Cynthia Rhodes

• Owned end-to-end risk & controls framework (RCSA), including design, assessment, challenge, and remediation tracking
• Act as Second Line of Defence (Line 2) oversight and advisory, providing independent challenge across financial crime controls
• Final decision-maker on risk associated with customer onboarding and exiting, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation
• Owned RCSA framework; conducted risk assessments, control reviews, and challenge across 6 business areas; strengthened audit readiness for regulatory scrutiny
• Performed control reviews and controls testing to assess control effectiveness and identify gaps
• Delivered governance, risk, and control reporting to SLT and MLRO, supporting audit readiness
• Identified control weaknesses and implemented remediation actions across financial crime processes
• Partnered with first and second line stakeholders to align controls with risk appetite
• Supported issue tracking and resolution to improve overall control environment

Key Achievements

• Delivered CEO-level strategic proposal identifying cost-saving and revenue opportunities
• Implemented visibility initiative improving engagement with risk & control frameworks across business areas

• Delivered enterprise-wide training on risk & controls frameworks, improving control awareness and consistency
• Conducted risk assessments and control reviews to identify control gaps and improvement opportunities
• Supported controls testing and assurance activity across business areas
• Advised stakeholders on AML, AB&C, and control environment requirements
• Identified emerging risks through data analysis and implemented control improvements
• Key Achievements
• Designed feedback analysis approach identifying control weaknesses and informing remediation actions
• Delivered bank-wide training sessions supporting consistent application of controls

• Led complex investigations identifying control failures, financial risks, and process weaknesses
• Conducted detailed risk assessments and analysis to support enforcement and prevention strategies
• Produced governance and evidential reports aligned to regulatory and legal standards
• Managed investigations within defined procedural and control frameworks
• Key Achievements
• Established Fraud Team and implemented structured investigation and risk assessment framework
• Acted as SME advising senior leadership on risk exposure, control gaps, and mitigation strategies

• Designed and delivered risk, compliance, and control frameworks for financial crime environments
• Advised organisations on risk assessments, control effectiveness, and remediation strategies
• Developed policies, procedures, and governance frameworks

• Developed accredited programmes aligned to financial risk, controls, and regulatory standards
• Delivered training supporting control effectiveness and best practice across sectors
• Engaged senior stakeholders across financial services and law enforcement
• Stayed abreast of latest industry trends; incorporated these into relevant courses.
• Liaised effectively with fellow detectives, fostering a supportive work environment that facilitated teamwork in complex cases.
• Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Managed high-pressure situations calmly, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.