Maria Castro
Fishkill,New York
Summary
Experienced professional with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and re-prioritize workloads as necessary. Demonstrates strong judgment, political astuteness, and sensitivity to cultural diversity. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, effectively interfacing with all levels of management. Extensive knowledge in change/program management, financial operations and planning, risk and controls management, IT processes, and data management. Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement complex processes and technology change management initiatives. Works independently in ambiguous environments, prioritizing efforts across multiple projects and managing competing deadlines. Flexible and adept at following tight deadlines.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Registration Licensing & Regulatory Reporting
UBS
08.2014 - Current
- Managed all aspects of Broker Dealer Registrations and Licensing at UBS
- Oversaw applications with FINRA, SEC, NFA, NMLS, NIPR, and state agencies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Supervised teams handling Insurance Licensing, Mortgage State Licensing, and Federal Registrations
- Managed annual registration renewals and terminations for various regulatory bodies
- Collaborated on response to regulatory exams, compliance risk assessments, and managed regulatory risk
- Provided regulatory updates and implemented new processes and controls
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Regulatory Compliance Risk Manager
PRMG, Inc.
09.2013 - 08.2014
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements
- Provided expert guidance and implemented risk mitigation controls to enhance processes
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective compliance strategies
QC/Due Diligence Compliance (Paralegal) Consultant
Freelance
10.2012 - 09.2013
- Managed license applications, conducted audits, and developed training materials to ensure regulatory compliance
- Contributed to the successful maintenance of regulatory standards and overall company success
- Reported audit results to executive management for strategic decision-making
- Developed training materials to educate staff on compliance requirements
- Provided expertise in regulatory compliance
- Worked cross-functionally with other departments and leaders to complete tasks.
- Assisted in resolving compliance matters by researching relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
- Conducted research, investigated facts and developed commercial arguments.
- Provided expert advice on various legal matters pertaining to corporate governance, contracts management, data privacy,
Licensing Manager (Compliance Paralegal)
InterLinc Mortgage Services, LLC
04.2012 - 10.2012
- Supervised the licensing process for State Corporate Mortgage Lender Licenses, ensuring all filings and registrations were completed accurately and on time
- Managed all licensed locations and loan originators, conducting quarterly reports, legal research, and AML policy reviews
- Led due diligence, operations, and risk management efforts to maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency
Licensing Manager/Director (Paralegal)
Envoy Mortgage
08.2008 - 04.2012
- Supervised licensing for 49 state corporate mortgage lender licenses, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Managed all filings and registrations for General Partner and Limited Partnership within the ownership structure, maintaining over 2500 licenses from 2008-2012
- Led a compliance research project for servicing and subservicing requirements, working closely with the Servicing VP to meet all state, federal, and agency standards
Compliance / QC Specialist
Mortgage Alternatives - Gregg & Valby, L.L.P
03.2008 - 07.2008
- Ensured compliance with state regulations by researching and tracking legislation, maintaining legal databases, and training employees
- Assisted with multistate lending and business practices requirements, contributing to the company's overall compliance efforts
Compliance / QC/ Operations Specialist
First Source Mortgage
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Trained and audited teams on government loans, legal issues, and compliance regulations
- Assisted in establishing a new Title Company, conducting training on all aspects of Title Insurance and closings for multiple states
Operations Manager/Closing Post Closing Manager (Contract)
USA Bank
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Led the establishment of a mortgage department in Westchester NY & CT
- Advised on legal matters and conducted training to ensure compliance with state-specific guidelines
- Managed a team of 15 staff members and oversaw operations with 40 others reporting
Closing Post Closing Operations & Compliance Manager NY Region
First Franklin
10.2003 - 01.2006
- Led compliance, operations, and closings for the NY Region, overseeing a team of 45+ employees
- Successfully revamped operations to handle a surge in multistate loans, from $17M to $81M in 3 months
- Played a key role in assisting with CEMA loans, revising regional products, and conducting training on Patriot Act and identity fraud
Banking Officer (Post Closing Compliance Paralegal)
Columbia Equities Home Loan - Oceanfirst Bank
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Served as the primary contact for investors, reviewed investor agreements, and handled bulk sales
- Worked closely with FNMA, FHLC, and HUD to ensure all loans were in compliance and minimize investor buy-backs
Closing Paralegal
Columbia Equities Home Loans - Pardes & Pardes Law Firm
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Managed closings, reviewed legal documents, and ensured compliance with lender documentation
- Prepared and reviewed all Consolidation Modification Extension Agreements, Real Property Tax Computations, and ensured collateral was sufficiently insured
- Conducted title review for vesting, liens, encroachments, and easements
- Handled Subordination Agreements, wire, and net fundings
- Acted as the bank closer for Columbia Equities Home Loans
Education
Associate's Degree - Accounting Business Management
The College of Westchester
01.1995
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Account Reconciliation
- Vendor Management
- Analytical Skills
- Operations Management
- Process Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- FINRA
Verbal and written communication
People Management
Certification awards
Compliance & Regulatory Certification
Timeline
Director - Registration Licensing & Regulatory Reporting
UBS
08.2014 - Current
Regulatory Compliance Risk Manager
PRMG, Inc.
09.2013 - 08.2014
QC/Due Diligence Compliance (Paralegal) Consultant
Freelance
10.2012 - 09.2013
Licensing Manager (Compliance Paralegal)
InterLinc Mortgage Services, LLC
04.2012 - 10.2012
Licensing Manager/Director (Paralegal)
Envoy Mortgage
08.2008 - 04.2012
Compliance / QC Specialist
Mortgage Alternatives - Gregg & Valby, L.L.P
03.2008 - 07.2008
Compliance / QC/ Operations Specialist
First Source Mortgage
01.2006 - 01.2008
Operations Manager/Closing Post Closing Manager (Contract)
USA Bank
01.2006 - 01.2007
Closing Post Closing Operations & Compliance Manager NY Region
First Franklin
10.2003 - 01.2006
Banking Officer (Post Closing Compliance Paralegal)
Columbia Equities Home Loan - Oceanfirst Bank
01.2001 - 01.2003
Closing Paralegal
Columbia Equities Home Loans - Pardes & Pardes Law Firm
01.1998 - 01.2001
Associate's Degree - Accounting Business Management
The College of Westchester
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