Rajagopal Sampathkumar
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Senior Financial Crime Compliance professional with over 24 years of experience across global banking institutions. Specialist in AML Transaction Monitoring, KYC, Sanctions Compliance, scenario design and tuning, typology coverage, regulatory reporting, and system implementations. Proven ability to enhance compliance effectiveness, improve operational efficiency, and lead cross-functional teams through complex regulatory and technology-driven transformations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work history
Vice President – Transaction Monitoring, AML Compliance
Mashreq Bank PLC
Dubai, UAE
2019.12 - 2026.03
- Lead end-to-end execution, maintenance, and optimization AML Transaction Monitoring systems for the Bank.
- Ensure effective triggering of SAS-AML scenarios through periodic review of parameters, thresholds, and risk factors.
- Design, implement, and fine-tune AML scenarios and exception reports to address evolving financial crime typologies.
- Conduct ongoing typology coverage assessments to enhance detection across products and geographies.
- Oversee critical data element mapping across core banking, SAS AML, and third-party systems.
- Lead and support system implementations, enhancements, and regulatory-driven change initiatives.
- Support AML/CTF Risk Assessments and manage remediation of internal audit and regulatory findings.
- Provide transaction monitoring and tuning support to international branches of the Bank.
- Contribute to governance strengthening, policy updates, and senior management reporting.
Director – FCC Controls, Financial Crime Compliance
Standard Chartered Bank
Mumbai, India
2018.04 - 2019.12
- Oversaw Financial Crime Compliance Control Operations for FCC India, ensuring timely and accurate regulatory reporting to FIU-IND.
- Apply Group and Financial Crime Compliance policies and processes (AML surveillance, client screening, risk assessment) to manage risks.
- Ensured detection scenarios and screening systems were fit-for-purpose and aligned with group standards and country regulations.
- Reviewed system effectiveness and closed identified compliance and control gaps.
- Advised stakeholders on AML policies, regulatory developments, and compliance risk management strategies.
- Led and influenced large-scale change programs impacting AML surveillance, screening, and case management.
- Managed resourcing, role clarity, and capability development within FCC teams.
Associate Director – Financial Crime Compliance
Standard Chartered Bank
Mumbai & Chennai
2012.04 - 2018.03
- Supported transaction monitoring and customer screening operations across hub and country teams.
- Implemented and maintained surveillance scenarios, screening controls, and SAR processes.
- Performed quality assurance reviews and ensured timely escalation of significant AML issues.
- Responded to regulatory requests and maintained strong regulatory relationships.
- Supported enterprise-wide AML, sanctions, and risk assessment initiatives.
Senior Analyst – Transaction Monitoring Unit
Standard Chartered Bank
Mumbai
2007.07 - 2012.03
- Conducted UAT and supported implementation of new transaction monitoring systems.
- Performed investigations and ensured timely handling of suspicious activity and sanctions alerts.
- Provided AML and sanctions advisory support to business and operations teams.
Assistant Manager / Manager – Central Operations
Standard Chartered Bank
Chennai, India
2002.04 - 2007.06
- Managed a 30-member operations team within centralized banking operations.
- Oversaw output controls, KYC/AML adherence, vendor management, and complaint investigations.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the shop floor.
- Contributed to process development and operational risk mitigation initiatives.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Physics (Computer Electronics)
Bharathidasan University
IndiaBachelor of Science - Industrial Electronics
Bharathidasan University
IndiaSkills
- AML Transaction Monitoring & Typology Coverage
- Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Scenario Design, Testing & Tuning (SAS AML, Detica, Norkom)
- System Implementation & UAT Leadership
- Event/Alert Optimization and Case Management
- Data Governance & Management
- AML/CTF Risk Assessment
- Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Process Design, Controls & Continuous Improvement
Key Projects & UAT Experience
Implemented machine learning–based dynamic segmentation for SAS AML Transaction Monitoring., Led implementation of Correspondent Banking Transaction Monitoring at Mashreq Bank., Executed end-to-end UAT for AML systems including Norkom, Detica AOC, and Mantas ECM., Supported core banking migration impacts on AML systems (Hogan to eBBS)., Implemented SAR workflow automation and country-specific AML scenario enhancements.
Timeline
Vice President – Transaction Monitoring, AML Compliance
Mashreq Bank PLC
2019.12 - 2026.03
Director – FCC Controls, Financial Crime Compliance
Standard Chartered Bank
2018.04 - 2019.12
Associate Director – Financial Crime Compliance
Standard Chartered Bank
2012.04 - 2018.03
Senior Analyst – Transaction Monitoring Unit
Standard Chartered Bank
2007.07 - 2012.03
Assistant Manager / Manager – Central Operations
Standard Chartered Bank
2002.04 - 2007.06
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Electronics
Bharathidasan University
Master of Science - Applied Physics (Computer Electronics)
Bharathidasan University