Lornah Kiplagat
Waukee
Summary
Detail-oriented Compliance and Financial Crimes Specialist with 7+ years of progressive experience in KYC, AML, transaction monitoring, and EDD/CDD investigations. Skilled in conducting due diligence reviews, identifying suspicious activity, and ensuring compliance with BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, and OFAC regulations. ACAMS-certified with proven expertise in client onboarding, sanctions screening, and regulatory audit support. Adept at balancing risk management with a strong client service mindset.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Growth Manager
NALA Payments
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Led community engagement strategies that drove user acquisition, retention, and brand awareness across key markets.
- Designed and executed growth initiatives, partnerships, and events to expand NALA’s footprint within the African diaspora community.
- Built and nurtured relationships with key stakeholders, ambassadors, and influencers, boosting advocacy for NALA’s mission and services.
- Managed both online and offline community interactions, ensuring timely responses and maintaining high levels of user engagement.
- Collected and analyzed user feedback and community insights to inform product development and refine marketing strategies.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams (marketing, product, customer success) to enhance user experience and engagement.
- Tracked and reported on community growth metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for optimization.
- Represented NALA at industry events, networking forums, and community meetups, strengthening brand visibility and credibility.
Revenue Agent, BSA/AML Compliance
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted BSA/AML compliance audits and KYC documentation reviews for financial institutions, MSBs, and high-risk businesses.
- Performed EDD reviews to verify beneficial ownership and assess risks of non-financial trades (jewelers, auto dealers, etc.).
- Drafted and submitted Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in compliance with federal regulations.
- Collaborated with compliance and legal teams to enhance AML/KYC procedures.
- Educated clients on compliance requirements, strengthening KYC program adherence.
AML Compliance Analyst
SendWave (Zepz)
06.2016 - 05.2023
- Managed client onboarding and KYC verification, ensuring accuracy of CIP documentation and beneficial ownership checks.
- Performed daily sanctions and PEP screening, reducing false positives through improved screening methodology.
- Conducted CDD and EDD investigations for high-risk clients and escalated unusual activity referrals (UARs).
- Filed SMRs and SARs to regulatory authorities in compliance with AML/KYC policies.
- Trained and mentored a team of 7 compliance analysts on KYC onboarding, sanctions screening, and risk procedures.
- Partnered with the Product Team to refine automated KYC and screening systems, improving efficiency and compliance outcomes.
Loan Processing Specialist
District Partners (SBA)
06.2020 - 01.2022
- Reviewed borrower KYC and financial documentation for SBA loans, ensuring compliance with program eligibility requirements.
- Conducted credit and financial risk assessments, identifying high-risk applicants for further review.
- Resolved discrepancies by obtaining supporting documentation from clients and lenders.
Client Processing Specialist
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
02.2012 - 10.2015
- Verified client KYC documentation for account opening and loan processing.
- Processed payroll, credit applications, and financial records while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Supported audit readiness by preparing compliance and account review documentation.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Compliance, Risk & AML
University of South Florida
01.2024
B.Sc. - Forensic Accounting
Franklin University
Columbus, OH01.2019
Skills
- Know Your Customer (KYC) / Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
- Sanctions & PEP Screening (OFAC, UN, EU Lists)
- Client Onboarding & Verification
- AML/Financial Crimes Investigations
- Transaction Monitoring & Alert Review
- Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR/SMR)
- Risk Assessment & Compliance Testing
- Regulatory Audit Support (BSA/AML, Title 31, Form 8300)
- Tools: LexisNexis, FinCEN, Salesforce, Jira, Google Suite
Certification
- AML Foundations (V3)
- Sanctions Compliance Foundations
- Investigations
- Fraud
- Fighting Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
- Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)
Professional Highlights
- Successfully led KYC onboarding and EDD investigations for high-risk clients, reducing compliance risks.
- Streamlined sanctions and PEP screening, cutting down false positives while maintaining compliance standards.
- Supported IRS BSA audits, ensuring institutions met KYC and AML regulatory obligations.
- Trained and mentored compliance teams, improving KYC and onboarding processes.
Timeline
Community Growth Manager
NALA Payments
09.2024 - 04.2025
Revenue Agent, BSA/AML Compliance
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
01.2024 - 08.2024
Loan Processing Specialist
District Partners (SBA)
06.2020 - 01.2022
AML Compliance Analyst
SendWave (Zepz)
06.2016 - 05.2023
Client Processing Specialist
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
02.2012 - 10.2015
B.Sc. - Forensic Accounting
Franklin University
Graduate Certificate - Compliance, Risk & AML
University of South Florida