Bank
04.2006 - 08.2017
Associate of Arts - General Business
American River College
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