Compliance and AML professional in London with over 11 years of experience in banking, from trade finance to second-line oversight.
Background
Independent Researcher | London | Aug 2025 – Present
My research explores trade-based money laundering, AML transaction monitoring, and operational resilience in UK banking. Drawing on my experience in trade finance and second-line compliance, I focus on practical, risk-based frameworks that banks can apply. I have published two preprint papers and three peer-reviewed papers, with one more currently under review.
Risk & Compliance Analyst | Risk & Compliance Department | Bank of Ceylon (UK) Limited, London |Sep 2023 – July 2025
At this FCA-regulated bank, I supported the MLRO and compliance team with second-line oversight, including transaction monitoring, SAR escalations, compliance assurance, regulatory horizon scanning, and ICAAP and ILAAP stress testing. I prepared reports for the Board and ExCo and helped establish a standalone compliance department following a restructure.
Senior Executive | Middle Office (Treasury and Loan Administration) | Bank of China Limited, Sri Lanka | Jun 2021 – Sep 2022
In the middle office, I independently reviewed the branch’s treasury and lending activities. I monitored foreign exchange, money market, and loan transactions, verified regulatory reports. I also supported lending due diligence and loan agreement reviews, managed syndicated-loan documentation, monitored post-loan compliance with head office policy.
Senior Executive | International Trade Finance (Import & Export) | Bank of China Limited, Sri Lanka | Mar 2018 – Jun 2021
As a founding member of the Colombo branch, I helped build its trade finance function from the ground up. I established AML and departmental procedures, trained junior staff, and oversaw daily letters of credit, collections, guarantees, and trade payments. I also conducted KYC checks for import and export clients, screened transactions for sanctions and fraud risks, and escalated unusual trade activities.
Junior Executive |Trade Operations (Import & Export) | Pan Asia Banking Corporation, Sri Lanka | Mar 2014 – Mar 2018
I managed suspense and Nostro account reconciliations, streamlined trade finance processes, and supported SWIFT operations to keep transactions running smoothly. I also contributed to the bank’s migration from Globus to Finacle by assisting with testing, documentation, data migration, reconciliation, and staff training, helping ensure a smooth transition without operational disruption.
Academic Qualifications
MSc Investment & Risk Finance| Distinction | University of Westminster, UK | 2022 – 2023
MBA Finance| Distinction |Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK | 2018 – 2020
Bachelor of Business Management (Special) Finance |2nd Class Upper Division | University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka | 2009 – 2014
Professional Certifications
Certificate in Anti Money Laundering | International Compliance Association (ICA) | 2025
Certificate in Know Your Regulator: UK Financial Services | International Compliance Association (ICA) | 2025
Introduction to Securities & Investment | Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) | 2023
Certificate Programme on Treasury & Foreign Exchange Operation | Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) | 2021
Diploma in International Trade | Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) | 2016
Diploma in Banking & Finance | Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) |2015
Certificate in Banking & Finance | Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) |2012
Seminars & Training Programs
AML/CFT Compliance for Financial Institutions | Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) | 2020
AML/CFT Compliance Program for Financial Institutions | Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) |2018
Program on Best Practices in Commercial Banking Operations | Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) | 2018
Latest Development in Sri Lanka’s Import/Export Regulations & Documentary Issues | Trade finance association of Bankers | 2018
New Challenges in International Trade | Trade finance association of Bankers | 2016
