Layla Evans-Lowry CRCMP PMP

Experience

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  Barclays

  Aug 2001 - Jul 2014

  Project Manager (Perm)

  Aug 2001- Jul 2014 – Barclays Bank PLC • Premier Account Migrations – +400k Customer Mailing/Technical Implementation• Customer Gateway System Integration and Legacy System DecommissioningVarious other roles held during 2001-2014 - information available upon request.

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  Barclays Wealth and Investment Management

  Jul 2014 - Dec 2015

  Project Manager (Perm)

  Lead Project Manager within Transformational Change for Private Clients International and Intermediaries, Wealth Direct & Employer Solutions at Barclays. I was the lead project manager overseeing a transformational change initiative for Barclays, focusing on private clients, intermediaries, wealth management, and employer solutions. I led a major project to review and remediate over 900,000 high-net-worth client records, handling a wide range of onshore and offshore jurisdictions with complex attributes like personal accounts, PEPs, high-risk individuals, linked entities, trusts, partnerships, charities, and private banking clients.I ensured that all AML, CDD, KYC, and internal group standards were met and regularly maintained throughout the process. This wasn’t just about data cleansing; I also streamlined the process for artefact checking, retrieval, verification, and storage, updating multiple internal systems through the use of technology solutions and lean processes.I managed a budget of over £6.5 million over five years and was responsible for resourcing. I built a sustainable model for tracking and controlling progress, ensuring regular monitoring through qualitative and quantitative management information (MI). Show less

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  HSBC

  Jan 2016 - Feb 2017

  Project Manager (Contract)

  Financial Crime & Compliance – Transformation ChangeI managed the entire process for an RFI and RFP aimed at selecting a strategic list management solution, covering both transaction and name screening. This involved collaborating with various teams across different business lines to develop detailed business requirements and create vendor questionnaires. I also organized workshops and demonstrations to better understand the potential solutions before evaluating and selecting the best-fit vendor.As part of the project, I took a risk-based approach to improve targeted PEP screening, which resulted in a 41% reduction in alerts globally by aligning with local AML policies. I also led a proof of concept with a third-party vendor focused on alert triage, which significantly reduced false positives in name screening—specifically PEP alerts. The success of this pilot led to plans for extending the solution to sanction alerts, achieving a 97% reduction in false positives using an exposure and strength index algorithm provided by the vendor.Additionally, I planned and executed the offshore migration of a level-three PEP target operating model, streamlining alert management and information request processes. I also led the workstream for implementing procedural changes, guiding the team through internal governance processes, and ensuring a smooth transition to business-as-usual operations with an expedited turnaround. Show less

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  Deutsche Bank

  Feb 2017 - Jul 2022

  Project Manager (Contract)

  Project Manager in Anti-Financial Crime I led the setup and implementation of a global and local watchlist management solution to meet the requirements of a cease-and-desist order from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I provided hands-on leadership for the entire list management change agenda and guided a large team of Business Analysts to ensure successful delivery.In 2018, I rolled out a tactical solution that unified all Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) teams under a single process for name list screening and transaction filtering. This involved conducting a comprehensive list landscape assessment, performing a sanctions screening risk assessment, and creating minimum inclusion criteria for data. I then managed the phased migration of this solution across over thirty locations worldwide.I also developed and trained teams on bespoke General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) documentation to ensure proper governance over the processing, storage, sharing, and retention of watchlist data. In 2019, I implemented an automated watchlist solution using an internally developed system, which streamlined the maintenance of internal watchlists. This became the "golden source" for distributing regulatory, mandatory, and high-risk lists for name list screening and transaction filtering, complete with management information (MI) and a full audit trail.Additionally, I led several efficiency initiatives within the list management team to improve targeted screening and align PEP (Politically Exposed Person) policies. I worked closely with senior leadership and operational teams to ensure smooth end-to-end workflows, often stepping in as a capability specialist and deputising not only the program manager but also the head of list management. I also focused on closing out findings from an external audit and supported the UK business with a skilled person report and remediation, driving transparency and efficiency throughout the process. Show less

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  Santander UK

  Jun 2022 - Dec 2024

  Data Integration Lead - Project Manager (Contract)

  Financial Crime Remediation Program. Lead Project Manager/Data Integration Lead. I’ve been responsible for planning and coordinating two custom remediation programs for both Santander’s Corporate and Retail divisions.Led the remediation of over 2,500 high-risk client records through a manual process that I helped develop. Implemented an automated solution to streamline the remediation of more than 50,000 medium and low-risk client records.Worked closely with two third-party managed services, mapping of data dictionary and tracking MFTs, overseeing vendor-sourced data and using a client outreach portal to validate KYC data for clients and their related relationships.Partnered with the procurement team to handle vendor selection through the RFI/RFP process. I also acted as the main point of contact for Information Security, working with both third-party vendors and internal teams to coordinate governance and ensure alignment on business readiness tasks, such as requirement sign-offs, user access management, testing, process changes, and communication.As a result, the project delivery strengthened the overall Risk Framework, cleaned up data, and significantly reduced incorrect financial crime alerts. The remediation program also played a key role in helping to mitigate a UK regulator's s166 investigation. Show less