Kai Wetzel

MA International Affairs | Sanctions, AML & Financial Crime | Texas A&M Bush School

Denver Metropolitan Area

About

I recently graduated with a Master of International Affairs from Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, where I focused on intelligence, foreign economic policy, and financial crime compliance. I am now looking to begin my career in KYC/AML, BSA compliance, financial crime investigations, and customer due diligence. My broader graduate and research experience strengthened my ability to analyze complex information, identify inconsistencies, document findings clearly, and communicate risks to different audiences. I have worked with large datasets, regulatory and government sources, structured research briefs, and sensitive information requiring accuracy, discretion, and sound judgment. I am especially interested in roles where I can support financial institutions, compliance teams, or public-sector enforcement missions by helping identify risk, strengthen due diligence processes, and protect the integrity of the financial system.

Experience

  • Research Assistant at Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy
    Feb 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • Capstone Project- Briefer at Texas Cyber Command
    Jan 2026 - May 2026 · 5 mos

  • Treasurer at International Development & Economic Association
    Sep 2025 - May 2026 · 9 mos

  • Research Assistant at Lab for Economic Development Research
    Jan 2025 - May 2025 · 5 mos

    • Conducted initial data gathering and feasibility analysis, summarizing findings in detailed written reports to evaluate potential research projects • Cleaned, merged and analyzed 10,000+ AIS vessel-tacking data in R to assess illegal fishing activity within Peru’s Exclusive Economic Zone • Identified patterns of foreign vessel activity impacting maritime governance as measured by research findings supporting policy

  • Store Manager at Stance
    Feb 2024 - Aug 2024 · 7 mos