HAREESH SUKUMARA KURUP
General Manager | CAMS Certified | Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) | AML/CFT & Financial Crime Compliance Specialist
Dubai
Summary
A results-driven Senior AML Compliance and Fraud Risk Management professional with over 22 years of progressive experience in the financial services and exchange industry across the UAE and India. Holding the prestigious CAMS, CAMI, and CFE certifications, I bring a rare combination of deep regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and strategic risk acumen. Proven track record of designing and implementing enterprise-wide AML/CFT compliance frameworks, managing regulatory examinations, conducting fraud investigations, and building high-performing compliance cultures. Adept at engaging with Board-level Committees, regulatory authorities, and cross-functional teams to ensure full alignment with national and international financial crime prevention standards.
Overview
3
3
Certifications
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Global Exchange
02.2022 - Current
- Oversaw all compliance obligations including AML/CFT policy adherence, audit readiness, and CBUAE examination preparations.
- Directed risk-based compliance monitoring, identifying and remediating control gaps across operational units.
- Managed HR operations including workforce planning, performance management, staffing, and regulatory training delivery.
- Streamlined internal controls and reporting systems to optimise transparency and audit trail integrity.
- Generated analytical reports to identify process vulnerabilities, support strategic decision-making, and ensure regulatory alignment.
- Developed business continuity and succession plans aligned with long-term risk management objectives.
- Championed a culture of compliance and ethical conduct throughout the organisation.
- Overseeing organisational restructures to transform team budgets and performance.
- Enhancing operational efficiency through responsible budget management.
- Empowering staff members to contribute to continuous improvement, quality, and growth of the company’s.
- Led compliance initiatives to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, enhancing operational integrity.
- Developed and implemented risk management strategies, leading to improved organizational resilience.
- Streamlined operational processes through comprehensive audits, resulting in increased efficiency and risk mitigation.
- Mentored compliance staff in best practices, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
General Manager — Compliance, Operations & Risk
Omda Exchange
04.2017 - 01.2022
- Implemented and maintained compliance frameworks to meet CBUAE and international AML/CFT standards.
- Surpassed revenue and compliance performance targets through disciplined planning, budgeting, and measurement.
- Delivered staff training programs on compliance protocols, fraud prevention, and AML best practices.
- Monitored and analysed key risk metrics to proactively identify and address operational vulnerabilities.
- Oversaw all internal and external audits, ensuring full protocol adherence and timely resolution of findings.
- Drove product and service improvements through competitor analysis and regulatory trend monitoring.
- Implemented effective customer due diligence (CDD) and KYC procedures to mitigate financial crime risk.
- Tracked and analysed profitability and key metrics of correspondent establishment to improve overall profitability and bring in new clientele.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company’s product offerings.
- Set project timelines and kept teams on task to complete milestones according to schedule.
- Developed and implemented a high-quality work environment as measured through employee satisfaction ratings.
- Oversaw requirements, gaps analysis, training and development and implementation of new programs.
- Implemented effective customer service procedures to encourage positive feedback.
- Stayed current on category market in order to take advantage of latest trends.
- Spearheaded the implementation of improved training initiatives for all personnel levels.
- Assisted with marketing strategy creation and advertising initiatives to better promote the facility to the public.
- Spearheaded cross-departmental collaboration to enhance compliance training programs, improving team competency.
- Analyzed operational metrics to identify improvement areas, successfully reducing compliance gaps.
- Facilitated risk assessments to proactively address vulnerabilities, strengthening overall operational stability.
- Oversaw the integration of compliance technologies, optimizing reporting accuracy and operational workflows.
Forex Manager
Lulu International Exchange
02.2015 - 02.2017
- Delivered risk management solutions for volatile FX markets, ensuring regulatory compliance for Elite Corporate clients.
- Managed FX dealing operations with international banks, trading platforms, and exchange houses.
- Applied FX hedging strategies to protect institutional exposures and meet treasury risk objectives.
- Conducted departmental compliance reviews and ensured accurate documentation and filing standards.
- Mentored and trained teams on regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and performance standards.
- Supported the retail Bank Notes business in improving operations and resolving issues to deliver top-notch customer service.
- Analysed departmental documents for appropriate distribution and filing.
- Analyzed Forex market trends and applied insights to drive informed trading decisions.
- Worked directly with both wholesale and retail departments and consistently achieved the targeted revenue.
- Worked closely with the Board of Directors to establish and deliver excellent sales-driven campaigns.
Forex Manager
Wall Street Exchange Company
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Managed treasury operations and coordinated FX trading with local and international banking partners.
- Strengthened corporate relationships while ensuring adherence to regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Applied FX hedging techniques and developed revenue-growth programs in a regulated environment.
- Coordinated with local and international banks and exchange houses for currency trading on a routine basis.
- Conducted FX trading operations aligned with treasury risk and compliance frameworks.
- Achieved revenue and departmental objectives by identifying and improving corporate relationships.
- Led currency risk management initiatives, optimizing trading strategies to enhance profitability.
- Developed and implemented compliance protocols, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making, driving competitive advantage.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering a collaborative environment that enhanced team productivity.
Assistant Manager
Manappuram General Finance And Leasing Limited
01.2008 - 10.2009
- Managed customer relationship management (CRM) activities to support client retention and satisfaction.
- Administered branch operations with a focus on compliance standards and business excellence.
- Reduced operational risk by training staff on best practices and implementing efficient scheduling protocols.
- Led weekly performance and compliance review meetings to maintain customer service and regulatory benchmarks.
- Led compliance initiatives to ensure alignment with regulatory standards, enhancing operational integrity.
- Mentored junior staff on compliance protocols, fostering a culture of accountability and knowledge sharing.
- Developed risk assessment strategies that identified vulnerabilities, improving overall operational resilience.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined reporting functions, resulting in increased efficiency across teams.
Team Leader
Kotak Mahindra Bank
01.2004 - 02.2007
- Provided team leadership in a regulated banking environment, driving productivity and service quality.
- Ensured adherence to banking protocols and delivered courteous, compliant client interactions.
- Received and processed product returns efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Provided service-focused support, offering courteous and helpful advice to meet customer needs.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, resulting in streamlined processes and improved service delivery.
- Developed training programs for team members, fostering skill development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Implemented compliance protocols, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and minimizing operational risks.
- Coordinated risk assessment initiatives, contributing to the identification and mitigation of potential compliance issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Kesari Arts And Science College
Ernakulam05-2007
Skills
AML/CFT Compliance
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Financial Crime & Fraud Investigation
Forensic Accounting & Auditing
Financial Investigator
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting (SAR/STR)
Transaction Monitoring & Sanctions Screening
Enterprise Risk & Internal Controls
Regulatory Framework Expertise
Investigative & Analytical Thinking
Forex & Treasury Operations
Strategic Leadership
Business Development
Governance & Risk Management
Financial Investigator
Forensic Accounting
Forensic Auditing
Fraud Investigation
Certification
CAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
Technical Skill
Microsoft Excel (Intermediate): Experienced in data analysis and reporting using XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Pivot Charts, Conditional Formatting, Complex Logical Formulas (IF, AND, OR), Data Validation, Filtering, and Cleansing techniques.
AML, COMPLIANCE & FRAUD EXPERTISE
- AML/CFT compliance aligned with FATF standards and CBUAE regulatory requirements
- Familiarity with ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) AML Rulebook and Compliance Framework
- Knowledge of DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) AML / Anti-Money Laundering regulations and supervisory expectations
- Regulatory reporting including SAR/STR preparation and submission
- CBUAE examinations, audits and regulatory interaction management
- KYC, CDD and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) across customer lifecycle
- Customer risk assessment and risk appetite framework development
- Enterprise-wide risk assessments and mitigation strategies
- Correspondent banking and cross-border transaction risk management
- Transaction monitoring system design, tuning, calibration and optimization
- Typology assessment, behavioral analysis and red flag detection
- AML scenario optimization to reduce false positives and improve detection efficiency
- Sanctions screening tuning, list management and PEP monitoring
- Financial crime investigations, fraud detection and case management
- Fraud risk management framework design and internal control strengthening
- Forensic accounting, forensic auditing and internal control evaluation
- Investigative and analytical financial crime assessment techniques
- Regulatory framework interpretation and compliance implementation
- MIS reporting, trend analysis and management dashboards
- Data quality, integrity and governance across AML systems
- Above/below-the-line testing and control effectiveness reviews
- Policy, procedure and AML compliance program development
- Enterprise risk management and governance framework design
- Risk appetite development aligned with business strategy
- AML/CFT training design, delivery and capability development
Timeline
General Manager
Global Exchange
02.2022 - Current
General Manager — Compliance, Operations & Risk
Omda Exchange
04.2017 - 01.2022
Forex Manager
Lulu International Exchange
02.2015 - 02.2017
Forex Manager
Wall Street Exchange Company
01.2013 - 01.2015
Assistant Manager
Manappuram General Finance And Leasing Limited
01.2008 - 10.2009
Team Leader
Kotak Mahindra Bank
01.2004 - 02.2007
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Kesari Arts And Science College