LAUREN FEMIANO
Delray Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic financial services executive with 30+ years of experience in asset management, banking, broker-dealer, financial guarantee, and investment banking. Strategic thinker, problem solver and trusted advisor with deep expertise in internal audit, internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and internal controls over compliance (ICOC). Skilled in aligning control frameworks with Federal Reserve SR 13-1, the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Global Internal Audit Standards, Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) Sections 302 and 404 and SEC Rule 17a-5 for broker dealers. Proven ability to design and implement sustainable strategies that strengthen internal controls, enhance risk culture, and drive accountability across business functions. Highly regarded by external auditors, regulators and Board Audit Committees for transparency, high-quality results and thought leadership. Adept at managing complex priorities, leading through others, and building high-performing teams. Certified Financial Services Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Internal Control Auditor. Previously held the Series 7 and Series 63 Registered Representative licenses.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director, Internal Audit Professional Practices Group
BNY
05.2024 - 09.2025
- Spearheaded Future of Audit strategic transformation, overseeing key projects and delivering actionable solutions.
- Designed and refined Internal Audit policies to meet regulatory expectations and industry standards.
- Revamped Internal Audit training program by introducing a new-hire curriculum and competency framework.
- Conducted global training sessions on enhanced audit methodologies, developing comprehensive training materials.
- Executed self-assessments of audit activities, identifying compliance gaps and implementing corrective actions.
- Led remediation of regulatory findings with sustainable action plans to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to synchronize objectives and resource allocation.
- Managed department financials, optimizing resource distribution to enhance operational efficiency.
US Head of Internal Controls
Santander Holdings USA
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Directed the enterprise-wide Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Program for the Company and its subsidiaries, overseeing the annual risk-based SOX plan, control design and operating effectiveness testing and timely execution of program deliverables to support SEC Form 10-K and 10-Q filings.
- Executed a strategic co-sourcing initiative with a Big 4 firm, achieving a 25% reduction in SOX Program costs over two years while maintaining audit quality standards.
- Designed and implemented a new SOX Governance, Risk and Compliance platform enabling end-to-end tracking and management of program deliverables within established budget and timelines.
- Remediated the Company’s Material Weakness and Significant Deficiencies by collaborating with management to develop sustainable action plans strengthening the internal control environment.
- Led the SOX scoping and integration process for a newly acquired broker dealer, identifying control gaps and partnering with management to drive timely remediation.
- Implemented a Quality Assurance and Improvement Audit Program ensuing all deliverables consistently met internal and external compliance standards.
- Established an enterprise policy assurance program, including methodologies and reporting tools to monitor SOX compliance, driving quality standards, increasing auditor reliance, and embedding best practices for continuous improvement.
- Cultivated strong relationships with the Board Audit Committee and Regulators delivering comprehensive reports on ICFR effectiveness and demonstrating compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
- Partnered with First Line of Defense (FloD) leaders to strengthen ICFR risk awareness and transparency, supporting informed decision-making and improved accountability across the organization.
- Managed and developed a high-performing SOX team of internal control professionals, overseeing management and execution of the SOX Program across multiple subsidiaries and business functions while driving employee engagement and professional growth.
Senior Vice President, Head of Internal Control and US Internal Controls Senior Director
Banco Santander International
07.2020 - 01.2021
- Served concurrently as Head of Internal Control for Banco Santander International (subsidiary of Santander Holdings USA) and as Senior Director within the Santander Holdings USA Internal Control Leadership team, providing strategic oversight across multiple entities.
- Elevated the department’s Audit Opinion to “Satisfactory” by strengthening the SOX program through enhanced risk assessment, refined methodologies, and the design and delivery of comprehensive training for internal control staff.
- Drove cultural changes by embedding SOX policies and methodologies, partnering with the FloD to design and implement effective ICFR controls that improved the overall control environment.
- Remediated legacy Significant Deficiencies, collaborating with the FloD to develop sustainable action plans and reinforce the ICFR control framework.
- Led the strategic integration of SOX and Operational Risk, resolving long-standing regulatory issues and strengthening enterprise risk governance.
- Directed, motivated, and developed a high-performing internal controls team, improving employee engagement and fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Vice President, Head of Internal Control and US Internal Controls Director
Banco Santander International
01.2016 - 07.2020
- Served concurrently as Head of Internal Control for Banco Santander International (subsidiary of Santander Holdings USA) and as Senior Director within the Santander Holdings USA Internal Control Leadership team, providing strategic oversight across multiple entities.
- Elevated the department’s Audit Opinion to “Satisfactory” by strengthening the SOX program through enhanced risk assessment, refined methodologies, and the design and delivery of comprehensive training for internal control staff.
- Drove cultural changes by embedding SOX policies and methodologies, partnering with the FloD to design and implement effective ICFR controls that improved the overall control environment.
- Remediated legacy Significant Deficiencies, collaborating with the FloD to develop sustainable action plans and reinforce the ICFR control framework.
- Led the strategic integration of SOX and Operational Risk, resolving long-standing regulatory issues and strengthening enterprise risk governance.
- Directed, motivated, and developed a high-performing internal controls team, improving employee engagement and fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Director, Head of Operational Risk
MBIA, Inc.
07.2013 - 09.2015
- Spearheaded the transformation of the company’s Operational Risk framework enhancing the identification, assessment, and management of key risks across all business units.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration with Operational Risk Champions enabling streamlined reporting for executive management and Executive Management and the Board Audit Committee elevating the organization’s risk culture and oversight effectiveness.
Director, Internal Audit
MBIA, Inc.
03.2011 - 09.2015
- Provided strategic leadership and oversight of the internal audit function, including the development of the annual risk-based audit and SOX compliance plans, led and managed multiple risk based audits, SOX engagements, monitored completion of the annual audit and SOX plan, coordinated and staffed key projects, and managed departmental operations and budgets.
- Conducted the annual self-assessments in alignment with the Institute of Internal Auditors International Professional Practices Framework (the Standards), implementing process improvements that strengthened audit quality, governance, and compliance.
Vice President, Internal Audit
MBIA, Inc.
06.2009 - 03.2011
- Provided strategic leadership and oversight of the internal audit function, including the development of the annual risk-based audit and SOX compliance plans, led and managed multiple risk based audits, SOX engagements, monitored completion of the annual audit and SOX plan, coordinated and staffed key projects, and managed departmental operations and budgets.
- Conducted the annual self-assessments in alignment with the Institute of Internal Auditors International Professional Practices Framework (the Standards), implementing process improvements that strengthened audit quality, governance, and compliance.
Manager, Advisory Services
KPMG LLP
New York, NY
09.2007 - 06.2009
- Led internal audit advisory, internal audit, and SOX compliance projects; managed budgets, timelines, and client communications while delivering actionable risk and control insights.
- Supervised and mentored junior staff, providing coaching and feedback to support development, while fostering strong client relationships and serving as a trusted advisor to identify evolving business needs.
Senior Associate, Advisory Services
KPMG LLP
New York, NY
01.2007 - 09.2007
- Led internal audit advisory, internal audit, and SOX compliance projects; managed budgets, timelines, and client communications while delivering actionable risk and control insights.
- Supervised and mentored junior staff, providing coaching and feedback to support development, while fostering strong client relationships and serving as a trusted advisor to identify evolving business needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
City University of New York, College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY06-2003
Skills
- Internal audit and SOX compliance
- Risk management strategies
- Policy development
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Relationship building and effective communication
- Project management and strategic planning
- Problem solving and process improvement
Certification
- Certified Financial Services Audit
- Certified Fraud Examiner
- Certified Internal Controls Auditor
Timeline
Senior Director, Internal Audit Professional Practices Group
BNY
05.2024 - 09.2025
US Head of Internal Controls
Santander Holdings USA
01.2021 - 05.2024
Senior Vice President, Head of Internal Control and US Internal Controls Senior Director
Banco Santander International
07.2020 - 01.2021
Vice President, Head of Internal Control and US Internal Controls Director
Banco Santander International
01.2016 - 07.2020
Director, Head of Operational Risk
MBIA, Inc.
07.2013 - 09.2015
Director, Internal Audit
MBIA, Inc.
03.2011 - 09.2015
Vice President, Internal Audit
MBIA, Inc.
06.2009 - 03.2011
Manager, Advisory Services
KPMG LLP
09.2007 - 06.2009
Senior Associate, Advisory Services
KPMG LLP
01.2007 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
City University of New York, College of Staten Island
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