CHINWENDU JOY AZU
Dublin,Ireland
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with over 8 years of experience in AML/CFT/CPF compliance and fraud investigation in the financial eco-payments sector. Expertise in conducting suspicious transaction investigations and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Strong analytical skills and effective communication abilities, complemented by advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining regulatory integrity.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Manager, AML/CFT Policy Advisor and Compliance
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 payments landscape.
- Monitored financial institutions and payment service providers for strict adherence to AML/CFT regulations.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities within payment systems.
- Oversaw evaluations of compliance with AML/CFT frameworks, ensuring alignment with global standards.
- Aligned national policies with international standards, including FATF recommendations.
- Supported development of digital payment regulations to mitigate emerging fintech risks.
- Contributed to Sectoral Risk Assessment of Payment Services Provider sector in line with 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.
- Branch Operations
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
MBA - Finance and Investment
Ahmadu Bello University
ZariaBSc - Economics
Imo State University
OwerriSkills
- Analytical thinking and planning
- Effective communication
- Risk analysis in payments sector
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Suspicious transaction investigations
- AML/CFT compliance audits
- Customer relationship management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Certification
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) 2022
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) 2025
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)
TRAINING ATTENDED
- Interpersonal and customer Service Skills.
- 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
Timeline
Manager, AML/CFT Policy Advisor and Compliance
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
BSc - Economics
Imo State University
MBA - Finance and Investment
Ahmadu Bello University