Matthew Stalla
Raleigh
Summary
Senior compliance and financial crimes leader with 18+ years of experience building, testing, and operating AML/CFT programs across banking, money services, brokerage, cryptocurrency, and retail grocery environments. Proven ability to design programs from the ground up, partner with regulators and auditors, lead training initiatives, and leverage technology to automate and scale compliance operations. Trusted advisor to executives, regulators, and law enforcement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Compliance Officer & Finance / Accounting Manager
Alex Lee, Inc.
Raleigh, NC
01.2022 - Current
- Built and implemented a full AML Compliance Program for a newly acquired subsidiary grocery chain operating 64 retail locations.
- Served as designated Compliance Officer, overseeing enterprise-wide BSA/AML governance and regulatory alignment.
- Drafted AML policies and procedures and designed a comprehensive corporate and store-level training program.
- Developed and enforced KYC/CDD controls, conducted transaction monitoring, and managed suspicious activity investigations and reporting.
- Implemented store-level oversight and a risk-based QA testing program to verify ongoing compliance.
- Designed and deployed automated workflows, dashboards, and reporting platforms using SharePoint, Power BI, and Microsoft tools.
Federal Training Specialist
Chainalysis
Phoenix, AZ
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Delivered live, instructor-led training to law enforcement and compliance professionals on cryptocurrency fundamentals and investigative tactics.
- Trained customers on identifying, investigating, and reporting high-risk activity within the digital asset ecosystem.
- Developed deep expertise across the Chainalysis product suite, crypto technology, and compliance workflows.
- Built credibility and trust by guiding learners through hands-on exercises, case studies, and real-world scenarios.
- Created engaging, interactive training content aligned with evolving product capabilities and threat typologies.
Associate Vice President – Financial Crimes Compliance Testing
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)
Tempe, AZ
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Supported the bank’s Global Financial Crimes Compliance Testing function across AML, KYC, and ABC programs.
- Performed deep-dive examinations and targeted reviews of domestic and international branches.
- Developed testing plans, scripts, procedures, and sampling methodologies for new and enhanced reviews.
- Led walkthroughs with stakeholders to understand workflows, systems, and control environments.
- Authored formal testing reports detailing scope, findings, root causes, and remediation plans.
- Tracked corrective actions and supported resolution of identified issues.
Senior Compliance Officer – Independent & Intermediary Accounts
Western Union
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Led AML/CFT compliance oversight for independent agents and enterprise intermediary accounts across multiple U.S. regions.
- Conducted risk-based audits, onsite examinations, and investigations of moderate- to high-risk accounts.
- Managed and audited major enterprise relationships including American Express, Visa, Chase Bank, KeyBank, and BMW (Collections).
- Assessed end-to-end AML program components including policies, training, KYC, transaction monitoring, SAR/CTR reporting, sanctions screening, recordkeeping, and independent review.
- Analyzed large transaction datasets to identify money laundering, fraud, system misuse, and consumer abuse.
- Delivered targeted AML/CFT training and produced executive-level audit, risk, and remediation reports in coordination with senior compliance leadership.
Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
Legent Clearing
Omaha, NE
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Supported AML/CFT operations for a clearing firm servicing 120+ correspondents and 200,000+ accounts.
- Conducted transaction monitoring and investigations using analytical software tools.
- Assisted in the design and rollout of enhanced monitoring and research platforms.
- Reviewed sanctions, PEP, and adverse media alerts and adjusted customer risk ratings as appropriate.
- Responded to subpoenas and law enforcement inquiries.
Financial Crimes Analyst
Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)
Cleveland, OH
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Provided financial intelligence support to a multi-agency narcotics and money laundering task force.
- Analyzed BSA filings and financial records in support of major investigations.
- Produced detailed financial profiles tracking the movement of illicit funds.
- Collaborated with local, state, and federal law enforcement on intelligence sharing and analysis.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Ohio University
Athens, OHSkills
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced), Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access
- Power BI & Data Visualization
- SharePoint & Workflow Automation
- Adobe Premiere video production and editing
- Compliance & Investigative Systems
Certification
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
Core Competencies
- AML / BSA Program Design & Governance
- KYC / CDD / EDD Controls
- Transaction Monitoring & SAR/CTR Reporting
- Independent Testing & Audit Readiness
- Regulatory Exams & Remediation
- Enterprise Training & Curriculum Development
- Training video creation and editing
- Financial Crimes Investigations
- Data Analytics & Automation (Power BI, SharePoint, Microsoft Stack)
- Selected in 2024 to Alex Lee’s Enterprise Leadership Program (ELP)
Timeline
Compliance Officer & Finance / Accounting Manager
Alex Lee, Inc.
01.2022 - Current
Federal Training Specialist
Chainalysis
01.2021 - 01.2022
Associate Vice President – Financial Crimes Compliance Testing
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)
01.2018 - 01.2021
Senior Compliance Officer – Independent & Intermediary Accounts
Western Union
01.2013 - 01.2018
Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
Legent Clearing
01.2008 - 01.2011
Financial Crimes Analyst
Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Ohio University