CHINWENDU JOY AZU
ANTI FRAUD, AML/CFT ANALYST AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Dublin,dublin
Summary
AML Analyst and compliance officer with over 9 years of experience in AML/CFT compliance, fraud prevention, and KYC onboarding within banking and financial services. Expertise in transaction monitoring, SAR investigations, and regulatory reporting, ensuring adherence to compliance standards. Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough investigations and resolve customer issues effectively. Recognized for attention to detail and sound judgment in high-pressure environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
AML/CFT/CPF AND Compliance manager
EL-ELYON ALLIANCE AND SECURITIES LIMITED
Lagos, Nigeria
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Kept up-to-date knowledge and understanding of all 5 company products to inform compliance decisions.
- Fostered relationships with regulatory agencies to facilitate transparent communication and compliance cooperation.
- Advised senior management on compliance matters and recommended actions to maintain regulatory adherence.
- Oversaw the development of risk assessment tools to evaluate and mitigate compliance risks effectively.
- Implemented corrective action plans in response to audit findings to ensure remediation of compliance gaps.
- Streamlined compliance reporting mechanisms, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in tracking compliance metrics.
Manager, AML/CFT/CPF Oversight and Compliance Div.
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Abuja, F.C.T
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Designed and implemented AML/CFT strategies to strengthen compliance culture across Nigeria's payment landscape.
- Monitored 30 financial institutions for adherence to AML/CFT regulations.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in payment systems.
- Oversaw evaluations of compliance with AML/CFT frameworks, ensuring alignment with global standards.
- Aligned national policies with international standards, including FATF recommendations.
- Contributed to Sectoral Risk Assessment of Payment Services Provider sector per FATF directives.
- Facilitated capacity-building programmes to enhance awareness of AML/CFT obligations among operators.
Deputy Manager AML/CFT/ CPF Oversight and Compliance
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Abuja, F.C.T
11.2018 - 12.2022
- Conducted assessments of over 30 payment service providers for compliance with AML/CFT laws.
- Reviewed and analysed customer transactions to identify suspicious activities.
- Designed and implemented risk-based compliance monitoring frameworks for payments ecosystem.
- Supported policy development to enhance transparency and accountability within payments industry.
Assistant Manager Operations
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Abuja, F.C.T
04.2016 - 10.2018
- Motivated and coached team members, providing feedback and guidance.
- Maintained strict adherence to all banking security protocols and regulations.
- Reconciled daily transaction postings & prepared schedules for Nigerian Treasury Bills auctions.
- Assisted in managing daily operations while rendering leadership to 30+ team.
- Prepared reports on branch performance and ensured customer satisfaction.
- Achieved 96% resolution rate by identifying/resolving customer complaints.
- Assisted branch manager with cash management, account opening, customer service, and transaction processing; ensured 99.9% transaction accuracy.
- Prepared and ensured that Transaction Monitoring Reports to relevant authorities were submitted in due times.
Head, Customer Service Unit
ZENITH BANK
Abuja, F.C.T
07.2006 - 03.2016
- Directed daily operations of customer service team to provide seamless banking services to clients.
- Handled over 30 escalated customer inquiries per day, ensuring swift resolution and high satisfaction levels.
- Monitored service delivery standards, ensuring alignment with bank's policies and values.
- Managed, trained, and mentored team of customer service officers to enhance performance and professional growth.
- Conducted performance reviews and established clear service benchmarks for unit.
- Built and nurtured relationships with high-value clients to enhance customer loyalty.
- Proactively identified and resolved service gaps to improve client satisfaction and retention.
- Streamlined customer service processes for improved efficiency and reduced turnaround time.
Education
Cambridge FinTech & Regulatory Innovation
Cambridge Judge Busines School
UK2020
MBA - Finance and Investment
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria2019
BSc - Economics
Imo State University
Owerri2003
Skills
- Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR)
- PEPs, Sanctions, and Adverse Media Screening
- Clear understanding of EU AMLD, and Criminal Justice Act 2010 (as amended)
- Customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence
- AML/CFT compliance audits
- Customer relationship management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Sanctions screening experience
- FATF regulations knowledge
- GDPR compliance awareness
- Advanced Excel skills
- Payment services regulation expertise
- KYC procedures experience
- Compliance monitoring systems knowledge
- Analytical thinking and planning skills
- Effective communication abilities
Stakeholder communication
Certification
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certificate in Health & Safety Compliance (Legal Issues)
- Certificate in Cybersecurity Best Practices & Standards
- Certificate in Data Analytics (Excel, SQL & Tableau)
Affiliations
- Member, Compliance Institute of Ireland
- Associate Member, Certified Fraud Examiner (ACFE)
- Member, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
- Affiliate Member, Institute of Bankers (IOB), Ireland
- Associate Member, Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN)
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinwendu-azu-67428653
Training
- Webinar on Professional Certificate in Governance
- Webinar on DORA - Where are we now?
- Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education on Fintech and Regulatory Innovation
- Principles & practice of Risk Management, Forensic Auditing & Investigation.
- Bank Examiners Certification Course
- WAIFEM regional training on combating Money Laundering and Other Financial Crimes
- MasterCard Contactless Payment Adoption and Best Practices
- Anti-money Laundering and Financial Crimes
- Principles and Practices of Risk Management in Organization
References
- upon request
work authorization
- stamp 4 visa (Spouse of an Irish National)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
AML/CFT/CPF AND Compliance manager
EL-ELYON ALLIANCE AND SECURITIES LIMITED
01.2025 - 12.2025
Manager, AML/CFT/CPF Oversight and Compliance Div.
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
01.2023 - 12.2024
Deputy Manager AML/CFT/ CPF Oversight and Compliance
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
11.2018 - 12.2022
Assistant Manager Operations
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
04.2016 - 10.2018
Head, Customer Service Unit
ZENITH BANK
07.2006 - 03.2016
Cambridge FinTech & Regulatory Innovation
Cambridge Judge Busines School
MBA - Finance and Investment
Ahmadu Bello University
BSc - Economics
Imo State University