Marcela Walter
Mahopac
Summary
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) with over 10 years of experience in banking and compliance. Expertise in BSA/AML investigations, SAR drafting, and transaction monitoring across diverse payment platforms. Demonstrated success in conducting thorough investigations, analyzing complex financial transactions, and producing compliant SAR narratives. Proven track record in peer reviews, quality assurance, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BSA Analyst
Northeast Community Bank
White Plains
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Conducted time-sensitive, risk-based investigations of BSA/AML alerts involving potentially suspicious financial activity across consumer and business accounts.
- Analyzed complex transaction patterns, payment activity, and account behavior to identify money laundering, check kiting, fraud, and other financial crimes.
- Prepared high-quality Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with clear narratives and supporting documentation in accordance with FinCEN and regulatory guidelines.
- Independently assessed whether activity met SAR filing thresholds and provided formal recommendations to the BSA Officer.
- Reviewed and cleared/escalated OFAC alerts, ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate disposition.
- Performed enhanced due diligence (EDD) on high-risk customers, including quarterly CIP and QA reviews, identifying gaps and escalating issues as needed.
- Utilized internal systems and third-party databases to conduct comprehensive research across multiple data sources.
- Collaborated with branch staff and internal partners to obtain additional information and resolve investigative roadblocks.
- Maintained current knowledge of emerging AML risks, regulatory expectations, and typologies through ACAMS training and industry webinars.
- Consistently met strict investigative timelines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proactively produced thorough SAR narratives leading to account closures and mitigation of financial crime risk.
- Identified and documented check-kiting schemes and suspicious transaction patterns resulting in SAR filings.
Assistant Branch Manager
The Westchester Bank
Mount Kisco
03.2018 - 06.2021
- Managed branch operations with a strong focus on BSA/AML compliance, audits, and risk controls.
- Participated in the bank’s BSA Committee, reviewing red flags, account alerts, and compliance policies.
- Oversaw EDD reviews, recordkeeping, CTRs, and OFAC compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Led and coached staff on BSA/AML procedures, conducting monthly compliance meetings and ongoing training.
- Partnered with internal stakeholders to support investigations and mitigate fraud and financial crime exposure.
- Exercised sound judgment in approving transactions and resolving escalated compliance matters.
- Achieved zero audit findings in first year as Assistant Branch Manager.
- Prevented a $250K wire fraud loss and uncovered embezzlement exceeding $30K.
- Demonstrated strong investigative instincts in identifying fraud and suspicious activity.
Customer Service Representative
The Westchester Bank
Mount Kisco
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Conducted customer due diligence (CDD) for retail and commercial accounts.
- Reviewed OFAC searches for accuracy and compliance.
- Supported audits, dual control procedures, and regulatory reporting.
Senior Financial Service Associate
People’s United Bank
Bronxville
04.2010 - 01.2017
- Opened and serviced customer accounts while ensuring compliance with BSA/AML requirements.
- Reviewed overdrafts, lending applications, and transaction activity for risk indicators.
- Assisted in training and coaching staff on operational and compliance procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NYSkills
- BSA/AML Investigations & Case Management
- SAR & CTR Preparation (FinCEN-compliant)
- Suspicious Activity & Money Laundering Typologies
- Transaction Monitoring (Zelle, Venmo, ACH, Wires)
- KYC / CDD / EDD Analysis
- OFAC Screening & Escalation
- Quality Assurance & Peer Review
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Assessment
- Fiserv
- Verafin
- AML Monitoring Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Fluent in Spanish
Certification
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), ACAMS
Timeline
BSA Analyst
Northeast Community Bank
04.2022 - 04.2023
Assistant Branch Manager
The Westchester Bank
03.2018 - 06.2021
Customer Service Representative
The Westchester Bank
01.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Financial Service Associate
People’s United Bank
04.2010 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Mercy College