MARK AKINPITANSOYE, FICA, CAMS, CFE
Clinton,MD
Summary
Financial crime expert with ten years of experience in BSA/AML/CFT across diverse jurisdictions. Proven track record in implementing compliance initiatives and enhancing risk management frameworks. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and delivering impactful training programs that foster regulatory adherence and compliance culture.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Head of Financial Crime and Nominated Officer
Saga Plc
London, United Kingdom
07.2024 - Current
- Served as subject matter expert in BSA/AML, financial crime, and fraud risk management.
- Oversaw compliance with financial crime laws, providing management information reports to Board forums.
- Designed and maintained group-wide sanctions measures to ensure adherence to OFAC, UKHMT, UNSC, and EU regimes.
- Led development and implementation of financial crime risk management framework.
- Maintained horizon scanning framework to monitor regulatory developments and deliver Board papers.
- Provided financial crime advice and support across various business areas within the group.
- Drove oversight and implementation of financial crime policies, including KYC/CDD/EDD assessments.
- Developed and delivered annual second line assurance plan for financial crime.
Associate Director, Global Financial Crime
Willis Towers Watson
London, United Kingdom
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Enhanced Group AML Framework and executed annual Financial Crime Compliance Plan as part of 2LOD.
- Developed and refined in-country financial crime policies, procedures, and controls to align with Group FC policy.
- Delivered financial crime-specific and cross-functional projects, completing work packages ahead of schedule.
- Provided subject matter expertise and risk-based guidance on AML/CFT/CPF risks during customer onboarding.
- Conducted horizon scanning for regulatory developments and reported potential impacts to stakeholders.
- Reviewed financial crime risk control frameworks, ensuring effective management of money laundering and terrorism financing risks.
- Monitored financial crime risk data points using dashboards, escalating vulnerabilities to stakeholders as needed.
- Prepared comprehensive reports for management committees and Board Audit Risk and Compliance committee on regulatory subjects.
Regulatory Compliance Specialist
TSYS Managed Services EMEA
Milton Keynes, UK
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Developed and implemented policies to ensure regulatory compliance outcomes within Second Line of Defense.
- Reviewed financial crime risk control framework to enhance assurance against money laundering and anti-bribery risks.
- Monitored vulnerabilities in business via financial crime risk dashboard, escalating issues to relevant stakeholders.
- Oversaw financial crime reports, including SARs and transaction monitoring, ensuring updates on risk dashboard.
- Executed Compliance Monitoring program, incorporating risk-based assessments and control testing strategies.
- Conducted assurance reviews using advanced data analytics to identify and mitigate compliance risks.
- Established automated queries and dashboards to facilitate frequent testing and generate actionable insights.
- Provided expertise on key regulatory directives to support business adherence to compliance requirements.
Head of Compliance/Data Protection Officer
Old Mutual Limited
Cape Town, South Africa
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Established initiatives to foster compliance culture across Old Mutual and subsidiaries.
- Implemented financial crime risk review methodology to ensure optimized AML/CFT/CPF and Anti-Bribery controls.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of SARs, onboarding data, and high-risk accounts for effective risk mitigation.
- Maintained regulatory risk framework in alignment with AML/CFT/CPF regulations and guidelines.
- Collaborated with group forensics team to ensure functional fraud controls and support investigations.
- Executed annual compliance operational plans and monitoring plans for each operating entity.
- Reported compliance breaches to executive management and Board Audit Risk and Compliance committee.
- Conducted gap analysis and maturity assessment for Data Protection Governance framework compliance.
AML/CFT Compliance Officer
Standard Bank
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2015 - 03.2020
- Ensured compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism legislation.
- Participated in management of sanctions program as part of first line of defense.
- Monitored sanctioned and Politically Exposed Persons using relevant databases, optimizing NICE Actimize tool.
- Investigated suspicious transactions to identify potential risks aligned with customer profiles.
- Reviewed and escalated suspicious transaction reports to Chief Compliance Officer through Head AML/CFT.
- Tracked and resolved KYC/AML/CFT issues identified in internal and external examinations within timelines.
- Prepared monthly compliance reports highlighting significant compliance issues for the bank.
- Provided advisory support on Know Your Customer issues and ensured staff training on KYC/AML/CFT matters.
Business Development Executive
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited
Lagos, Nigeria
09.2013 - 01.2015
- Developed strategic prospecting methods with sales teams to identify potential customers in designated territories.
- Coached team members to enhance client relationships and surpass sales targets.
- Executed polished presentations of product lines to large corporations.
- Negotiated competitive pricing and contracts, contributing to significant growth.
Human Resources Executive
BT Technologies
Lagos, Nigeria
03.2011 - 09.2013
- Streamlined HR policies through collaboration with managers to enhance effectiveness.
- Analyzed market data to design competitive compensation and benefits packages.
- Developed bonus and incentive programs aimed at boosting employee performance.
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority
Calabar, Nigeria
03.2010 - 02.2011
- Supported advertising and marketing efforts with illustrative material and creative collateral.
- Conducted public presentations and prepared materials.
- Promoted organization as public representative at business, social and community functions.
Store Clerk
Pakgen Nigeria Limited
Lagos, Nigeria
09.2009 - 03.2010
- Resolved customer complaints and process issues with proactive problem-solving skills.
- Boosted product sales by offering selection guidance to customers.
- Shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing, organized displays to engage customers.
Education
Post graduate diploma - Financial Crime Compliance
ICA/Alliance Manchester Business School
Manchester02-2025
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
University of Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria12.2009
Diploma in Social Development and Administration - Sociology
University of Lagos
Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria06.2006
Skills
- BSA/AML/CFT and sanctions knowledge expert
- KYC/KYB/CDD regulatory requirements and controls
- Customer risk assessments
- Global AML/CFT/CPF typologies
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Fraud risk management
- Compliance monitoring
- Remedial actions
- Data analytics
- Financial crime policy governance
- Anti Bribery and Corruption controls
- Compliance vulnerabilities assessment
- AML/CFT staff training initiatives
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Critical thinking
- Stakeholder management
- Collaboration
Certification
- Fellow of the International Compliance Association (FICA)
- Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Compliance Manager (CCM)
Hobbies and Interests
- Staying updated on industry trends
- Attending financial crime conferences
- Volunteering with organizations focused on financial literacy
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Group Head of Financial Crime and Nominated Officer
Saga Plc
07.2024 - Current
Associate Director, Global Financial Crime
Willis Towers Watson
11.2023 - 07.2024
Regulatory Compliance Specialist
TSYS Managed Services EMEA
04.2023 - 11.2023
Head of Compliance/Data Protection Officer
Old Mutual Limited
03.2020 - 03.2023
AML/CFT Compliance Officer
Standard Bank
01.2015 - 03.2020
Business Development Executive
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited
09.2013 - 01.2015
Human Resources Executive
BT Technologies
03.2011 - 09.2013
Public Relations Officer
Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority
03.2010 - 02.2011
Store Clerk
Pakgen Nigeria Limited
09.2009 - 03.2010
Post graduate diploma - Financial Crime Compliance
ICA/Alliance Manchester Business School
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
University of Lagos
Diploma in Social Development and Administration - Sociology
University of Lagos
Similar Profiles
Lisa BryantLisa Bryant
On-Air Personality (Sunny 95 & Rewind 103.5/104.3) at Saga CommunicationsOn-Air Personality (Sunny 95 & Rewind 103.5/104.3) at Saga Communications
Gabriel HallinanGabriel Hallinan
Site Director at Saga EducationSite Director at Saga Education
Hishindivali Tulinanye Lukas HangulaHishindivali Tulinanye Lukas Hangula
Seaman at Saga Sea FoodSeaman at Saga Sea Food
Pantera CarterPantera Carter
Retirement & Separation Administrative Assistant at TSC Norfolk – Detachment Washington D.C.Retirement & Separation Administrative Assistant at TSC Norfolk – Detachment Washington D.C.
Annette HollingsworthAnnette Hollingsworth
Manager of Conferences at National Association of Therapeutic Schools & Programs (NATSAP)Manager of Conferences at National Association of Therapeutic Schools & Programs (NATSAP)