Experience

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  Principality building society

  Jan 1991 - Jul 2000

  Various management roles

  • Initially recruited as Management Trainee with experience of cashiering, collections and insurance.• Held management positions including Assistant Manager (Members Services) Insurance Services Manager and Investment Manager

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  Keith higginson financial services ltd

  Jul 2000 - Nov 2004

  Director and independent financial adviser

  Small IFA practice specialising in the mediation of investments, retirement planning, mortgages and protection products. IFA and Company Director.• A thorough understanding of the work conducted by the compliance function within an IFA environment.• Successfully completed application to FSA for Direct Authorisation. • Preparation and maintenance of the Compliance, Training and Competence Plans• Regulatory reporting to the FSA including RMAR returns. Held Controlled Functions CF1 (director) CF10 (compliance & oversight) CF11 (MLRO) CF21 (investment adviser) Show less

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  Principality building society

  Dec 2004 - May 2011

  Strategic and operational management role that included;• Excellent understanding of AML legislation including Proceeds of Crime Act, Money Laundering Regulations and UK Bribery Act.• 2nd line operational experience, including deputising for the MLRO. Key decision maker.• Strategic role responsible for managing financial crime management systems and processes, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations and internal policies and procedures.• Principal contact and senior administrator for National and Staff CIFAS databases including annual audits all of which were awarded a “Superior” grading.• Implemented National Hunter, electronic ID platforms and membership of Cascade.• AML/Fraud Risk Assessments, personally responsible for developing and presenting financial crime awareness training.• Experience of FSA Arrow visits and regular attendance at Audit Committee.• Significant fraud investigation experience, including both internal and external frauds. • Instigation and full completion of the Current Customer Review (CCR)• Suspicious account monitoring, SAR’s, production orders and dealing with consent issues.• Broker analysis and regulatory reporting to the FSA.• Reporting fraud incidents and trends to Senior Management, BSA, CML and liaison with SOCA and other law enforcement agencies.• Supplier management for ID authentication providers including QAS, Callcredit, Experian, URU, Tracesmart and PVS. • Identifying, implementing and refining fraud screening tools and strategies to develop new ways of detecting fraudulent activity.• Preparing witness statements and have represented the Society in court in several high-profile cases, including staff fraud. • Demonstrated high levels of discretion when dealing with sensitive issues, both in relation to work and people management.• Experience of Information Security, including business continuity and disaster recovery planning. Show less

  • Fraud Manager

    Feb 2009 - May 2011

  • Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer

    Dec 2004 - Jan 2009
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  Equifax uk

  May 2011 - Jan 2020

  • Subject Matter Expert providing counter fraud and AML consultancy support services to major clients within a broad range of sectors, including telco, banking, fintech and SME.• Deep and thorough knowledge of JMLSG guidance, KYC, EDD including PEP’s and Sanctions screening.• Data expert - strong understanding of the use of bureau data when developing AML and counter fraud solutions.• Expert knowledge of EID (electronic identification) KBA (Knowledge Based Authentication) solutions, bank account verification and enterprise wide fraud platforms including SIRA and device verification.• Delivery of complex AML and ID solutions to clients.• Significant project management experience, including PRINCE2 and Lean Belt certification.• Publication of several thought leadership articles. Show less

  • Head of Financial Crime

    Oct 2018 - Jan 2020

  • Senior ID & Fraud Consultant

    Sept 2017 - Oct 2018

  • ID & Fraud Consultant

    May 2011 - Sept 2017
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  Starling bank

  Jan 2020 - Aug 2024

  Development and delivery of the Customer Risk AssessmentDesign and development of financial crime risk frameworks Management of the Research and Development and 1st Line Risk and Controls teams, control testing, assurance work & RCSA’s. Experience of Section 166 Reviews and Voluntary Requirements (VREQ)Temporary secondment overseeing the day to day operation of the Fraud Investigations Team. Experience also of remediation, onboarding design controls, thematic reviews, front and back book screening. Money Mule Strategy, including formulating the business case for MITS and CIFAS Vision.Planning and project work for APP PSR Mandatory Reimbursement. Day to day owner of the CIFAS/SIRA & FISS relationships. Maintaining and refining transaction monitoring rules. Show less

  • Director of Strategy & Prevention (FinCrime)

    Mar 2022 - Aug 2024

  • Head of Financial Crime Operations

    Jan 2020 - Mar 2022
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  Admiral group plc

  Jan 2025 - now

  Financial crime risk manager