Saud A.

I lead the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) function for the Riyadh branch, ensuring full alignment with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) regulations and FATF standards. My role includes oversight of AML/CTF frameworks, reporting, transaction monitoring, and regulatory communication. Key responsibilities: - Periodically review and update AML/CTF policies based on regulatory changes - Prepare periodic AML risk reports for senior management, including high-risk case analysis and recommendations - Participate in regulatory committees and sector-level engagements with SAMA and other authorities - Oversee the operation of the transaction monitoring system and scenario tuning - Review daily alerts and reports from the AML system and escalate suspicious cases - Lead internal investigations for potential suspicious activity and ensure proper documentation - Submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) through the SAMA AML Portal within regulatory deadlines - Implement and maintain effective sanctions screening in line with TFS, OFAC, UN, and EU requirements - Organize AML awareness training for all departments and ensure staff understanding of red flags - Act as the first point of contact for all AML-related queries from internal units and branches - Ensure readiness for internal and external audits by closing previous observations and maintaining full compliance - Oversee KYC implementation and periodic review of existing customer data - Coordinate with the Risk department to assess AML risk and monitor high-risk sectors and categories - Escalate critical cases promptly and provide documented justification for actions taken - Establish AML KPIs and monitor team performance to maintain operational efficiency

Oversaw the Compliance, AML/CTF, and Fraud functions at the Riyadh branch in a leadership capacity, reporting directly to senior management and coordinating closely with the Central Bank and internal departments. Led a cross-functional compliance team and ensured the implementation of regulatory frameworks aligned with SAMA and internal governance standards. Key responsibilities: - Directed the compliance, AML, and fraud teams to ensure regulatory adherence across all operations - Supervised the development and enforcement of policies and procedures in line with SAMA circulars and FATF guidelines - Led the branch's response to regulatory inspections and audit findings; ensured closure of observations - Oversaw AML risk assessments and periodic reviews of high-risk customer categories - Reviewed internal fraud alerts, conducted investigations, and coordinated case reporting to relevant authorities - Ensured timely submission of STRs and regulatory reports (TFS, FATCA, CRS, etc.) - Built a robust sanctions screening process and ensured daily name screening using approved tools - Participated in industry-level compliance meetings and shared insights with internal management - Organized and delivered compliance and fraud awareness training for employees - Maintained a centralized register of breaches, violations, and regulatory communications - Collaborated with Legal and Risk departments on high-impact cases and regulatory reviews - Enhanced the internal control environment by advising on risk-based procedures - Acted as the primary contact point for SAMA queries and on-site visits related to AML and compliance

Led the AML Monitoring Section, overseeing daily alert review, case investigation, and escalation processes. Ensured the effectiveness of the transaction monitoring system and compliance with SAMA's AML framework. Key responsibilities: - Supervised daily transaction monitoring alerts and ensured timely case review - Conducted investigations on unusual or suspicious activity and recommended actions - Escalated confirmed suspicious cases to the AML reporting team for STR filing - Participated in scenario tuning to enhance system effectiveness and reduce false positives - Provided support and guidance to compliance officers on alert handling and case documentation - Maintained audit trail of case decisions and ensured quality of AML system data - Collaborated with IT to improve AML system performance and rule logic - Ensured team adherence to timelines, quality standards, and confidentiality protocols

Oversaw quality assurance across AML operations, ensuring the effectiveness of investigations and alignment with regulatory expectations. Supported audit readiness and policy improvement. Key responsibilities: - Performed quality reviews on AML investigations and alert handling - Identified gaps or inconsistencies in case documentation and followed up with staff - Enhanced internal procedures for quality control and risk categorization - Prepared quality dashboards and KPIs to report to Compliance management - Participated in audit preparations and resolved QA-related observations - Supported training programs to raise investigation standards and documentation quality

Led the Compliance and AML Section during a critical transformation period, ensuring compliance with SAMA regulations and supporting the bank’s alignment with global AML standards. Key responsibilities: - Managed daily operations of compliance, AML monitoring, and regulatory reporting - Reviewed and enhanced internal AML procedures and ensured adherence to regulatory updates - Liaised with internal stakeholders and external regulators on AML/CTF issues - Supervised periodic risk assessments for customer portfolios and sectors - Coordinated the submission of STRs and ensured data integrity in reporting systems - Supported internal audit readiness and closure of compliance-related observations - Delivered AML training and awareness sessions to front-line staff and support teams

Managed the preparation and submission of all regulatory AML reports and ensured accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with SAMA requirements. Key responsibilities: - Reviewed suspicious cases escalated by the monitoring team and finalized STR content - Filed Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) through the SAMA AML system - Maintained proper documentation and audit trail for all reported cases - Coordinated directly with compliance and legal teams for report validation - Provided recommendations based on risk factors observed in reported cases - Supported improvement of internal reporting procedures and control points

Oversaw AML transaction monitoring activities, ensuring thorough case reviews and system optimization. Key responsibilities: - Monitored transaction alerts and ensured timely investigation and resolution - Escalated high-risk cases to the reporting team with supporting analysis - Assisted in defining and improving monitoring scenarios to reduce false positives - Trained junior analysts on red flags, documentation, and escalation criteria - Maintained logs, dashboards, and performance metrics for team efficiency

Conducted initial investigations on flagged transactions and supported the reporting function in preparing AML documentation. Key responsibilities: - Investigated unusual transactions flagged by the system - Documented findings and provided recommendations for further action - Collaborated with monitoring and reporting teams on case follow-ups - Maintained organized case files and ensured proper escalation

Handled internal fraud cases and collaborated with branches and legal to mitigate risks. Key responsibilities: - Investigated suspected internal and external fraud incidents - Collected evidence, interviewed relevant parties, and drafted investigation summaries - Worked with HR and Legal on disciplinary actions when necessary - Maintained fraud case logs and supported fraud awareness campaigns