Christopher Ray

Financial Crimes | Enterprise Investigations | Compliance Risk Management

Arlington, Virginia, United States

About

Senior enterprise investigations and financial crimes professional with 18+ years of experience supporting enterprise risk management, AML investigations, and financial crime governance initiatives within the banking and securities industries. Proven expertise in regulatory compliance, investigative operations, transaction monitoring, BSA/OFAC programs, and enterprise-wide risk mitigation strategies within highly regulated environments. Recognized for sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to analyze and communicate complex investigative and risk matters to diverse stakeholders.

Experience

  • Wells Fargo (15 yrs 2 mos)
    • Financial Crimes Officer
      Aug 2019 - Present · 7 yrs

      • Lead enterprise-wide financial crime risk reviews across transactional monitoring, controls, policies, and product deployment initiatives. • Identify unmitigated systemic financial crimes risk and collaborate with stakeholders to implement enterprise-wide governance and control enhancements. • Develop and deliver strategic risk presentations and compliance guidance to senior leadership and operational teams. • Recognized internally as a subject matter expert on BSA regulations, OFAC sanctions, and AML governance.

    • Financial Crimes Manager
      Feb 2018 - Aug 2019 · 1 yr 7 mos

      • Managed investigative operations across Canada, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. • Designed and maintained enterprise risk and control frameworks supporting second-line investigative services. • Served as BPM and RCSA Subject Matter Expert for the Global Financial Investigations Unit program. • Partnered with compliance and technology stakeholders to enhance automated transaction monitoring systems. • Developed and implemented risk-based methodologies for assessing international transaction monitoring programs across multiple regulatory jurisdictions, enhancing AML compliance governance and control effectiveness • Conducted enterprise-level analyses involving complex multi-jurisdictional financial crime activity.

    • Senior Investigator
      Jun 2011 - Feb 2018 · 6 yrs 9 mos

      • Authored more than 400 Suspicious Activity Reports involving over $1.5 billion in suspected illicit funds. • Conducted complex investigations involving money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. • Leveraged investigative platforms including Actimize, LexisNexis, World Check, EDGAR, and PACER. • Mentored junior investigators and provided AML investigative training support.

  • Instructor (Guitar) at Arlington County
    Oct 2015 - Jun 2018 · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • FINRA (Rockville, MD)
    • Regulatory Analyst
      Jun 2008 - Jun 2011 · 3 yrs 1 mo

      • Investigated insider trading and market manipulation activity resulting in identification of over $100 million in suspected illegal profits. • Conducted detailed analysis of institutional and broker-dealer trading activity using proprietary market surveillance systems. • Supported investigations related to the May 6, 2010 Flash Crash.

    • Gateway Analyst
      Dec 2007 - Jun 2008 · 7 mos

  • Legislative Intern at U.S. Senate
    Mar 2004 - Jun 2004 · 4 mos

  • Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic at U.S. Army
    Jan 2000 - Jan 2004 · 4 yrs 1 mo