Sandra Lorena Lucha
Marion,IN
Summary
Proven leader in Compliance and Sanctions management at Banco De Honduras, S.A., adept in strategic planning and innovation. Excelled in enhancing AML programs, achieving significant efficiency improvements through automation and risk-based strategies. Skilled in fostering teamwork and collaboration, with a keen eye for detail and problem-solving, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Sanctions Officer for Central America and T
Banco De Honduras, S.A. (subs of Citibank, N.A.)
06.2021 - 04.2024
- Guided and supervised the implementation of the Global Sanctions Policy.
- Implemented the Sanctions Program in the 11 countries under supervision and ensured its interpretation in the application of real cases in each country.
- Served as the main point of contact for businesses in internal, external, and regulatory audits. Established procedures to define the requirement to submit local Sanctions reports (e.g., blocked funds, accounts, etc.) within the deadlines specified by applicable local laws and/or regulatory requirements.
- Maintained efficient communication with regional teams on potential or actual issues identified according to risk appetite, as well as developed corrective action plans for each.
- Identified changes to the applicable Sanctions laws and regulations in each country and organized, developed the corresponding action plans to ensure
- Mentored staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
Director of Compliance
Banco De Honduras, S.A. (sub of Citibank, N.A.)
11.2014 - 06.2021
- Planned, organized, directed, and controlled the functions of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Compliance, ensuring adequate management of franchise and regulatory compliance risks.
- Monitored and ensured compliance with local regulations and corporate AML and Compliance policies through the implementation and follow-up of internal policies and procedures, protecting the corporation from money laundering and regulatory compliance risks.
- Led the representation of AML and Compliance in various local governance committees (Risk and Control Committee, Integrated Risk Management, Audit, and Board of Directors), fulfilling actions assigned to AML and Compliance requirements.
- Managed compliance efforts, reporting and audits.
- Prepared records and data for regular audits.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.
- Served as subject matter expert for internal teams regarding local regulatory requirements.
Compliance Testing Manager
Banco Citibank De Guatemala, S.A.
10.2012 - 09.2014
- Developed teamwork and partnered with the Compliance Area as well as the Business Areas in executing the Plan for Central America, the Caribbean, and the Southern Cone.
- Supported the work plan to ensure timely completion of each scheduled review.
- Coordinated activities for Compliance testing, promoting a two-way communication channel to contribute to greater efficiency in developing tasks related to management and assisting in the continuous improvement of the control environment.
- Enhanced testing processes by implementing automation tools and reducing manual efforts.
- Established a structured approach for test case creation, improving the efficiency of the testing team.
- Monitored project milestones closely ensuring timely deliveries.
- Developed risk-based testing strategies, optimizing resource allocation and maximizing issue detection.
- Streamlined communication with stakeholders, providing clear status updates on testing progress and results.
- Managed end-to-end testing lifecycles from requirements gathering to post-deployment validation.
Compliance Officer
Citibank, N.A. El Salvador Branch
10.1997 - 09.2012
- Managed relationships with regulators, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure transparent operations.
- Assisted with internal and external audits to confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation and refinement of compliance program elements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address compliance concerns, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.
- Supported the business area in the development and implementation of new processes to comply with established regulations and corporate policies, establishing controls for new products to prevent abuse by money launderers.
- Developed effective anti-money laundering programs, including the annual training provided to all staff.
- Diagnosed the money laundering vulnerability of new products in conjunction with the business areas.
- Evaluated new regulations for potential impact on business operations, taking proactive measures to ensure readiness for implementation.
- Provided expert guidance on complex regulatory matters, enabling informed decision-making within the organization.
- Championed ethical business practices, instilling a sense of corporate social responsibility.
- Developed risk assessment models to identify potential compliance risks.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
- Developed and implemented corrective action plans for non-compliance issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Languages
Universidad Tecnológica De El Salvador
San Salvador El Salvador11.2002
Skills
- Work Coordination
- Report Writing
- Strategic Planning
- Innovation and Creativity
- Report Preparation
- Problem-Solving
- Decision-Making
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Certification
CAMS (Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist)
CSS (Certified Sanctions Specialist)
Timeline
Senior Sanctions Officer for Central America and T
Banco De Honduras, S.A. (subs of Citibank, N.A.)
06.2021 - 04.2024
Director of Compliance
Banco De Honduras, S.A. (sub of Citibank, N.A.)
11.2014 - 06.2021
Compliance Testing Manager
Banco Citibank De Guatemala, S.A.
10.2012 - 09.2014
Compliance Officer
Citibank, N.A. El Salvador Branch
10.1997 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Languages
Universidad Tecnológica De El Salvador
CAMS (Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist)
CSS (Certified Sanctions Specialist)
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