Seema Sharma

MLTF Risk Assessment Projects | Multiple Financial Institutions, India

• Collaborated with Compliance and AML stakeholders to systematically categorize the bank's diverse business segments into distinct assessment units, ensuring comprehensive coverage of risk areas through detailed discussions and stakeholder input.
• Partnered with cross-functional teams, including Risk, Business, and Data Analytics units, to gather quantitative and qualitative data essential for conducting thorough ML/TF risk assessments.
• Led the end-to-end process of comprehensive ML/TF risk evaluations, analyzing the bank's exposure to potential money laundering and terrorism financing activities across various business segments.
• Developed and delivered detailed risk assessment reports highlighting key findings, risk levels, and recommendations, thereby enabling senior management to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Contributed to the enhancement of the bank's AML and TF risk management framework by integrating assessment outcomes into policy updates and procedural improvements.
• Prepared and presented weekly status update decks to clients, providing clear insights into progress, key findings, and upcoming action points related to the risk assessment process.
• Facilitated continuous improvement of risk assessment methodologies by recommending best practices and incorporating regulatory updates to strengthen the bank's AML/CTF controls.

Led and Supported Policy and Procedure Gap Assessments | Multiple Banking Institutions

• Led comprehensive reviews of existing policies and procedures to identify compliance gaps and areas for improvement.
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to gather relevant documentation and validate current practices against regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Conducted a detailed gap analysis to pinpoint deficiencies, redundancies, and risks within policies and procedures.
• Developed actionable recommendations and remediation plans to address identified gaps, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Facilitated workshops and discussions with stakeholders to ensure understanding and buy-in for policy updates and process improvements.
• Documented findings, prepared detailed reports, and presented insights to senior management for decision-making.

Transaction Monitoring & Screening Lead – Leading Japanese Bank

• Led the EY team in the transaction screening process for premium banking clients, ensuring compliance with regulatory Turnaround Time (TAT) requirements, and delivering timely investigations on alerted transactions.
• Conducted detailed investigations on flagged transactions using open-source search tools and internal databases to identify potential Money Laundering (ML), or Terrorist Financing (TF), risks.
• Performed Quality Assurance (QA) on cases analyzed by the EY team, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of investigations, and provided actionable feedback to enhance investigation quality.
• Delivered comprehensive Management Information Systems (MIS) reports to the client and internal teams, highlighting key findings, investigation status, and compliance metrics within stipulated deadlines.
• Conducted thorough quality checks (QC) on cases flagged for suspicious activity, verifying the investigation process, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and bank-specific procedures.
• Ensured all investigations and case documentation were accurately recorded, maintaining compliance with bank policies and regulatory standards.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline screening processes, improve investigation workflows, and enhance overall AML/CTF compliance standards.
• Contributed to continuous process improvement initiatives by identifying gaps in investigation procedures, and recommending corrective actions.

Transaction Monitoring Specialist – Leading Global Money Transfer Service Provider

• Managed transaction monitoring processes across multiple applications, including Actimize, Visualizer 1 and 2, CRM, OnDemand Search, and Internal Watch List, to efficiently extract and analyze data related to alert activities.
• Conducted comprehensive monitoring of alerted transactions, investigating various scenario triggers such as payment fraud, phishing, identity theft, and friendly fraud to identify potential financial crimes.
• Delivered training sessions on new and evolving scenarios to team members, serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), to enhance team capabilities and ensure adherence to AML compliance standards.
• Performed Quality Assurance (QA) reviews of cases handled by team members, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Identified and documented process inefficiencies and system gaps during QA reviews, providing actionable insights for system enhancements and process improvements.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize transaction monitoring workflows, and strengthen the overall AML framework.
• Maintained detailed documentation of investigation outcomes, and supported continuous training initiatives to improve team performance.

KYC Refresh Support – Large UAE Bank (Onshore and Offshore)

• Conducted a comprehensive GAP analysis of customer documentation against a predefined checklist to identify missing or outdated information.
• Collected updated customer documents through application platforms such as Bankers Almanac, open-source searches, and coordination with Relationship Managers (RMs).
• Performed screening analysis on individuals and entities using open search tools and internal applications (IWL) to verify customer identity and assess risk.
• Prepared Risk Rating Reports categorizing customers into high, medium, or low risk tiers, and initiated enhanced due diligence procedures for higher-risk profiles.
• Assisted in the preparation of Management Information Systems (MIS) reports, tracking progress, and highlighting key findings and process updates.
• Supported process flow updates and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline KYC processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall compliance effectiveness.

Transaction Monitoring Analyst.

• Monitored and analyzed customer transactions in real time or batch mode to detect suspicious or unusual activity that may indicate money laundering, fraud, or other financial crimes.
• Utilized transaction monitoring systems and software to identify patterns, anomalies, or deviations from typical customer behavior.
• Conducted detailed reviews of flagged transactions to assess potential risks and determined whether further investigation or escalation is required.
• Collaborated with compliance teams and risk management to prepare suspicious transaction reports.
• Utilized transaction monitoring systems and software to identify patterns, anomalies, or deviations from customers' KYC data.
• Conducted detailed reviews of flagged transactions to assess potential risks and determine whether further investigation or escalation is required.
• Maintained comprehensive documentation of all monitored transactions, investigations, and follow-up actions for audit and reporting purposes.
• Stayed updated on relevant AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC (Know Your Customer), and CFT (Counter Financing of Terrorism) regulations, and industry best practices.
• Participated in internal audits and regulatory examinations related to transaction monitoring processes.
• Provided training and guidance to junior team members on transaction monitoring procedures and compliance standards.
• Identified potential gaps or weaknesses in existing monitoring systems, and recommended improvements.

Role of a Mortgage Loan Repayment and Bankruptcy Case Analyst .

• Monitored and tracked the progress of mortgage loan repayments to ensure timely payments, and identify delinquencies.
• Maintained regular communication with borrowers to facilitate repayment plans and address payment-related issues.
• Coordinated closely with attorneys and legal teams for cases pending in court, including bankruptcy proceedings and legal claims.
• Kept detailed records of all communications, court dates, and legal documentation related to bankruptcy cases.
• Updated and maintained loan account statuses based on legal developments and court rulings.
• Assisted in preparing documentation and reports on the status of bankruptcy cases and repayment progress for management review.
• Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements during the management of distressed loans and legal cases.
• Supported the resolution process for delinquent or defaulted loans, including negotiations and legal proceedings.
• Collaborated with legal teams to gather necessary information and coordinate case follow-ups or legal actions.
• Provided insights and updates on loan statuses to relevant departments to facilitate decision-making and risk management.
• Stayed informed about legal procedures, bankruptcy laws, and industry best practices related to mortgage loans.

Role and responsibility as an analyst in the Internal Risk and Compliance Team.

• Supported the design, implementation, and testing of internal controls to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Conducted risk assessments and monitored control effectiveness through regular testing and review processes.
• Prepared detailed reports on control deficiencies, discrepancies, and areas for improvement, along with actionable recommendations.
• Managed and maintained risk and compliance trackers to monitor ongoing activities, and ensure timely follow-up.
• Performed Counterparty Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) on clients and third parties to assess risk profiles.
• Assisted in developing and executing annual, risk-based assurance and compliance monitoring programs.
• Drafted and reviewed client agreements, engagement letters, and pricing discussions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Supported investigations related to financial crimes, bribery, corruption, and fraud, including data analysis and research.
• Escalated high-risk issues and deficiencies in adherence to anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies, supporting remediation efforts.
• Maintained updated documentation and trackers for compliance activities, ensuring audit readiness.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with relevant laws, such as the FCPA, ABAC, and other regulations.
• Contributed to projects involving financial fraud detection, data mining, cartelization, and anti-bribery initiatives.

Roles and responsibilities in forensic projects.

• Conducted a detailed financial analysis to identify anomalies, irregularities, and signs of financial misconduct or fraud.
• Gathered and preserved critical financial data and evidence in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Performed forensic accounting procedures, including tracing funds, reconciling transactions, and reviewing financial statements.
• Utilized data mining, forensic tools, and software to detect patterns indicative of fraudulent activities or financial crimes.
• Assisted in interviewing relevant parties and stakeholders to gather information and corroborate financial findings.
• Prepared comprehensive reports documenting investigation findings, methodologies, and conclusions.
• Supported legal proceedings by providing expert analysis and testimony related to financial misconduct.
• Collaborated with legal teams, auditors, and regulatory authorities to ensure thorough and compliant investigations.
• Assessed internal controls and risk management processes to prevent future instances of financial fraud.
• Identified and recommended improvements in internal controls and processes to mitigate financial risks.
• Maintained confidentiality and security of sensitive financial information throughout the investigation process.
• Stayed updated on evolving fraud schemes, forensic techniques, and regulatory requirements affecting financial investigations.