Ziomara C. Soto
Des Plaines,IL
Summary
Officer AML Ops Professional Markets- oversees financial regulations and personal data compliance requirements, making sure the company's AML policy corresponds to the international system
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Officer Operation Professional Markets AML
Bank of America
Chicago, IL
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Cultivated productive relationships for amplified teamwork opportunities.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
AML and Fraud Triage Analyst
HSBC Bank
Arlington Heights, IL
11.2018 - 11.2020
- Performed name and account based research on lists and reports provided through established resources to determine if evidence of money laundering and/or fraud activities existed
- Evaluated transactions and customer relationships for improving automated detection capabilities, optimizing detection scenario thresholds and identifying potential emerging money laundering and terrorist financing trends
- Maintained familiarity with appropriate investigation techniques to support AML activities, including research utilizing bank systems, intranet, internet and external vendor solutions
- Effectively communicated discoveries and issues with internal AML units to support continuous improvement of unusual activity detection capabilities
- Provided additional support with the AML compliance organization on more complex issues, including research techniques and capabilities, as well other solutions
AML Quality Assurance Analyst
Mitchell Martin contracted to HSBC Bank
Arlington Heights, IL
11.2017 - 08.2018
- Performed reviews of work and documentation of all Investigations departments to ensure quality was met according to internal and external guidelines, i.e., compliance with the execution of BSA/AML/OFAC policies and procedures
- Performed reviews of alerts, cases, Enhanced Due Diligence reviews and other BSA tasks that were assigned to investigative teams in order to evaluate work product for quality, accuracy, and sound decision making
- Provided feedback effectively with peers and managers on results of quality assurance reviews on a weekly basis and provided recommendations in order to enhance policies and procedures to improve quality and consistency
- Assisted in training sessions in order to address risks or gaps in processes and procedures and maintained professional competency of BSA/AML and OFAC issues by attending training seminars as assigned
- Was responsible for the adherence to designated time-frames; managed workflow to specified deadlines to complete responsibilities in a satisfactory manner
- Participated in weekly team meetings and collaborations
- Adhered to confidential policies, code of ethics, and policies and procedures relative to Consumer Compliance laws and regulations and best practices
Risk Control Evaluation Analyst
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Chicago, IL
06.2013 - 03.2016
- Executed AML Internal Testing of key controls executed by the U.S
- AML Office Operational Units and applied an in-depth understanding of AML risk drivers and risk mitigation techniques along with detailed knowledge of AML regulatory requirements to guide reviews
- Collaborated with management to develop an appropriate testing schedule/cadence and methodology to be used when conducting reviews and presented results to senior management to make recommendations in order to mitigate and close gaps
- Maintained current, detailed knowledge of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing matters and developed and maintained a high level of expertise in BSA, OFAC, USA PATRIOT Act and related regulations, directives and guidance
- Utilized an in-depth understanding of AML and OFAC regulatory requirements and best practices to develop and maintain the bank's self-testing framework
- Provided input to AML staff regarding emerging issues and interpretation of regulations
- Identified and implemented enhancements to AML tools and processes
- Supported overall governance processes around execution of AML risk assessments, serving as a liaison between AML and line of business teams
AML Analyst
Citibank N.A.
Tampa, FL
03.2010 - 06.2013
- Completed due diligence and quality assurance reviews that were conducted by AML Compliance in each sector for high risk customers and relationships for non-governmental organizations, senior public figures and politically exposed persons
- Investigated and assessed alerts for potential money laundering risks in the Bank
- Reviewed and approved the on-boarding and maintenance of high-risk clients in consultation with Sector AML Heads and in accordance with established policies, procedures and SLA timeframes
- Evaluated name screening results (e.g
- CIP discrepancies, internal watch lists, etc.)
- Resolved and escalated potentially suspicious activity to AML Investigations identified during the On-boarding and Maintenance processes
Education
Advertising and Design - Interior Design
International Academy of Design & Technology
01.2005
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Cross-Level Engagement in Legal Contexts
- Solid analytical and research skills
- Ability to work independently on multiple client sensitive assignments in a deadline driven environment
- Effective organizational skills
- Prioritization skills
- Time management skills
- Knowledgeable in the US Treasury Department
- Knowledgeable in Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)
- Knowledgeable in World Check
- Knowledgeable in the USA PATRIOT Act
- Knowledgeable in the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
- Continuous learning and improvement driven
- Bilingual: Spanish/English
Timeline
Officer Operation Professional Markets AML
Bank of America
11.2023 - 11.2024
AML and Fraud Triage Analyst
HSBC Bank
11.2018 - 11.2020
AML Quality Assurance Analyst
Mitchell Martin contracted to HSBC Bank
11.2017 - 08.2018
Risk Control Evaluation Analyst
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
06.2013 - 03.2016
AML Analyst
Citibank N.A.
03.2010 - 06.2013
Advertising and Design - Interior Design
International Academy of Design & Technology