Experienced FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 Registered Principal with a track record of over 15 years in the financial industry. Proven expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and adapting to changes in compliance requirements. Skilled in participating in projects related to regulatory changes and effectively addressing audit or examination findings. Possesses a strong intellectual curiosity for financial regulations and demonstrates adeptness in time management, quick learning, and sound business judgment. Known for collaborative teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with diverse audiences. Renowned for high energy and adaptability, consistently surpassing client and company expectations. Proficient at fostering strong relationships and aligning efforts across all organizational levels to achieve and exceed organizational objectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Director of Compliance
VF Securities
03.2022 - Current
Developing, updating, and enforcing comprehensive compliance policies and procedures to ensure full adherence to SEC, FINRA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
Review and approve new accounts, ensuring compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This involves following up on any related issues and documenting all relevant actions taken.
Conducting regular risk assessments of firm activities, and annual FINRA 3120 testing and validation of the firm's policies and procedures, analyzing current processes, identifying deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions as necessary.
Procedures (WSPs) to mitigate potential compliance risks.
Processing timely FINRA U4, U5 applications, amendments, and disclosure reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and providing timely responses to investment inquiries for VF Securities colleagues.
Vigilantly monitoring and ensuring employee compliance across all relevant areas, including electronic communication, sales and business conduct, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
Planning, executing and documenting remote and on-site examinations, ensuring thorough compliance oversight and adherence to regulatory standards.
Developing email review and social media policy and lexicon, executing, reporting, and administrating the email review and social media platform.
Providing comprehensive support in the review of promotional and marketing materials, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and internal policies.
Promptly documenting, investigating, and resolving customer complaints, collaborating with supervisors to gather necessary information and ensure timely resolution.
Leading Firm Element and Annual Compliance Meeting program by conducting Needs Analysis and selecting appropriate training for the broker dealer.
Staying abreast of the evolving regulatory landscape, consistently updating knowledge of regulatory changes and firm policies, and effectively communicating these updates to relevant teams and individuals within the organization.
Compliance Analyst
City National Bank
01.2019 - 03.2022
Managed the timely processing of FINRA U4, U5 applications, amendments, and disclosure reporting, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards for CNB and affiliate broker dealer.
Coordinated with Financial Advisors to conduct annual branch inspections, delivering comprehensive detailed reports to OSJ manager and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) upon completion.
Conducted annual FINRA 3120 testing and validation of the firm's policies and procedures, analyzing current processes, identifying deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions as necessary.
Collaborated with CNB and affiliate broker dealer business managers, taking the lead in designing and executing the Firm Element and Annual Compliance Meeting program. This involved conducting Needs Analysis and selecting appropriate training for the three broker-dealer registered representatives.
Developed email review and social media policies and lexicon, overseeing execution, reporting, and administration of the email review and social media platform for CNB and affiliate broker dealer.
Conducted quarterly, semi-annual, and annual compliance testing for CNB and affiliate broker dealer, ensuring adherence to internal policies, SEC, and FINRA regulations.
Provided direct support to the Wealth Management Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of the broker dealer during regulatory examinations and internal audits.
Collaborated with team members to deliver comprehensive onboarding training for Financial Advisors.
Assisted in the review, writing, updating, and maintenance of firm policies and procedures, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.
Sr. Compliance Analyst
Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2019
Conducted reviews of sales, marketing, advertising, and communications materials to ensure strict compliance with FINRA Rule 2210, SEC guidelines, and other regulatory requirements.
Identified and addressed infractions, major violations, and non-compliant electronic communications among registered individuals, prescribing appropriate actions to ensure compliance.
Diligently investigated and resolved customer complaints through independent research and administration, ensuring prompt and satisfactory resolutions.
Developed and prepared regulatory responses and reports, including FINRA 4530 Statistical, U4/U5 Disclosure Amendments, and FINRA 8210 responses, in alignment with industry regulations and firm policies.
Annual conduct of FINRA 3120 testing and validation of firm policies and procedures, analyzing processes, identifying deficiencies, and recommending best practices and corrective actions as necessary.
Crafted responses to inquiries from regulatory authorities such as FINRA, SEC, MSRB, and State Securities Divisions, offering assistance to address compliance issues across various functions.
Collaborated cross-functionally to successfully complete reviews and projects, including Outside Business Activities (OBA), Personal Securities Account, and FINRA BrokerCheck.
Participated in the Firm's Annual Compliance Requirements, including the Annual Compliance Meeting, Compliance Questionnaire, and Firm Element CE, ensuring adherence to regulatory obligations.
Researched and interpreted new rules and regulations to assess their impact, updating standard operating procedures as needed to maintain compliance.
Ensured the effectiveness of all assigned tasks within agreed-upon Service Level Agreements (SLAs), maintaining high standards of performance and efficiency.
Firm Controls Coordinator
MetLife Premier Client Group of Southern California (Now MassMutual Greater Pacific)
01.2014 - 01.2017
Implemented oversight and tracked the completion of new representative and personal assistant training, firm element training, and other FINRA Continued Education programs, ensuring timely updates of annual advisory account reviews.
Demonstrated a proven track record of delivering various compliance training sessions, including correspondence and sales material training to representatives, their personal assistants, and staff.
Coordinated the Annual Individual Supervisory Review for registered representatives, ensuring timely certification of reviews in accordance with corporate guidelines.
Collaborated with the corporate customer relations department to swiftly resolve potential client complaints, maintaining a high level of client satisfaction.
Oversaw daily and monthly correspondence reviews for representatives and assistants, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Diligently reviewed and maintained the currency of the ADV Brochure, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Conducted meticulous reviews of sales, marketing, advertising, and communications materials to ensure strict compliance with FINRA Rule 2210, SEC guidelines, and other regulatory requirements.
Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Gurman Wealth Management
01.2013 - 01.2014
Facilitated the opening of new accounts, efficiently processed orders for existing clients, and provided comprehensive information on the Firm's products and services to clients.
Conducted thorough research on client and security information using the back-office system, ensuring accuracy in trade processing by communicating effectively with broker dealers and custodial firms.
Managed client documentation to maintain accurate account records and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Maintained organized client files using Redtail, DST Vision, and other financial applications, ensuring easy accessibility and retrieval of information.
Produced weekly newsletters, letters, forms, reports, and spreadsheets to support client servicing and prospecting efforts, contributing to the growth of the client base.
Provided general administrative support, including answering phones, completing expense reports, making travel arrangements, and preparing marketing materials for distribution.
Cross-trained with and provided backup support to other Operations personnel and Registered Sales Assistants, ensuring smooth workflow and continuity of service.
Coordinated various events such as Christmas parties and educational seminars, fostering a positive and engaging environment for clients and staff alike.
Human Resources Administrator
Orion Health
01.2012 - 01.2013
Managed comprehensive employee files utilizing the firm's system (WOKI), including documentation for new hires, compensation changes, leave of absence, organizational changes, and terminations.
Handled the processing of background check forms and reviewed results to ensure compliance with company standards.
Acted as a liaison between employees and the payroll department, addressing and resolving issues promptly.
Coordinated the annual benefit open enrollment program, facilitating smooth communication and enrollment processes for all employees.
Reconciled monthly billing for benefit providers and maintained records for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) accounts.
Prepared purchase order tickets and collaborated with Accounts Payable for timely vendor payments.
Ensured new hires received their new hire package promptly, including all required documents.
Served as the primary point of contact for candidate inquiries regarding employment status, providing timely and accurate information.
Coordinated recruiting activities and managed interview appointment logistics for hiring managers.
Facilitated new employee orientation programs for North America, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.
Communicated and tracked quarterly STAR/SATELLITE awards to recognize employee achievements.
Ensured compliance with Human Resources policies and procedures and facilitated communication of updates to employees.
Provided support to the HR office by assisting with day-to-day operations and various recruitment projects as needed.
Compliance Coordinator
National Planning Corporations
01.2006 - 01.2012
Prepared and analyzed assigned surveillance reports, identifying patterns of concern (red flags) to ensure regulatory compliance.
Assisted in conducting research and formulating responses to comments and inquiries from state insurance departments or FINRA, demonstrating thorough knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Conducted research and responded to customer and producer inquiries regarding compliance issues, ensuring prompt and accurate resolution.
Collaborated within a team environment with Home Office Principals to educate representatives on firm policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with SEC, FINRA, and SRO regulations.
Provided support to Home Office Principals in supervising the sale of investment products, including mutual funds and variable annuities, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
Assisted in the verification of client information through a third-party website (Accurint) to support the Customer Identification Program.
Conducted user acceptance testing of new upgrades within the Electronic Order System (EOE) and communicated updates to field office and Home Office staff.
Actively participated in the review, monitoring, testing, and verification of firm policies and procedures to maintain regulatory compliance.
Trained field offices and Home staff on the application and usage of the Electronic Order System (EOE).
Reported, logged, and tracked issues related to the Electronic Order System (EOE), ensuring timely resolution.
Processed and reviewed multiple commission hold and Electronic Order System (EOE) reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Provided monthly Electronic Order System (EOE) and Commission Analysis reports to Senior Management, facilitating informed decision-making.
Responded to incoming requests from internal departments regarding withheld commissions, ensuring efficient resolution.
Supervised and maintained the Commission holds database, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Conducted special projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to meet organizational needs.
Education
GED -
Mafikeng High
Los Anagles
06.2018
Associate of Arts -
El Camino College
Torrance, CA
06.2026
Associate of Arts -
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
06.2026
Skills
Team Collaboration and Leadership
Regulatory Compliance Expertise
Effective Communication
Attention to Detail
Collaborative Teamwork
Certification
FINRA Series 7 – General Securities
FINRA Series 24 – General Securities Principal
FINRA Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent State
FINRA Series 53 - Municipal Fund Securities Limited Principal
Timeline
Associate Director of Compliance
VF Securities
03.2022 - Current
Compliance Analyst
City National Bank
01.2019 - 03.2022
Sr. Compliance Analyst
Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2019
Firm Controls Coordinator
MetLife Premier Client Group of Southern California (Now MassMutual Greater Pacific)