Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Valery Vela

Compliance Officer
Gardena,CA

Summary

Detail-oriented Compliance Officer dedicated to improving policies and procedures in all business areas. Hardworking and driven with quality-focused and proactive approach. Bringing 16 years of experience in the Broker-Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser industry.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work History

Compliance Officer, Regulatory Change Management

Altruist Corp.
Culver City, CA
02.2023 - Current
  • Developed a system for tracking and reporting regulatory changes from the SEC, FINRA, MSRB and other agencies.
  • Maintained and broadly communicated up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging compliance regulations.
  • Participated in high-level change management strategic planning, incorporating input from stakeholders, internal support staff and external vendors.
  • Proactively proposed changes increasing productivity, compliance and other positive indicator metrics.
  • Orchestrated cross-functional meetings to coordinate change management strategy implementation across divisional leadership roles.
  • Reviewed, revised and updated compliance policies and procedures to confirm continual compliance with applicable laws.
  • Monitored and assessed compliance risks associated with operational processes and procedures.
  • Administered periodic reviews of ongoing operational practices to determine efficacy and detect deficits.
  • Implemented improvement initiatives and developed compliance testing program to monitor and identify gaps in new and existing practices.
  • Assisted with internal and external audits to confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sr. Compliance Associate

Altruist Corp.
Culver City, CA
05.2021 - 01.2023
  • Managed broker dealer written supervisory procedures and compliance manuals.
  • Identified and mitigated risks while performing due diligence for new platform users.
  • Conducted supervisory tasks including communications review, gifts & entertainment, outside business activity and personal securities transactions according to regulatory guidelines.
  • Prepared and submitted regulatory filings in timely manner.
  • Created and maintained compliant work environment.
  • Identified, investigated and documented compliance violations and recommended corrective measures.
  • Responded to employee inquiries regarding compliance regulations and procedures.

Sales Supervision Specialist

Cetera Advisor Networks
El Segundo, CA
01.2018 - 04.2021
  • Supervised field OSJs by analyzing various sales practices to identify patterns and escalate potential policy violations in a timely manner
  • Determined overall suitability of transactions in brokerage accounts, investment advisory accounts, fund sponsor accounts, 529 plans and annuities
  • Principally approved new accounts, outside business activity, branch updates and FINRA registration requests
  • Monitored use of firm-approved email and reviewed monthly correspondence.
  • Listened and responded to financial professionals' requests and forwarded necessary information to superiors.
  • Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Assisted with staff training to enforce quality, safety and sanitation guidelines.

Home Office Principal, Supervision

National Planning Corporation
El Segundo, CA
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • Responsible for supervising advisors to mitigate risk based on industry regulations, firm policies and compliance requirements.
  • Reviewed and approved new accounts, mutual fund trades and annuity transactions based on suitability and appropriate documentation.
  • Assisted senior management in updating Outside Registered Investment Adviser procedures to enhance compliance requirements and reduce processing errors.

Operations Representative

National Planning Corporation
Santa Monica, CA
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Supported registered financial professionals and assistants with brokerage account tasks.
  • Fulfilled customer service requests including account updates and asset movements by market cutoff to prevent trading issues.
  • Researched and responded to inquiries from internal and external customers.
  • Collaborated with various departments to support daily activities oversight and coordination.

Manager, Account Maintenance

National Planning Corporation
Santa Monica, CA
01.2007 - 01.2011
  • Oversaw department operations and managed daily activity of the team.
  • Achieved multiple promotions; started at an entry-level position and earned promotion to manager.
  • Hired and trained new staff, performed annual reviews for 5 direct reports
  • Created and maintained unit procedures.
  • Facilitated data pulls pertaining to FINRA, SEC, and internal audits.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Finance

California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CA
09.2016 - 05.2018

Certification

FINRA Series 7, 24, 52, 53, 63

Additional Information

Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with industry tools: FINRA Gateway, My Compliance Office, ACA Compliance Alpha, Confluence, Wolters Kluwer, Trade Surveillance tools, Albridge, Smarsh and Global Relay Email Review, and clearing systems: FIS Phase 3, Apex Online & Pershing’s NetX360.

Timeline

Compliance Officer, Regulatory Change Management

Altruist Corp.
02.2023 - Current

Sr. Compliance Associate

Altruist Corp.
05.2021 - 01.2023

Sales Supervision Specialist

Cetera Advisor Networks
01.2018 - 04.2021

Bachelor of Science - Finance

California State University - Northridge
09.2016 - 05.2018

Home Office Principal, Supervision

National Planning Corporation
01.2015 - 01.2018

Operations Representative

National Planning Corporation
01.2011 - 01.2015

Manager, Account Maintenance

National Planning Corporation
01.2007 - 01.2011

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