AS400
Hi, I’m
Vivian V. A. Mitchell Sands
Nassau
Summary
Dedicated, committed, and detail-oriented compliance professional with over 20 years of experience in commercial banking. Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks. Proven ability to lead teams, manage audits, liaise with regulatory bodies, and design compliance strategies. Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills, with a focus on operational efficiency and regulatory adherence within complex financial environments.
Overview
36
years of professional experience
Work History
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Assistant Manager
11.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Continuously develop, implement, and update the Bank’s policies and procedures, particularly those related to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
- Ensure the Bank adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines in The Bahamas, including those issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBOB) and international standards and best practices
- Conduct frequent reviews to ensure these policies remain current with evolving compliance requirements and reflect best practices in financial governance.
- Monitor regulatory changes, circulars, and directives to keep the company aligned with new obligations
- Communicate these updates promptly to management, staff, and business units, ensuring all parties understand the impact on operations.
- Facilitate regular compliance reviews to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and address any gaps identified.
- Proactively manage all regulatory requests, including audits, examinations, production orders, and inquiries from supervisory bodies
- Respond to regulators promptly and accurately, ensuring full transparency in all interactions
- Lead internal investigations into suspicious activities, scams, or fraudulent schemes, and prepare detailed reports to support regulatory submissions
- Ensure timely filing of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and monitor follow-ups to maintain compliance with reporting regulations.
- Oversee the management and maintenance of correspondent banking relationships, ensuring compliance with enhanced due diligence (EDD) requirements
- Coordinate with financial partners to maintain transparency and mitigate the risk associated with cross-border transactions
- Supervise the onboarding process for new and existing relationships, with a focus on identifying and managing high-risk accounts
- Implement rigorous KYC procedures to verify the legitimacy of customers and ensure compliance with the Bank’s risk appetite
- Monitor these accounts continuously to identify unusual activities that may require further investigation or reporting.
- Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency Collaborate with operational teams to enhance internal processes by embedding compliance into everyday operations
- Identify and implement technological solutions that streamline compliance workflows, such as automated KYC checks and transaction monitoring systems
- Promote continuous improvement by analyzing compliance trends, feedback from audits, and operational performance metrics
- Recommend process enhancements to improve efficiency without compromising regulatory integrity.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, and industry bodies
- Represent the Bank during inspections, audits, and regulatory engagements, ensuring responses to requests are timely, transparent, and thorough
- Manage external audits and examinations with precision, coordinating between teams to ensure smooth execution and compliance.
- Maintain an open line of communication with regulators, promptly addressing concerns and providing updates on remediation efforts when needed.
- Design and deliver comprehensive compliance training programs to equip employees with a deep understanding of their regulatory responsibilities
- Include tailored sessions for high-risk areas such as customer onboarding, large transactions, and suspicious activity reporting
- Embed a strong compliance culture across the organization by promoting open communication and reinforcing the importance of accountability at all levels
- Conduct periodic assessments to measure staff knowledge and follow up with targeted training where needed.
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Acting Manager
08.2023 - 01.2024
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Compliance Officer
08.2018 - 11.2021
Job overview
- Continuously develop, implement, and update the Bank’s policies and procedures, particularly those related to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
- Ensure the Bank adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines in The Bahamas, including those issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBOB) and international standards and best practices
- Conduct frequent reviews to ensure these policies remain current with evolving compliance requirements and reflect best practices in financial governance.
- Monitor regulatory changes, circulars, and directives to keep the company aligned with new obligations
- Communicate these updates promptly to management, staff, and business units, ensuring all parties understand the impact on operations.
- Facilitate regular compliance reviews to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and address any gaps identified.
- Proactively manage all regulatory requests, including audits, examinations, production orders, and inquiries from supervisory bodies
- Respond to regulators promptly and accurately, ensuring full transparency in all interactions
- Lead internal investigations into suspicious activities, scams, or fraudulent schemes, and prepare detailed reports to support regulatory submissions
- Ensure timely filing of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and monitor follow-ups to maintain compliance with reporting regulations.
- Oversee the management and maintenance of correspondent banking relationships, ensuring compliance with enhanced due diligence (EDD) requirements
- Coordinate with financial partners to maintain transparency and mitigate the risk associated with cross-border transactions
- Supervise the onboarding process for new and existing relationships, with a focus on identifying and managing high-risk accounts
- Implement rigorous KYC procedures to verify the legitimacy of customers and ensure compliance with the Bank’s risk appetite
- Monitor these accounts continuously to identify unusual activities that may require further investigation or reporting.
- Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency Collaborate with operational teams to enhance internal processes by embedding compliance into everyday operations
- Identify and implement technological solutions that streamline compliance workflows, such as automated KYC checks and transaction monitoring systems
- Promote continuous improvement by analyzing compliance trends, feedback from audits, and operational performance metrics
- Recommend process enhancements to improve efficiency without compromising regulatory integrity.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, and industry bodies
- Represent the Bank during inspections, audits, and regulatory engagements, ensuring responses to requests are timely, transparent, and thorough
- Manage external audits and examinations with precision, coordinating between teams to ensure smooth execution and compliance.
- Maintain an open line of communication with regulators, promptly addressing concerns and providing updates on remediation efforts when needed.
- Design and deliver comprehensive compliance training programs to equip employees with a deep understanding of their regulatory responsibilities
- Include tailored sessions for high-risk areas such as customer onboarding, large transactions, and suspicious activity reporting
- Embed a strong compliance culture across the organization by promoting open communication and reinforcing the importance of accountability at all levels
- Conduct periodic assessments to measure staff knowledge and follow up with targeted training where needed.
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Acting Manager & MLRO
08.2020 - 07.2021
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Operations
01.2000 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Provided administrative support by managing calendars, appointments, meetings, travel, and events for Executive Management, Branches, and Operations
- Acted as a liaison between management, branch managers, and operations, while overseeing the Authorized Signature Listing
- Prepared various documents, including expense reports, minutes, contracts, and presentations
- Supported corporate initiatives, assisted with financial data analysis, and compiled reports for the Executive Board
- Managed legal matters such as probate administration and estate distributions in accordance with court orders
- Handled customer complaints, managed inventory and supplies, and supported special projects.
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Credit Risk & Business Development
01.2000 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Facilitated the department’s operations and coordinated branch and delinquency meetings
- Prepared credit approvals, reports on loan performance, and incentive plans for credit teams
- Managed confidential matters with sound judgment and prepared death claims and legal documents involving court orders
- Provided operational support to branches, assisted with on-the-spot promotions, and handled credit-related reports (e.g., auto financing, gain/loss, and production metrics)
- Acted as a liaison between departments to resolve operational issues efficiently.
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
Support Team Leader – Spanish Wells Branch
01.2000 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Opening Supported the new branch launch by coordinating the action plan, staff travel, and supply orders
- Managed onboarding of new accounts and credit facilities, handled branch correspondence, and monitored commercial accounts
- Assisted with daily reports and ensured operational readiness before the grand opening.
Eugene Dupuch Law School
Executive Assistant
08.1999 - 08.2000
Job overview
- Ensured confidentiality of sensitive information and maintained client trust
- Managed all administrative tasks for instructors and attorneys, including drafting letters, memos, and documents using various software tools
- Composed, revised, and processed legal documents efficiently to meet deadlines and regulatory requirements
- Acted as liaison between students, clients, and attorneys, coordinating communications and maintaining third-party correspondence
- Scheduled appointments, managed phone communications, and organized data for reporting needs.
Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino
Executive Assistant to the Director of Finance
01.1989 - 01.1999
Job overview
- Provided comprehensive administrative support, including acting as Office Manager and managing the Director’s calendar and priorities
- Assisted with the preparation of operating and capital budgets, financial reports, and inventory management
- Managed collections on outstanding service charges, coordinated property repossessions, and prepared legal documents such as affidavits
- Handled confidential company documents for potential investors and maintained the company’s Data Room.
Education
Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) - CAMS CertificationInternational Compliance Association, United Kingdom
Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance (Advanced) – Ongoing
Certificate in Anti Money LaunderingAssociation of Certified American Bankers Association’s (ABA)
ABA Supervisor/Team Leader Certificate
Fraud Prevention Certificate
BSA and AML Compliance Certificate
Velsoft – Commonwealth Bank Internal Development Courses
Advanced Writing Skills, Business Writing That Works, Business Leadership Becoming Management Material, Risk Management, Beyond Workplace Politics: Using Social & Economical Competencies
Chartered Banker Institute, United Kingdom
University Overview
Certified International Risk Manager Certificate
The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services, Nassau, The Bahamas
Company Law, Practice & Administration I
University Overview
Certified Wealth Manager Certificate – pending examination
Securities Training Institute, Nassau, The Bahamas
Advanced Company Law
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Professional Management
University of the Bahamas (UB) formerly The College of the Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas
Associates of Arts Degree in Management
Hawksbill High School, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Diploma with Honors in Commerce
Skills
- Marketing
- Project management
- Innovative
- Budget Planning
- Organizational skills
- Critical Thinking
- Mentorship
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- Attention to Details
Accomplishments
- Bahamas Financial Services Industry Nominee for Achiever of the Year 2016
- Bahamas Financial Services Industry Nominee for Mentor of the Year 2011
- Outstanding Customer Service Award – 2003 and 2011 – Commonwealth Bank Ltd.
- Advisor of the Year and Executive Advisor of the Year - Junior Achievement Bahamas
- Microsoft Office Certificate, Adobe Photoshop Certificate
- Employee of the Year – Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino
- Bahama Host Certificate
- GCEs, RSAs, Pitman’s, BJCs
References
Available upon request.
Associations
- Member – Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
- Member - International Compliance Association (ICA), United Kingdom
- Member - Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers, Nassau, The Bahamas
- Member - Bahamas National Trust, Nassau, The Bahamas
- Former Member – Junior Achievement of the Bahamas
- Former Member – Red Cross Society (Bank’s Lead Coordinator for volunteers)
Software
NewGen
LexisNexis
Financial Crime Management System (FCRM)
WorldCheck
Procesa
Microsoft Suite
Timeline
Acting Manager
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2023 - 01.2024
Assistant Manager
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
11.2021 - Current
Acting Manager & MLRO
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2020 - 07.2021
Compliance Officer
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2018 - 11.2021
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Operations
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
01.2000 - 01.2018
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Credit Risk & Business Development
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
01.2000 - 01.2018
Support Team Leader – Spanish Wells Branch
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
01.2000 - 01.2018
Executive Assistant
Eugene Dupuch Law School
08.1999 - 08.2000
Executive Assistant to the Director of Finance
Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino
01.1989 - 01.1999
Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) - CAMS Certification
Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance (Advanced) – Ongoing
Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
ABA Supervisor/Team Leader Certificate
Fraud Prevention Certificate
BSA and AML Compliance Certificate
Velsoft – Commonwealth Bank Internal Development Courses
Advanced Writing Skills, Business Writing That Works, Business Leadership Becoming Management Material, Risk Management, Beyond Workplace Politics: Using Social & Economical Competencies
Chartered Banker Institute, United Kingdom
The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services, Nassau, The Bahamas
Company Law, Practice & Administration I
Securities Training Institute, Nassau, The Bahamas
Advanced Company Law
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Professional Management
University of the Bahamas (UB) formerly The College of the Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas
Associates of Arts Degree in Management
Hawksbill High School, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Diploma with Honors in Commerce
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