Open To Work
VIVIAN V. A. MITCHELL-SANDS
Nassau,New Providence
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.
Knowledgeable AML Analytics with solid background in compliance management and proven track record in policy implementation and risk mitigation. Successfully led multiple compliance initiatives that enhanced operational integrity and regulatory adherence. Demonstrated expertise in regulatory analysis and compliance training. Experienced with regulatory compliance, risk management, and policy implementation. Utilizes strategic planning to ensure adherence to industry standards. Track record of fostering culture of compliance and ethical conduct.
Compliance professional with focus on risk management and regulatory adherence. Proven ability to implement compliance programs that align with organizational goals. Known for team collaboration and achieving results under changing conditions. Skilled in regulatory analysis and policy development.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, Compliance
Commonwealth Bank Limited
11.2024 - Current
- Led compliance audits to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and company policies.
- Developed and implemented compliance training programs for staff across various departments.
- Monitored changes in legislation and advised management on necessary policy updates.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate compliance risks effectively.
- Developed and implemented compliance policies to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential compliance issues and recommend solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance processes and procedures.
Assistant Manager, Compliance
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
11.2021 - 10.2024
- 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.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and ensuring adherence to compliance standards.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and implement strategic initiatives.
- Led team in delivering exceptional customer service, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
Acting Manager, Compliance
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Conducted thorough audits to identify compliance risks and mitigate potential issues.
- Streamlined reporting processes, ensuring timely submission of regulatory documents.
- Led cross-functional teams in compliance training sessions to enhance organizational knowledge.
- Developed and implemented compliance policies to align with regulatory standards.
Compliance Officer
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2018 - 11.2021
- 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.
Acting Manager & MLRO
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Directed cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to improve customer engagement and satisfaction metrics.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Operations
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
01.2000 - 01.2018
- 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.
Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Credit Risk & Business Development
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
01.2000 - 01.2018
- 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.
Support Team Leader – Spanish Wells Branch
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
01.2000 - 01.2018
- 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.
Executive Assistant
Eugene Dupuch Law School
08.1999 - 08.2000
- 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.
Executive Assistant to the Director of Finance
Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino
01.1989 - 01.1999
- Executive Assistant to the Director of Finance Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino, Freeport, Bahamas (1989 – 1999) 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
Bachelor of Science - Professional Management
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaAssociate of Arts - Management
University of The Bahamas (UB) Formerly The College of The Bahamas
Nassau, The Bahamas05.2002
High School Diploma -
Hawksbill High School
Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas06.1988
Skills
- Effective communication
- Project coordination
- Analytical problem-solving
- Creative problem-solving
- Financial budget management
- Effective organizational skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- Critical Thinking
- Professional mentorship
- Strong attention to detail
- Training and education
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 of the Bahamas
- Microsoft Office Certificate, Adobe Photoshop Certificate
- Employee of the Year – Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino
- Bahama Host Certificate
- GCEs, RSAs, Pitman's, BJCs
Affiliations
- 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)
Certification
- Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) - CAMS Certification
- ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance (Advanced)
- ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
- Commonwealth Bank Leadership Development Program (LDP)
- Association of Certified American Bankers Association's (ABA)
- ABA Supervisor/Team Leader Certificate
- ABA 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
- ABA Risk Management
- Beyond Workplace Politics: Using Social & Economical Competencies
- Chartered Banker Institute, United Kingdom - Certified International Risk Manager (CIRM) Certificate
- The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services, Nassau, The Bahamas
1. Certified Wealth Manager Certificate – pending examination
2. Company Law, Practice & Administration I
Securities Training Institute, Nassau, The Bahamas - Advanced Company Law
References
Available upon request.
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteHybridSalary Range
$60000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Manager, Compliance
Commonwealth Bank Limited
11.2024 - Current
Acting Manager, Compliance
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
08.2023 - 01.2024
Assistant Manager, Compliance
COMMONWEALTH BANK LIMITED
11.2021 - 10.2024
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
Bachelor of Science - Professional Management
Nova Southeastern University
Associate of Arts - Management
University of The Bahamas (UB) Formerly The College of The Bahamas
High School Diploma -
Hawksbill High School