Katerina Tzvetanska

Conducting high-risk and complex AML/CTF investigations of Unusual Activity Reports (UARs) raised within the bank drawing on variety of intelligence sources

Coordinating with other team members for effective execution of complex cases

Compiling comprehensive reports, ensuring thorough documentation of findings

Submitting timely Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) disclosures to the National Crime Agency (NCA)
Liaising with the NCA, JMLIT and the police
Responding to general AML and CTF enquiries and providing support to colleagues

Providing coaching, training and mentoring to junior colleagues

Identifying and escalating gaps in processes

Tracking MI and team performance

Helping achieve significant reduction in Metro Bank's SLA position and caseload, ensuring regulatory compliance and over £5M in secured criminal funds YTD

UAR/SAR investigations and disclosures to the National Crime Agency (NCA) on various money laundering typologies (Fraud, TBML, Tax Evasion, Backdoor MSB, money mule activity) totalling over 40 cases per month

Carrying out Adverse media, World Check and CIFAS searches

Liaising with the NCA and the police

High risk investigations on sanctioned individuals, entities and countries

Applying critical thinking skills in analysing data for pattern identification

Improving investigation strategies through continuous learning and professional development courses

Undertaking customer screening in order to analyse possible matches to sanctioned individuals, entities and countries, Politically Exposed Persons and Special Interest Persons

Undertaking high risk transaction monitoring & sampling across the entire customer base including highest risk Commercial and Personal Customers e.g. Money Service Businesses & PEPs

Carrying out Enhanced due diligence of high risk customers

Carrying out elements of the AML/CTF Support function (Police Liaison, World Checks/Dow Jones and Adverse Media Checks)

Leading a team of 6 people through a restructure

Ensuring all mandatory regulatory training is completed in a timely manner

Handling joiners/leavers/movers process to ensure smooth transition

Interviewing and training new colleagues

Reviewing process maps and implementing changes when necessary

Acting as first point of contact for for various queries

Reviewing proof of funds requests

Liaising with other banks to satisfy concerns over account activity

Analysis and investigation using CIFAS/SIRA/EQUIFAX

Reviewing KYC/KYB documents

Investigating fraudulent activity on customers' accounts

Reviewing proof of funds requested for suspicious payments

Managing account opening referrals, court orders, payment queues, and account closures across the bank

Handling over 50 colleague queries per day

Liaising with Financial Crime team, Police, Local Authorities, Solicitors and other banks

Implementing the new GDPR regulations across the bank

Managing Data Subject Access Requests

Serving customers to a high standard, escalating their queries and processing transactions

Promoting new products to customers, driving brand awareness.

Branch and vault management

Weekly risk report submission

Administrative and paperwork assistance