Alexander Benson
Harston,United Kingdom
Summary
Professional with expertise in customer due diligence and financial crime prevention. Strong skills in risk-based assessments and data analysis support effective decision-making. Committed to regulatory compliance and process enhancement, with a keen attention to detail.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2019
2019
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
CDD SME Specialist
SANTANDER
Milton Keynes
2022.08 - 2025.07
- Facilitated onboarding of High Net-Worth Individuals into Private Bank sector.
- Established Source of Wealth and Source of Funds through detailed background checks.
- Conducted risk-based assessments, offering guidance to Private Bankers on client suitability.
- Reviewed processes regularly to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.
- Performed monthly data analysis, identifying trends and risks for stakeholders.
- Monitored nine mailboxes daily, maintaining the 48-hour Service Level Agreement (SLA) across all.
- Executed thorough research on customers from high-risk occupations seeking mortgage products.
- Developed and implemented a How to Guide for complex CDD cases, updating as necessary.
Financial Crime Apprentice
SANTANDER
Milton Keynes
2020.09 - 2022.09
- Within the apprenticeship scheme, there were three different rotations: 1. Customer Screening 2. Corporate and Commercial Banking (CCB) 3. Customer Due Diligence (CDD).
- Conducted customer profile analysis to inform risk-based decisions.
- Utilised various internal and external systems for data analysis, including Factiva and Dow Jones.
- Completed thorough searches to identify risks associated with sanctions and PEPs.
- Managed numerous project spreadsheets for Corporate and Commercial Banking, enhancing project organisation.
- Engaged in constant communication with stakeholders to address regulatory challenges.
- Investigated high-risk individuals and companies to mitigate money laundering risks.
- Oversaw team mailbox, efficiently handling exception requests and KYC searches.
- Assisted over 2,000 Ukrainian nationals in account openings, ensuring timely processing of alerts.
Retail Assistant
Intersport Lincoln
Lincoln
2018.02 - 2020.03
- Executed stock retrieval and management while conducting regular stock takes.
- Served customers promptly to address inquiries and enhance service.
- Operated tills daily, ensuring accurate cash handling.
- Managed opening and closing procedures for the shop.
- Developed strategies to boost sales through innovative displays and promotional offers.
- Main focus was increasing the sales of a specific running shoe brand, which was increased by 30%, becoming the best selling shoe in the shop.
Customer Adviser
Halifax Bank
St Albans
2016.09 - 2017.09
- Communicated effectively with banking team and police on fraud and financial issues.
- Prioritised customer needs while managing requests and transactions.
- Operated branch opening and closing procedures.
- Handled cash management, including IDM machine loading and unloading.
- Assisted customers with CHAPS transfers of substantial amounts.
- Balanced tills at day-end to ensure accuracy.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports and Exercise Science
University of Lincoln
Lincoln, England 2017.09 - 2020.06
BTEC Level 3 Qualification - Public Services
West Herts College
Watford 2014.09 - 2016.05
GCSE -
Ashlyns School
BerkhamstedSkills
- Due Diligence
- Time Management
- Investigation
- Customer Analysis
- Transaction Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Process Enhancement
- Report Writing
- Risk-based assessments
- Trend identification
- Process optimisation
- Regulatory compliance
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
Languages
English
Certification
ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
ICA Advanced Certificate in Anti Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
Affiliations
Golf
Football
Gym
Gaming
LEGO
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
CDD SME Specialist
SANTANDER
2022.08 - 2025.07
Financial Crime Apprentice
SANTANDER
2020.09 - 2022.09
Retail Assistant
Intersport Lincoln
2018.02 - 2020.03
Bachelor of Science - Sports and Exercise Science
University of Lincoln
2017.09 - 2020.06
Customer Adviser
Halifax Bank
2016.09 - 2017.09
BTEC Level 3 Qualification - Public Services
West Herts College
2014.09 - 2016.05
GCSE -
Ashlyns School