Sameer Jaffer

With 7 years of experience in financial crime compliance, I specialize in mitigating risks through in-depth investigations, regulatory reporting, and strategic risk management. Currently, as Team Lead of AML & Enhanced Due Diligence Operations at Home Trust Company, I oversee KYC/AML controls, lead high-risk client reviews, and ensure compliance with FINTRAC and global sanctions—always striving to balance vigilance with fairness.

My expertise spans AML, CTF, and EDD, where I analyze suspicious transactions, assess risks tied to PEPs and sanctions, and file regulatory disclosures (STRs). I leverage tools like Oracle FCCM, LexisNexis, and World-Check to turn complex data into actionable insights.

Earlier at TD’s Global AML FIU, I investigated high-risk alerts and refined risk-mitigation strategies—sharpening my skills in case resolution, control testing, and process improvement. Across my career, I’ve learned that great compliance isn’t just about rules; it’s about protecting people and systems with clarity and collaboration.

HOME TRUST

Team Lead, AML Investigations & Enhanced Due Diligence OperationsTeam Lead, AML Investigations & Enhanced Due Diligence Operations

In this role, I lead the execution of KYC and AML compliance controls, conducting in-depth investigations into high-risk clients and suspicious activity to mitigate financial crime risks. Please consider the following highlights of my experience:

• Financial Crime Investigations: Conduct end-to-end AML/CTF investigations for potential money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF), and sanctions violations, escalating cases with reasonable grounds to suspect (RGS) per regulatory standards (PCMLTFA, FINTRAC).

• High-Risk EDD: Perform enhanced due diligence (EDD) on Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), sanctioned entities, and complex client structures using World-Check, Dow Jones, LexisNexis, and Oracle FCCM.

• Regulatory Reporting: Draft and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to FINTRAC within mandated timelines, recommending risk mitigations (e.g., account closures, restrictions).

• Transaction Monitoring: Analyze unusual activity patterns via transaction monitoring systems (Actimize, Oracle FCCM, CRM tools) to support evidence-based dispositions.

• AML Framework Optimization: Test and align customer due diligence (CDD) controls, TM rules, and policies with organizational risk appetite.

• Reporting & Process Improvement: Summarize investigation outcomes, identify systemic gaps, and propose enhancements to policies, procedures, or monitoring systems to strengthen AML/CTF controls.

TD BANK

AML Investigator | Global AML FIU | High Risk Customer InvestigationAML Investigator | Global AML FIU | High Risk Customer Investigation

My primary responsibility is to contribute to the overall success of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) by conducting thorough investigations aimed at effectively mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements:

Please consider the following highlights of my experience: 

• Investigating time-sensitive cases referred to the FIU by the AOC, team members, and BNS partners for reasonable grounds to suspect (“RGS”) potential money laundering (“ML”) and/or terrorist financing (“TF”).

• Performing investigations and documenting clearly reasoned findings and actions associated with FIU investigations, along with the delivery of timely disposition of such investigations.

• Analyzing documents in FIU ML/TF investigations, along with maintaining supporting information, in accordance with the GAMLU and FIU policies and procedures.

• Research client records, customer activities, and account information using applications like but not limited to World Check, Actimize, and RDC to determine whether the usual activity may indicate reasonable grounds to suspect (“RGS”) ML activities or TF.

• Utilize various TD source systems (including, but not limited to, S3, eDocs, ISM, Webir, Certapay, PRM and intellitracs) to gather transactional details

• Identifying and properly reporting RGS within the regulatory reporting requirements and timelines.Recommending risk mitigation actions and next steps after FIU investigations.

• Conduct ongoing monitoring of high-risk relationships, including PEPs and others as identified through the TD's risk assessment systems and other processes.

• Investigate and assess the risk of incidents identified by TD's money laundering detection programs, including automated transaction and ongoing monitoring systems, unusual activity reports, media articles, and production orders. Make appropriate file/no file decisions and prepare and submit suspicious transaction reports to FINTRAC as necessary.

HOME TRUST
AML Consultant

In this role, my primary responsibilities included planning, structuring, and executing Due Diligence control functions. I developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process notes to define the scope and parameters of the Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Team, ensuring alignment with organizational and regulatory standards.

• AML Assessments: Conducted Anti-Money Laundering (AML) assessments based on referrals from business areas, analyzing unusual activity to determine appropriate actions.

• Transaction Monitoring: Evaluated higher-risk daily transaction monitoring alerts by understanding transaction indicators, facts, and context to determine the necessary course of action.

• Risk Investigation: Investigated and assessed risks associated with alerts generated by customer risk assessment tools, ensuring thorough analysis and resolution.

• Reporting: Prepared detailed AML/ATF case reports and external regulatory filings, outlining investigation activities, risk assessments, and recommended remediation actions.

• Case Management: Maintained accurate case management and record-keeping protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory filing requirements.

• Unusual Activity (UA) Assessments: Led multiple UA assessments concurrently, prioritizing cases based on risk and urgency.

• Ongoing Monitoring: Performed AML due diligence as part of the ongoing monitoring of high-risk customers to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

MASHREQ BANK

AML Investigator

In this role, I conduct AML investigations into high-risk clients and suspicious activity to mitigate financial crime risks. Please consider the following highlights of my experience:

• Investigation and Documentation: Conducted in-depth investigations, documented clearly reasoned findings, and ensured timely resolution of cases in alignment with FIU standards.

• Subject Matter Expertise: Acted as a key resource and technical expert, providing specialized analysis and operational support on AML/ATF, Sanctions, and Anti-Bribery/Anti-Corruption (ABAC) matters.

• Regulatory Reporting: Ensured accurate and timely filing of Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Risk Monitoring and Mitigation: Conducted ongoing monitoring and assessment of AML risks, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending actionable measures to mitigate potential threats.

• Transaction Analysis: Investigated and analyzed suspicious activities and transactions flagged by AML monitoring systems, ensuring thorough and accurate resolution.

• Collaboration and Process Improvement: Partnered with internal departments to strengthen AML controls, enhance procedures, and foster a culture of compliance.

• Regulatory Compliance: Prepared and submitted regulatory reports as required, ensuring adherence to all legal and institutional standards.

• Training and Support: Delivered training and guidance to staff on AML compliance matters, promoting awareness and adherence to best practices.

EDUCATION

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN FINANCE, LIVONIA, MI

Madonna University School of Business, September 2018

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, LIVONIA, MI

Madonna University School of Business, September 2016

• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMLS)