OLIVIA TAWADROUS, CFCS, CCRS
Rahway
Summary
Accomplished AML and financial crimes specialist with 17+ years of banking experience, including over 10 years in AML/BSA investigative roles and extensive SME-level support. Expertise in complex proactive financial investigations, 314(a) and 314(b) information sharing, law enforcement engagement, link analysis, quality reviews, sanctions research, and risk management. Demonstrated leadership in process improvement, training, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AML INVESTIGATOR II - SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME), SIU
Capital One
New York
2024.01 - Current
- Lead and conduct complex proactive financial crime investigations.
- Perform advanced link analysis and detect suspicious activity patterns.
- Manage law enforcement inquiries, subpoenas, and 314(b) outreach.
- Serve as SME for leadership and investigators.
- Identify and execute process improvements.
- Conduct managerial QA reviews.
- Lead training and mentorship for investigators.
- Partner with Sanctions on OFAC escalations.
- File Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
AML SANCTIONS SPECIALIST SR, AVP
PNC Bank
New Jersey
2014.01 - 2024.01
- Conducted proactive/reactive investigations using Verafin, LexisNexis, WorldCheck.
- Supported High-Risk Customer Group (HRC) with escalations and CRR decisions.
- Updated AML/Sanctions policies and compliance frameworks.
- Performed employee investigations and interviews.
- Completed QA reviews for databases and alerts.
- Specialized in human trafficking, marijuana banking, IMBs, and high-profile clients.
- Delivered department-wide training and onboarding.
- Filed SARs and conducted sanctions research.
- Liaised with law enforcement and external partners.
Education
M.S. - Cybersecurity - Intelligence & Forensics
Utica University
B.S. - Criminal Justice
New Jersey City University
Skills
- Suspicious Activity Investigations (SAR)
- Proactive Investigations & Link Analysis
- 314(a)/314(b)
- Law Enforcement Liaison
- Process Optimization
- Quality Assurance
- Training & Leadership
- Sanctions/OFAC
- Risk Assessment
- Project Management
- BSA/AML Compliance
- Google Suite
- Verafin
- LexisNexis
- WorldCheck
- OSINT Tools
- Link Analysis
- Case Management Systems
Certification
- Certified Financial Crimes Specialist (CFCS)
- Certified Cybercrime Response Specialist (CCRS)
Timeline
AML INVESTIGATOR II - SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME), SIU
Capital One
2024.01 - Current
AML SANCTIONS SPECIALIST SR, AVP
PNC Bank
2014.01 - 2024.01
M.S. - Cybersecurity - Intelligence & Forensics
Utica University
B.S. - Criminal Justice
New Jersey City University