EMEA AML Governance Risk & Control Expert

How did you begin a career in Compliance/AML?

I fell into AML when I was working for another financial institution as a support person for a Relationship Manager, which included KYC support. Very quickly the KYC/AML component took over the role, and I decided to develop my expertise in AML by obtaining formal AML qualifications (ACAMS, AFMA AML/CTF diploma).

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

There is a lot of variety as I have an advisory role, which essentially means that I provide advice to the business on ML/TF/sanctions risks in connection to what they do. We sit on many governance meetings held by various business lines, and also have business meetings on a specific client or product where AML oversight is required. Our function also reviews a lot of documents, including KYC escalations, policies, and procedural documents, and any exception to these must be approved by our team.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy the variety in the role and the fact we have so many internal stakeholders. There are lots of opportunities to learn about banking products and operations.

What skill set does someone working in this kind of area need?

Technical knowledge of the AML regulatory and risks environment and understanding how payments/banking products work is essential. Good analytical and writing skills are also important, as we write and review a lot of data and documents. I find it valuable to be inquisitive – part of our job is to ask a lot of questions to understand what you are being asked to provide advice on. Finally, creating positive relationships with stakeholders is beneficial, as we need to engage, challenge, and develop a sense of trust with the business to achieve a true partnership.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into a career in AML?

The AML sector is a competitive one, as it is in high demand as more focus is placed on AML compliance. Having AML-related qualifications such as the ACAMS certification, qualifications in financial crimes or AML helps.

Where can a career at Citi take you?

As Citi is global bank, it is possible to transfer to other roles in our regional hubs or even at global head office in the US!

What makes Citi a good place to work?

What I like about working at Citi is the fast-paced environment; there is always something going on. Citi offers me flexibility and is supportive of my work-life balance. I also like the little perks such as company discounts and the free gym!

How does your role/department impact the larger organization?

My department is responsible for governance of the Managers Control Assessment process for all AML monitoring and investigations functions, which is the medium mechanism for the company to execute their controls. Our coverage is global.

How did you begin a career in Compliance/AML?

I started as an AML analyst. I am native Turkish and, at that time, CSC Poland was looking for Turkish speakers for a migration on AML monitoring from Turkey to Poland.

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

My current position is a self-contributor role. On my day-to-day work, I need to ensure that all required reports are generated on time and shared with the senior management. Since our program is the main control program within Citi, it is critical that reports are produced correctly and delivered in timely manner.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I like to speak with different people all around the globe. Moreover, my role allows me to have insight into all processes in functions supported by us. The exposure to the whole AML environment gives me a helicopter view of the AML Department. At the same time I have the opportunity to see the details of all teams and processes, which allows me to gain a greater knowledge and perspective on AML in Citi.

What skill set does someone working in this kind of area need?

You need to have analytical skills. You need to be open and have a transparent approach. Since you are going to be in contact with several people all around the globe, you need to be patient. It would be beneficial to be self-initiator and persistent. Sense of ownership is valuable as well; any idea, even the best, can be forgotten if not driven with confidence.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into a career in AML?

Be focused, be analytical, be innovative, and continue challenging during your investigations. Own your initiatives and don’t limit yourself. Try to understand and learn more about the organization while improving your network among different departments.

Where can a career at Citi take you?

I want to give an example here to show you the scale of the opportunity. My Belarusian direct report moved to Poland to study and then got employed by Citi as an AML analyst. He moved forward in his career and he got a position in the AML Quality Assurance team. He was sent to Geneva for 3 months assignment to support the process. He was very successful, hence was offered a position there. That meant he was to be the very first QA team member there. After two successful years in that position, he moved to a compliance role with a promotion.

What makes Citi a good place to work?

Citi is good place to work due to several reasons. It is truly a multi-cultural organization. Regardless of your position, you are always in touch with people from all around the world. That leads us to the second reason. Citi is truly a global organization, having locations and branches in many countries. Having those two major properties, Citi is one of the best employers, offering almost limitless development opportunities to its employees.

This is just a small example from the huge Citi world; therefore, Citi is not only a good, but a great place to work!

Do you take part in any volunteering, special programs, or leadership development opportunities and/or participate in any Employee Networks?

It is pivotal and highly encouraged to any Citi employee to be active and use opportunities provided by Citi. Personally, I have actively participated in the volunteering week for the last 5 years. I had the chance to attend several self-development courses and special programs.

I have completed many Citi course trainings offered to me. I was also selected in 2016 to participate in I Lead – AVP program, which is a special curriculum for high-performance AVPs from various business functions who are gathered and given assignments to real applicability projects with the task of proposing solutions.

I co-chair Citi Pride Network for CSC Poland. At the moment of filling this questionnaire, our network is still under establishment, but surely not for much longer! I also take active roles in Poland disABILITY and Poland Multicultural employee networks.

I graduated Management in Warsaw School of Economics (specialization, Human Resources Management) with a master’s degree. In 2016, I obtained ICA International Advanced Certificate in AML issued by International Compliance Association.

How does your role/department impact the larger organization?

My department is responsible for transaction monitoring. Our main responsibility is to mitigate the risk of laundering money and terrorist financing.

How did you begin a career in Compliance/AML?

Before I joined Citi, I read a lot about the global issue of money laundering and I decided to continue my career in this area. Additionally, I met a person who recommended Citi as a great employer. When I noticed that Citi in Poland has AML department, the choice was simpler.

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

I am responsible for six teams that monitor transaction for GCB clients in NAM. The thing I like most is the cooperation with people and looking for improvements in current process.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As I mentioned earlier, contact with people and looking for improvements. Additionally, I like that each day there are new challenges; therefore, my work is never boring.

What skill set does someone working in this kind of area need?

Ability to manage and develop people.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into a career in AML?

Even if you don’t have experience in AML, don’t be afraid – apply! We will teach you how to be a great expert in AML.

Where can a career at Citi take you?

Sky is the limit. In AML, you have a chance to learn many things from AML process by reporting to managing people. Everything depends on you how you want to use this knowledge.

What makes Citi a good place to work?

Atmosphere, open-minded people, many opportunities to develop, and many interesting challenges every day.

How does your role/department impact the larger organization?

My team provides long-term trend analysis to support improvements to the overall AML monitoring program. This impacts Citi as a whole by ensuring we meet our regulatory and stakeholder commitments to have a robust, efficient AML program.

How did you begin a career in Compliance/AML?

Prior to working in AML I had worked in mortgage documentation review and check fraud monitoring. Due to my experience in risk management and my technical skills, I was hired to the production support team for AML.

What does your day-to-day job entail and what do you like most about it?

My day is usually split between preparing analyses for presentation and meeting with senior management/compliance officers to share our findings.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

There’s always something new to learn in AML.

What skill set does someone working in this kind of area need?

Since my role is focused on data manipulation and presentation, a strong skill set in SQL, SAS, Excel, PowerPoint, and other manipulation and presentation tools is necessary.

As far as soft skills, being self-motivated, good organization skills, and an inquisitive mind.

Where can a career at Citi/AML take you?

Anywhere! There are tons of opportunity across Citi’s many offices and lines of business.

What makes Citi a good place to work?

Citi has a great culture that emphasizes work-life balance and a wide range of opportunities for personal growth.