Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline

Mr. Faisal Raza Awan

Chief Compliance Officer - Afghan United Bank
Rawalpindi,Pakistan

Summary

Seasoned Compliance Officer with [18] years of experience working collaboratively with top leaders and staff to optimize adherence to policies, procedures, standards and regulations. Well-versed in comprehensive analysis of operations, process improvement recommendations and best practice introduction. Certified in [ACFCS] and [ACAMS].

Overview

3
3
Languages
2
2
Certifications
7
7
years of post-secondary education
16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Compliance Officer

Afghan United Bank
Kabul, Afghanistan
02.2020 - Current

As a Chief Compliance Officer, directly reporting to Board of Supervisors and administratively reporting to CEO/President for effective monitoring and evaluation of Compliance Department performance. Strategic vision for development of the department/function and the Bank

  • Internal Assessment of what is being inherited in terms of talent, and the extent and depth of their relationships with other business units.
  • Risk management review to identify where gaps or issues exist and how they can be addressed. Developing a 180-day plan for key objectives to signals the board and leadership that there is a pathway for success, and that can help to de velop credibility with senior management and the businesses.
  • Implement Enterprise-wide AML/CFT Risk Assessments (EWRA) to be in line with National Risk Assessments on country level. • Develop a clear understanding of the expectations and needs of the person(s) Whom to be reported
  • Developing Healthy Compliance Culture: - To introduce a healthy compliance culture within the organization so that compliance functions are effectively complied with.
  • Implementing any existing gaps fulfillment in the area of Technological advancements
  • Will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the Bank’s Compliance Management Program and functioning as an independent and objective body that reviews and evaluates compliance issues/concerns within the Bank.
  • Ensures the Board of management and employees are in compliance with the rules and regulations of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), that bank policies and procedures are being followed, and that behavior in the Bank meets the bank’s Standards of Conduct.
  • Will provide strategic advice the regulatory and compliance environment, technical guidance on specific compliance matters, and supervision of the Compliance Department. Modifies policies and procedures as needed.
  • Collaborates with other departments (i.e. Internal Audit, Risk Management, etc.) to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution. Consults with Legal as needed to resolved respective legal compliance issues as needed.
  • Identifies potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk; develops/implements corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues, and provides general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situations in the future
  • Managed practical action plans to respond to audit discoveries and compliance violations.
  • Liaised with risk management, internal audit and employee services departments to direct compliance issues to appropriate channels for investigation and resolution.
  • Established and cultivated productive relationships with regulatory bodies.
  • Counseled committees and department heads regarding compliance risks and standards.
  • Monitored compliance with processes, policies, procedures and standards in regards to collection and management of annual contributions from shareholder companies.
  • Used Eastnet safewatch and Accuity to create reports to keep senior management informed of operations and progress of compliance efforts.
  • Reviewed contracts for compliance and privacy-related issues.
  • Enhanced regulatory, strategic and operational performance to keep in alignment with deadlines.
  • Implemented improvement initiatives and developed compliance testing program to monitor and identify gaps in new and existing practices.
  • Provided guidance, advice and training to improve business' understanding of related laws and regulatory requirements.
  • Improved company policies and standards to outline ethical, safe and efficient procedures.
  • Managed quality programs to reduce overdue compliance activities.
  • Enhanced accountability and responsibility for compliance by allocating tasks such as assessments, mitigation, monitoring and auditing.

Chief Compliance Officer

Ghazanfar Bank
Kabul, Afghanistan
11.2017 - 01.2020

As a Chief Compliance Officer, directly reporting to Board of Supervisors and administratively reporting to CEO/President for effective monitoring and evaluation of Compliance Department performance.

  • Developed and ensured the compliance of Compliance Policy on Bank vide basis.
  • Manage and lead the Compliance program for adherence to DAB AML/CFT law and AML/CFT Preventive measures and Regulations.
  • Developed and ensured the compliance of AML/CFT Policy & Procedure on Bank vide basis
  • Mitigation of Compliance/Regulatory Risk.
  • To ensure the Due diligence for Correspondent Relationships.
  • Yearly Risk Based Analysis of Customers, Products, Delivery Channels and Geographic Locations for effective mitigation of Compliance/Regulatory Risk on Bank Vide basis.
  • Assuring Customers KYC Completeness and Quality on Bank vide basis.
  • Coordinate investigation of all noncompliance reports, tracking the status of all reports and investigations.
  • Develop and implement corrective action plans resulting from noncompliance investigation.
  • Providing Awareness, Educating and Training to Bank Staff about Compliance on a regular basis.
  • Responsible for monitoring and sending of error free LCTR, STR for the related authority.
  • Monthly Performance Reporting to BOS
  • Coordination with Management on day to day Compliance Related Tasks

Country Compliance Manager

Habib Bank Ltd - Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan
09.2016 - 10.2017

As a Country Compliance Manager, directly reporting to Head of International Compliance and administratively reporting to Country Manager for effective monitoring and evaluation of Compliance Department performance.

  • Management of KYC – Quality Assurance Exercise
  • Review KYCs uploaded by branch onto MISYS. The KYC quality assurance is a highly critical process given that KYCs are the basis of customer profiling (High, Medium and Low Risk) for the organization and is the primarily tool for determining the level of AML/CFT risk in light of Regulations and policies.
  • On ground Training & Awareness Build a strong Compliance culture across HBL Afghanistan through continuous training efforts focused at educating branch staff on the criticality of completing KYC accurately and how it culminates into the overall management of Regulatory, AML and reputational risk for the Bank. These training and awareness sessions maybe executed through lectures and practical demonstration.
  • Transaction Monitoring through AML Solution To Review the Alerts generated through AML solution (MANTAS). Investigate and raise queries with HBL Afghanistan in order to analyze out of pattern transactions.
  • Resolution of Audit and Inspection Findings Ensure timely resolution of outstanding observations emanating from Internal and External Audits, DAB Inspection and Thematic reviews in order to strengthen the processes and controls and avoid recurrence of observations in future.
  • Monitor Regulatory Submissions Ensure timely submission of regulatory reports and returns via active coordination between various Bank functions. Submissions are reviewed before further submission.
  • Review of AML/CFT Policy & Procedure Make sure that AML/CFT policy & Procedure is approved by HOK respective departments on Annual basis or earlier if & whenever there are any changes made in regulation.
  • FATCA &CRS Compliance Ensuring Compliance with FATCA

Team Leader CRM Frame Work

National Bank of Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan
07.2016 - 08.2016

As a Team Leader CRM Frame work, I was responsible for,

  • Implementation of CRM Framework within the bank (Head Office Based Units) and monitor regulatory Compliance with applicable Laws & Regulations.
  • Review all NBP Policies as well as procedural manuals and/or amendments thereof pertaining to all areas of the bank to ensure their compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • To update CRMF for each upcoming Regulation/Law.
  • Provide Compliance Support on Regulatory guidelines.

Regional Manager Compliance

Bank Al Falah Ltd
Karachi, Pakistan
12.2010 - 06.2016

As a Regional Manager Compliance, I was responsible for,

  • To supervise staff & conduct Compliance Reviews of more than 125 Islamic + Conventional Branches/ Business Units to ensure compliance of Regulatory Guidelines & Bank’s Policies / Procedures by respective Branches
  • To communicate, coordinate with AML Unit on AML/CFT related issues & perform AML functions on an ongoing basis which includes detection of out of pattern transactions & activities: Conduct reviews for enhancement of AML functions in settling long outstanding AML queries
  • Establish and maintain cordial working relationship with Regional SBP Inspection Team/ stakeholders. to ensure that the entire annual Inspection process for the Bank runs smoothly and SBP Team gets timely information / administrative support for retrieval of information and ensure compliance of issues highlighted by SBP (in previous year's inspection report).
  • Works with the Learning & development department and others as appropriate to deliver an effective compliance training program as per all applicable Local and International Policies (SBP, FATF etc) , including appropriate introductory training for new employees as well as ongoing training for all employees and managers

Internal Controls Officer

NIB Bank Ltd
Karachi, Pakistan
12.2009 - 12.2010

As an Internal controls Officer,

  • Conducting comprehensive monthly review of operational activities of branches and Head Office Based Units as per NIB Operational Manual and SBP policies / guide lines.
  • Identifying control gaps / serious nature of irregularities in the branches and reporting to concerned quarter / high ups promptly for protecting the bank from tangible and intangible losses.
  • Providing guidance & facilitating the branch management regarding implementation of internal controls & SBP policies / guide lines in order to create better control environment and reduce SBP penalties, customer complaints & achieve desired audit ratings by the branches.
  • Designing / re-designing the control processes for branches in order to create better control environment in the branches and manage / reduce the risks or operational losses.

Quality Assurance Officer

SAMBA Bank Ltd
Karachi, Pakistan
01.2005 - 12.2009

As a Quality Assurance Officer,

  • Worked in different units under compliance and operations groups during my stay at SAMBA BANK Ltd
  • AML & KYC Unit (Compliance Group) Successfully implemented AML Solution (XM3) system
  • Reconciliations Unit (Compliance Group) As a Team leader of Reconciliation Department, different reconciliations are being supervised on daily basis which includes Inter branch, Nostro, ATM, SBP, ATM Online, and Inter branch online etc.
  • Internal Controls Unit (Operations Group) Responsible to carryout Field Audit of Business Units and Branches.

Education

MBA - Finance

Newport Institute of Communication & Economics , Karachi
01.2010 - 12.2011

Bachelor of Science - Computers

Petroman Training Institute , Karachi
01.1998 - 12.2002

Skills

    Enterprise Wide Risk Assessmenst - ACAMS Risk assesment Tool

undefined

Accomplishments

    Major Achievements working as approved Chief Compliance Officer at different banks for last Five Years

  • Implemented Enterprise-wide AML/CFT Risk assessment (EWRA) model in Afghan United Bank (AUB)
  • Implemented Customers-wide AML/CFT Risk assessment model in Afghan United Bank (AUB)
  • Implemented Central Bank of Afghanistan National RISK Assessment (NRA) actionable points in Afghan United Bank (AUB)
  • Developed & implemented different Polices such as Corporate Governance Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, compliance Policy, Revision in Code of Conduct Policy, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy (ABC), Anti-Fraud Policy, Compliance Department Procedure (SOP), AML/CFT Policy, AML/CFT Standard Operating Procedure, Branch Less Banking Policy, KYC update Plan on Bank vide basis. (AUB)
  • Created a separate unit in Compliance department as “Quality Assurance unit” to look in to all areas effectiveness and compliance within the department. (AUB)
  • Implemented Improvements in Transaction monitoring system (Eastnet Safe watch) through dedicated AML Analysts on bank vide basis (AUB)
  • Implemented Improvements in Sanctions screening system (Accuity Firco Soft) through implementation of all customers transaction and local regulatory watch lists on bank vide basis (AUB)
  • System based Large Currency Transactions Reporting LCTR Utility (Regulatory Requirement) development in en.safe watch (TMS) on both levels – Account and Customer (AUB)
  • Development of Need based assessment Training Program FY21 along with Action Plan. (AUB).
  • Implementation of Flexi Quiz To streamline and automate the whole process of AML/CFT need based assessment training plan to have online quizzes for pre assessments and post assessments without involving any kind of paper work. (AUB)
  • AML/CFT Policy & Procedure Developed and Approved by Board of Supervisors & DAB (Central Bank of Afghanistan) for Ghazanfar Bank for the First Time after joining. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Development of Bank Compliance Policy for the first time as approved by Board of Supervisors. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Development of Compliance Committee under umbrella of Board of supervisors. Acting as secretary (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Development of Compliance Committee under umbrella of Board of Management. Acting as secretary (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Member of TFC (Task force Committee) at Ghazanfar Bank which have implemented Core Banking System “Flexcube” and “OFSAA 8.0.6”. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Received Certificate of Appreciation by Ghazanfar Bank for implementing OFSAA 8.0.6. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Received Certificate of Appreciation for Implementing Accuity Database having 15 different lists along with Adverse Media news & Comprehensive PEP database. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Implemented Automated and Batch screening in OFSAA 8.0.6 for existing as well as New Customers and Local & International Transactions (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Implemented Accuity Online Compliance Tool for in-depth investigation about PEPs, Adverse media and +Matched entities, Correspondent Banks and Individuals. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Implemented Automated LCTR Reporting in Fincluse (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Implemented Automated DAB Data Collection format in Fincluse for required data provision to central bank prior to Inspection. (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • implemented AML/CFT Need based Training assessment Plan on Bank vide basis (GHAZANFAR BANK)
  • Revision of different department Policies and Procedures for any gaps in noncompliance with regulatory requirements (GHAZANFAR BANK)

Affiliations

  • Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering specialists (ACAMS)
  • Association of Certified Financial Crime specialists (ACFCS)

Certification

Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering specialists (ACAMS)

Timeline

Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist (ACFCS)

07-2021
Chief Compliance Officer - Afghan United Bank
02.2020 - Current

Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering specialists (ACAMS)

09-2019
Chief Compliance Officer - Ghazanfar Bank
11.2017 - 01.2020
Country Compliance Manager - Habib Bank Ltd - Afghanistan
09.2016 - 10.2017
Team Leader CRM Frame Work - National Bank of Pakistan
07.2016 - 08.2016
Regional Manager Compliance - Bank Al Falah Ltd
12.2010 - 06.2016
Newport Institute of Communication & Economics - MBA, Finance
01.2010 - 12.2011
Internal Controls Officer - NIB Bank Ltd
12.2009 - 12.2010
Quality Assurance Officer - SAMBA Bank Ltd
01.2005 - 12.2009
Petroman Training Institute - Bachelor of Science, Computers
01.1998 - 12.2002
Mr. Faisal Raza AwanChief Compliance Officer - Afghan United Bank