Natalia Elmowafi
Houston,USA
Summary
Critical thinker with 10+ years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, and audit in financial services, fintech, remittances, and other industries. Ex-internal auditor with extensive experience validating process adherence to the Internal Policies & Procedures/SOX 404 and assisting with improvement implementations in various areas of the business. Currently oversees Enterprise Risk Management programs, ensuring Compliance and Regulatory Adherence for cryptocurrencies and cross-border remittances at Xoom with a high ability to lead with urgency and in the details on items that matter; able to lead teams through time-sensitive and high-pressure issues. Hold certification as an Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). No sponsorship needed.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Risk and Control Manager
PayPal Inc
11.2021 - Current
- Drives methodologies and frameworks to consistently identify, assess, manage, and report operational risk exposures, controls, and mitigations by supporting adherence to Enterprise Risk Management Programs and Regulatory Requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, Issue/Incident Management, Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), Policies and Procedures, Disaster Recovery/Resiliency, and Business Processes/Risks Assessments/Controls Mapping. All Risk Programs utilize ServiceNow/JIRA as a centralized Record tools.
- Facilitates Risk & Control identification and coordination with 15+ teams for new product launches, including the stablecoin (PYUSD) initiatives, ensuring compliance with various cryptocurrency and cross-border remittances Regulatory/AML requirements globally.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with various teams (e.g., Legal, Regulatory, MLROs) to ensure compliance requirements were completed (Crypto: DFS, Xoom: CFPB/Regulation E (Subparts A & B), TCPA, UK FCA, and Luxembourg CSSF).
- Strong understanding of financial crime compliance requirements.
- Experienced in conducting thorough risk assessments and writing clear, comprehensive reports.
- Engages with TPRM team and Engagement Managers for onboarding/oversight of Disbursement Partners (i.e., Inherited Risk Questionnaires, Risk Assessments, and ongoing performance monitoring).
- Established and leads process to facilitate reviews and approvals for onboarding TPM 3rd and 4th parties, including various crypto Platforms Partners. Ensuring compliance with various cryptocurrency regulatory/AML requirements frameworks.
- Supports Second Line and Internal Audit Testing activities, Regulatory examinations, and ad hoc engagements with all three groups.
- Achievements:
- Stepped into a leadership role while working with numerous SLOD Testing and Internal Audit engagements to ensure observations/findings were appropriately described/dismissed and reflected accurate ownership of the remediation (Finance & Xoom).
- Provided support for the reconfiguration of the Xoom TPRM process to expedite onboarding/reassessment processes for 100 of the Disbursement Partners.
- 11 Props (internal awards) within 14 months in Xoom.
Regional Internal Auditor CAMEAT
Compass Group (partners with ADNH)
01.2014 - 02.2016
- Worked with the Head of Internal Audit CAMEAT region (overseeing 10 countries) to complete operational and financial compliance reviews (i.e., receivables, payables, HR, tax, MJE's, Fixed Assets, payroll, Strength of Design, Delegation of Authorities, client and suppliers contracts, three-way match, Business Performance, Balance Sheet Review, post-acquisition review, etc.) across all businesses sectors/JV partner entities. The focus was on violations of internal policies, procedures, and controls in all businesses, breaches of the Code of Business Conduct, Ethics, and Compliance.
- Recommended corrections/enhancements to control deficiencies noted during gap analyses with Regulatory guidance/regulations and Internal Policies/Controls. Ensured that agreed recommendations were implemented timely by Stakeholders.
- Achievements:
- Brought the region (10 countries) to 96% compliance in the first year of implementation of Key Financial Controls (equivalent to SOX 404 controls).
- Detected fraud totaling a monthly loss of $40K.
- Oversaw the governance of $50m construction project, including potential contractors’ Due Diligence review.
Senior Internal Auditor
Harland Clarke Inc
10.2011 - 12.2012
- Conducted and documented audits to ensure adequacy and application of internal accounting, financial controls, and compliance with plans, policies, and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements for financial controls such as Financial Statements Closing and Reporting, Sales/Use Tax, Contracts (MFN clause) with bank institutions such as Bank of America/Wells Fargo, bonus calculations, and rebates/royalties.
- Achievements: Detected a large miscalculation error for the MFN Clause that was missed by the previous audit.
Senior Internal Auditor
Clear Channel Communications (IheartMedia)
06.2007 - 10.2011
- Performed financial/operational and corporate SOX 404 audits. Controls reviewed included Credit and Collections, Account Receivables, cash disbursements, Payroll, HR, Treasury, and Fixed Assets.
- Ensured compliance with FCC regulations.
- Consistently rated as a Strong Performer in performance reviews.
Education
Bachelor’s & Master’s - Economics & Management
State Technical University
RussiaData Analysis FinTech Boot Camp
Rice University
Houston, TXBlockchain Law, Regulations, Policies
University of Nicosia
CyprusSkills
- Verbal and written communication
- audit /compliance
- Risk management
- Regulatory compliance
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Policy implementation
- Conflict resolution
- Excellent communication
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a Product team in launching numerous cross-border remittances projects including new sending Market - Australia
Certification
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
Languages
Russian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Business Risk and Control Manager
PayPal Inc
11.2021 - Current
Regional Internal Auditor CAMEAT
Compass Group (partners with ADNH)
01.2014 - 02.2016
Senior Internal Auditor
Harland Clarke Inc
10.2011 - 12.2012
Senior Internal Auditor
Clear Channel Communications (IheartMedia)
06.2007 - 10.2011
Data Analysis FinTech Boot Camp
Rice University
Blockchain Law, Regulations, Policies
University of Nicosia
Bachelor’s & Master’s - Economics & Management
State Technical University