Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Custom
Timeline
OperationsManager
RAHMATU LAMI SHEIKH-LEMU

RAHMATU LAMI SHEIKH-LEMU

Abuja,Nigeria

Summary

Senior Manager/Regulatory Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer, with expertise in regulatory frameworks and ensuring financial integrity within high-profile organizations. Experienced in transforming and enhancing compliance programs as well as implementing robust AML structures to improve organizations' risk. Maintains integrity for conducting detailed AML/CFT assessments and creating measures to proactively counter potential threats. Adept at using exceptional communication and leadership skills to enable seamless collaboration with diverse teams, driving them toward effective solutions to complex regulatory challenges. Committed to staying abreast of industry changes and leading innovative approaches that uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance in organizations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Senior Manager/Compliance Programs Coordinator

Nigeria Capital Market Institute
06.2023 - Current
  • Revised compliance training program modules in response to changes in regulatory requirements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry standards
  • Developed, reviewed, and updated compliance training program modules, conducting workshops, seminars, and online training sessions to enhance the understanding of Nigerian capital market operators and the financial sector
  • Stayed up-to-date with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, incorporating necessary changes into compliance training programs to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
  • Collaborated with other educational institutions and related organizations to enhance compliance training programs, bringing in professionals as faculties to facilitate training sessions.

Senior Manager

Anti-Money Laundering Division, Monitoring Department, SEC
01.2021 - 06.2023
  • Mentored and supervised subordinates, coordinating their activities within the Anti-Money Laundering Division of the Monitoring Department at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria
  • Represented the Commission at stakeholders' forums, actively contributing to discussions and ensuring effective communication of regulatory objectives
  • Implemented policies through consultative forums and implementation committees, demonstrating a proactive approach to regulatory compliance
  • Led and participated in various committees, including serving as Team Lead for on-site inspections of over one hundred fifty-five entities and coordinating the AML/CTF Supervisory Coordination Committee
  • Successfully improved domestic cooperation between AML/CFT supervisors, enhanced information exchange among inter-agencies, and implemented an AML/CFT Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) framework.

Manager/Government Regulatory Compliance

AML Division, Monitoring Department, SEC
01.2018 - 01.2021
  • Spearheaded the assessment of compliance levels among Capital Market Operators (CMOs), ensuring rigorous implementation of compliance policies and standards
  • Led collaborative capacity-building programs with diverse stakeholders to enhance Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) awareness and adherence within the capital market
  • Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to achieve AML/CFT compliance goals, overseeing comprehensive assessment programs for more than 151 Capital Market Operators
  • Led a team in the ongoing assessment of AML/CFT typologies, specifically focusing on Nil Foreign Transaction Reports (FTR) submitted by CMOs
  • Successfully initiated and led investigations into market malpractices by CMOs in collaboration with inter-governmental agencies and ministries, contributing to a more robust regulatory framework and compliance database.

Deputy Manager/Government Regulatory Compliance

AML Division, Monitoring Dept., SEC
01.2016 - 01.2018
  • Conducted thorough assessments of AML/CFT compliance programs, addressing issues for over 151 Capital Market Operators to ensure adherence to regulatory standards
  • Provided strategic advice to management on policy decisions related to Anti-Money Laundering Programs in the Capital Market, contributing to informed decision-making processes
  • Implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including thematic and on-site inspections for Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to enhance regulatory oversight
  • Served as the Alternate Team Lead for the review of the Nigerian Capital Market Operator's AML/CFT compliance manual, ensuring its alignment with evolving regulatory requirements
  • Developed frameworks, policies, and guidelines in collaboration with stakeholders, and led an AML/CFT sensitization campaign, achieving a notable 92% compliance level in Foreign Transaction Report (FTR) rendition by CMOs.

Assistant Manager

Inspectorate Division, Monitoring Department, SEC
08.2014 - 12.2015
  • Supervised and coordinated subordinates' activities within the Inspectorate Division, ensuring effective monitoring of the financial health of various market operators
  • Reviewed and analyzed financial accounts/reports of Capital Market Operators (CMOs), providing strategic recommendations to management based on comprehensive analyses
  • Produced holistic reports on the financial positions of CMOs, presenting insights to management on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
  • Led a team in conducting on-site inspections on 155 CMOs, assessing operational functionalities, ensuring due diligence on company existence, and evaluating transparency levels, with the project successfully concluded.

African Representative

Datasoft International Trustnet Chambers, BVI
01.2013 - 06.2014
  • Identified opportunities and new prospects and analyzed their requirements and business environments, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making and contributing to expanding the company's reach and impact on the continent
  • Reviewed and finalized Memorandum of Understanding, Non-Disclosure, and Non-Circumvention Agreements, ensuring legal clarity and protection of interests in business engagements
  • Interfaced with governments of countries within Africa on developmental projects, fostering positive relationships and facilitating collaboration between Datasoft International and governmental bodies
  • Coordinated projects for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under Joint Venture partnership agreements with the governments of African countries, providing advisory services and serving as a liaison between the government and the organization.

External Representative

The Edcomm Group Bankers Academy, New York, USA
04.2012 - 12.2013
  • Led outsourcing initiatives for training programs as an External Representative for Banker's Academy of The Edcomm Group, securing mutually beneficial agreements with diverse clients
  • Reviewed and finalized training contract agreements, ensuring compliance with client specifications and regulatory requirements, contributing to successful partnerships
  • Provided advisory services on product types based on client needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of training solutions and their alignment with specific organizational requirements
  • Successfully signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) with three microfinance banks and ten private companies, and played a key role in developing customized training programs for Nigerian Capital Market Operators, contributing to the expansion of the organization's clientele and impact in the financial sector.

Chapter Co-Chair

Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Florida, USA
01.2009 - 04.2012
  • Represented and projected the goals of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) nationally and internationally as the Chapter Co-Chair for Nigeria
  • Identified opportunities for chapter growth in membership, devised Association Chapter goals and roadmaps, and oversaw executive board members and committees to ensure effective functioning
  • Coordinated and led chapter operations and various activities, including designing and adopting the chapter logo and developing and implementing chapter by-laws
  • Monitored the progress of chapter goals and objectives, managed the activities of committees, and supervised the Treasurer and Co-Treasurer in executing financial responsibilities
  • Successfully increased the membership base from eight (8) to one hundred and three (103), establishing CAMS certification as a benchmark for professional compliance officers in Nigeria.

Senior Supervisor

Investigation Division of Monitoring and Enforcement Department, SEC
01.2011 - 03.2012
  • Supervised and coordinated subordinates' activities, providing effective leadership and guidance in the Monitoring Department of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria
  • Led investigations into reported suspicious activities and transitions, contributing to the identification and resolution of potential market malpractices and fraudulent activities
  • Successfully steered the sub-committee on the investigation of ethical and fraudulent practices of market operators, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in the capital market
  • Collaborated with inter-governmental agencies on investigating market malpractices, and served as Alternate Team Lead for a sub-committee, leading to comprehensive insights and successful conclusions in these initiatives.

Senior Supervisor

Investment Exchanges Department, Stock Exchanges Division, SEC
09.2006 - 02.2012
  • Represented the Commission in Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings (AGMs/EGMs) of publicly quoted companies, ensuring effective communication and representation of organizational interests
  • Reported proceedings of AGMs/EGMs of publicly quoted companies to senior management, providing comprehensive insights and updates on critical events within the capital market
  • Conducted detailed analysis of stock price movements on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, offering valuable insights for strategic decision-making and market evaluation
  • Spearheaded the development of templates for monitoring trading activities on the exchange, enhancing surveillance, and facilitating comprehensive investigations into reported suspicious activities and transactions.

Senior Clerk

Investment Exchanges Department, Stock Exchanges Division, SEC
09.2004 - 08.2006

Education

Master of Science - Economic Crime Management

Institute of Criminology, HELP University
01.2012 - 04.2014

Bachelor of Technology - Management Technology

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
01.1998 - 04.2003

Skills

  • Regulatory Compliance: Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
  • Presentation and Training
  • Investment Advisory Compliance
  • Basic Business Modeling
  • Regulatory Intelligence Gathering
  • Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Policies Implementation and Controls
  • AML Examination Coordination
  • Reporting and Documentation
  • Due Diligence Procedures
  • Training Program Development
  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Basic Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Affiliations

  • International Member, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Florida, USA, 2024
  • Associate Member and Chartered Administrator, Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria, 2010
  • Associate Member and Chartered Trustee, Institute of Chartered Trustees, Nigeria, 2005
  • Associate Member, African Business School (ABS), 2005

Custom

National Youth Empowerment Program, A preposition white paper developed for the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Negesti Sheba Associates, 2015, 2016

Timeline

Senior Manager/Compliance Programs Coordinator

Nigeria Capital Market Institute
06.2023 - Current

Senior Manager

Anti-Money Laundering Division, Monitoring Department, SEC
01.2021 - 06.2023

Manager/Government Regulatory Compliance

AML Division, Monitoring Department, SEC
01.2018 - 01.2021

Deputy Manager/Government Regulatory Compliance

AML Division, Monitoring Dept., SEC
01.2016 - 01.2018

Assistant Manager

Inspectorate Division, Monitoring Department, SEC
08.2014 - 12.2015

African Representative

Datasoft International Trustnet Chambers, BVI
01.2013 - 06.2014

External Representative

The Edcomm Group Bankers Academy, New York, USA
04.2012 - 12.2013

Master of Science - Economic Crime Management

Institute of Criminology, HELP University
01.2012 - 04.2014

Senior Supervisor

Investigation Division of Monitoring and Enforcement Department, SEC
01.2011 - 03.2012

Chapter Co-Chair

Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Florida, USA
01.2009 - 04.2012

Senior Supervisor

Investment Exchanges Department, Stock Exchanges Division, SEC
09.2006 - 02.2012

Senior Clerk

Investment Exchanges Department, Stock Exchanges Division, SEC
09.2004 - 08.2006

Bachelor of Technology - Management Technology

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
01.1998 - 04.2003
RAHMATU LAMI SHEIKH-LEMU