Cesar Cortez

Experience

• 

  Union Bank

  Oct 2006 - Nov 2015

  Fraud Analyst II

  Experienced in fraud management and loss mitigation having served roles in various fraud specialized departments such as Debit Card Fraud, Deposit Fraud, Identity Theft, Elder Abuse, and Resolution.Enhanced, managed, and administered the bank's Customer Identification Program (CIP). Proactively identified fraud patterns and developed fraud mitigation strategies to effectively reduce incidents of fraud.Assisted business partners and retail branches in determining solutions to mitigate fraud and prevent fraud related losses. Verify that all parties are informed and no other solutions have been found.Applied knowledge of federal laws, bank regulations, and strict company policy and procedures to exceed production goals with little or no supervision. Knowledgeable in many aspects of fraud including, but not limited to, debit card fraud monitoring, check fraud, kiting, identity theft, elder abuse, mobile deposit fraud, and detection of fraud rings.Experienced with fraud monitoring and reporting software such as FRIS, Falcon, ChexSystems, LexisNexis, CrimeDex, as well as internal bank systems such as Teller 3, Hot File Database, and Alert Integration System.Played a key role in creating the bank's Alert Integration System (AIS) by articulating needs, suggesting ideas, and participating in testing.Developed and maintained department policy and procedures.Experienced in branch day-to-day operations having served the role of Merchant Teller for two years.Responsible for training incoming or current staff in every one of the departments served.Achieved personal distinctions in every role such as Top Sales, Completed Cases Per Hour, Confirmed Fraud Cases, Highest Averted Dollars, and being selected as a representative for the Member of the Financial Crime Risk Management Council.EFM’s perspective while proposing ideas regarding staff-related initiatives.Served as the department's safety floor warden. Show less

• 

  Mission Federal Credit Union

  Nov 2015 - May 2018

  BSA Analyst

  Maintain, oversee and implement the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Program.Monitor transaction activity, internal SARs, and bank reports for AML and suspicious activity.Create Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and SAR re-files.Review and file Currency Transaction Reports (CTR).Review and clear possible OFAC and 314(a) alerts. Escalate matches to the 314(a) point-of-contact.Complete EDD periodic reviews for high risk customers. Maintain BSA/AML related monitoring and reporting systems. Create and maintain department policies and procedures. Assist in completing the annual Risk AssessmentPoint of contact during independent audit and exams.Complete the monthly SAR Board Report.Provide training to new employees as needed. Show less

• 

  San Diego County Credit Union

  Jun 2018 - Dec 2021

  BSA Specialist

  As a dedicated BSA Specialist at San Diego County Credit Union, I was critical in ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations.I thrived in a dynamic environment where attention to detail and analytical skills are paramount. My passion for preserving the integrity of the financial system and safeguarding national security was fostered and enhanced while performing this role. Responsibilities included:• Serving as a subject matter expert and maintaining expertise in systems related to BSA/AML activities to reinforce the duties of the standing BSA Officer.• Managing, reviewing, and approving suspicious activity reports (SAR) and currency transaction reports (CTR).• Ensuring compliance with key BSA regulations such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), 314(a)/314(b), and the USA Patriot Act.• Collaborating with cross-functional and senior management teams to recommend and implement effective AML policies and procedures.• Helping optimize product development processes by coordinating collaboration between risk and product teams.• Performing customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), tracking high-risk accounts, and conducting thorough transaction monitoring to detect and investigate suspicious activities.• Staying abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices. • Assisting in internal/external audits and organizing and deploying responses or process enhancements to audit findings.• Contributing to the development of training programs for staff members. Show less

• 

  California Coast Credit Union

  Jan 2022 - Apr 2024

  • Risk Assurance Director

    Apr 2023 - Apr 2024

  • Risk Assurance Manager

    Jan 2022 - Apr 2023
• 

  First Alliance Credit Union

  Sept 2024 - now

  AVP of Risk Management