September’s AML Professional of the Month was awarded to Abdul Waris Latifi, CAMS. Latifi is a compliance professional with over eight years of expertise in anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF), financial crime, sanctions, investigations and regulatory compliance.
Latifi currently works as deputy money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) in the operations branch at NBP in Afghanistan. Throughout his work, he takes a risk-based and risk-oriented approach through money laundering and terrorism financing risk assessments and supports the automation of different preventative controls. Prior to this role, Latifi was associated with The World Bank in the Afghanistan/International Monetary Fund project where he focused on strengthening financial institutions and primary banks to combat money laundering and terrorism financing and did the same with Azizi Bank, one of the five largest banks in Afghanistan.
Latifi holds a bachelor’s degree in financial management and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and a member of the Afghanistan Banks Association as well as the Toronto Compliance and AML Events, Canada.
Latifi specializes in high-risk scenario investigations and is proficient in AML compliance technology and systems on transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, customer risk assessment and investigations.
In addition, Latifi has won over twelve awardsand accolades for his dedication, passion and strong work ethic from different employers and institutions. Outside of work, Latifi undertakes mentorship roles at several institutes inside the country and in virtual classes on different AML branches. Latifi is passionate about helping others. He was also a member of The World Bank working group for completing the national risk assessment (NRA) action plan on Afghanistan's AML/CTFNRA.
Do you have a mentor who has actively influenced your AML career path in a positive way? Does someone in your network exemplify excellence in AML? Recognize their commitment: Nominate them for ACAMS AML Professional of the Month.
