Lewis Stephens
Charlotte,NC
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
AML Refresh - Operations Senior Analyst
Bank of America
Charlotte, NC
10.2021 - Current
AML Compliance Investigator
Ally Bank
Charlotte, NC
10.2021 - Current
- Leveraged advanced AML prevention techniques and industry best practices to enhance compliance efforts across brokerage and retail banking environments.
- Collaborated with international counterparts to share intelligence and align investigation techniques with global AML standards.
- Supported management in regulatory inquiries by delivering well-documented evidence of compliance efforts and investigative outcomes.
- Conducted comprehensive AML investigations involving both broker-dealer and retail bank accounts, identifying suspicious activity and strengthening overall compliance controls.
Consultant (Contract)
Synergy Legal
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Conducted thorough investigations into potential sales practice misconduct, focusing on identifying any undue pressure applied during client interactions, including account openings at both branch locations and call centers.
- Researched and analyzed client complaints to determine the presence of regulatory violations or unethical practices.
- Assessed findings against internal policies and regulatory standards, and filed Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when necessary to ensure compliance with BSA/AML regulations and protect the integrity of the institution.
Senior Risk Analyst
LPL Financial
10.2015 - 12.2017
- Advised management on fraud trends and enhanced business intelligence tools.
- Researched and addressed new internal and external fraud methods.
- Collaborated with product teams to design fraud detection tools.
- Ensured mitigation of fraud and AML risks.
- Conducted regulatory and operational risk reviews for FINRA, SEC, and federal compliance.
- Managed foreign account reviews, OFAC alerts, and screened for PEPs and foreign nationals.
- Performed AML investigations and maintained beneficial ownership compliance.
Fixed Asset Analyst (Contract)
Family Dollar
05.2015 - 10.2015
- Assisted senior colleagues with modeling investment portfolios and solution proposals for audit and compliance.
- Supported store teams by reporting compliance issues and developing risk control measures.
- Collaborated with executive leadership on audits and special projects.
- Managed fixed asset processes related to federal and state tax provisions and filings.
- Developed and monitored inventory transaction functions to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Global Financial Crimes Investigator (Contract)
Bank of America
Charlotte, NC
08.2014 - 02.2015
- Researched, analyzed, and resolved data management issues across multiple systems.
- Reviewed enterprise software and code to minimize downtime of critical retirement systems.
- Developed and implemented departmental processes and technical reference guides.
- Ensured compliance with GFCC AML standards and FINCEN reporting requirements.
- Identified control weaknesses, recommending improvements to mitigate risks and address QA and policy gaps.
- Reviewed flagged surveillance items for adverse media, PEP matches, and sanctions screening.
- Prepared and submitted Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
Credit Investigator
Wells Fargo
Charlotte, NC
09.2008 - 08.2014
- Measured and analyzed reporting metrics to improve performance.
- Identified training needs and provided mentoring to junior analysts.
- Planned and implemented process improvements for quality and efficiency.
- Developed systems to enhance tracking and reporting.
- Tested and monitored alerts for BSA compliance.
- Investigated complex commercial credit inquiries and conducted background checks for compliance and AML.
- Supported Wealth Management and Brokerage teams with compliance and AML investigations and oversight.
- Created detailed business requirements, workflows, and process documentation.
- Managed multiple priorities while coaching team members to improve skills.
Team Lead - Risk and Credit Analysis
First Charter National Bank
Charlotte, NC
09.2001 - 09.2008
- Analyzed loan documentation and credit histories to support risk assessment and compliance.
- Performed credit risk analysis and assigned risk ratings.
- Developed and serviced loan structures in line with risk and client needs.
- Conducted research and reporting for management and projects.
- Created test programs and oversight reports to track key metrics.
Timeline
AML Refresh - Operations Senior Analyst
Bank of America
10.2021 - Current
AML Compliance Investigator
Ally Bank
10.2021 - Current
Consultant (Contract)
Synergy Legal
01.2018 - 03.2020
Senior Risk Analyst
LPL Financial
10.2015 - 12.2017
Fixed Asset Analyst (Contract)
Family Dollar
05.2015 - 10.2015
Global Financial Crimes Investigator (Contract)
Bank of America
08.2014 - 02.2015
Credit Investigator
Wells Fargo
09.2008 - 08.2014
Team Lead - Risk and Credit Analysis
First Charter National Bank
09.2001 - 09.2008