Welcome!
Victor Leal is an accomplished Internal Audit and Compliance Executive with over a decade of experience in the financial services and banking. Expert in risk management, BSA/AML compliance, fraud prevention, and ensuring regulatory adherence, including SOX and COSO frameworks. Proven track record of aligning audit strategies with organizational objectives while leveraging data analytics to optimize audit processes and enhance overall efficiency. Acknowledged for exceptional executive communication skills, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and implementing measurable improvements in internal control systems environments.
About Me
Professional Background
I am an experienced Internal Audit Executive with a strong focus on risk identification and process enhancement within the financial services sector. My analytical mindset and commitment to compliance have allowed me to lead teams in developing audit plans aligned with organizational objectives. I constantly seek opportunities for continuous learning and collaboration to improve operational efficiencies.
Experience
Professional Background
September 2023-Present
Internal Audit Executive
Safra Bank
I directed the audit process to ensure compliance with internal policies and industry standards while developing risk assessments and audit programs across all business lines to evaluate internal controls. I ensured compliance with bank policies and regulations, recommending improvements as necessary. Additionally, I reviewed the reliability of financial information and management reporting systems, prepared annual risk-based audit plans, and established standard audit programs for staff. I approved audit work papers and presented findings to the Audit Committee, highlighting any overdue items.
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Furthermore, I guided management in enhancing financial controls and resolved disagreements regarding audit findings. I monitored the resolution of audit issues to ensure timely actions on recommendations and liaised with external auditors to coordinate examinations and provide necessary reports. I was also involved in system development to integrate proper controls, conducted pre-implementation audits, and collaborated on audits of potential acquisitions while assisting in security investigations. Lastly, I reviewed compliance with ethical standards and banking laws and managed the audit staff while executing special projects as directed by the Audit Committee or CEO.
May 2022-December 2022
Paid Legal Intern
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Enforcement Division, Trial Unit, New York Office
I worked in the Trial Unit of the SEC's Enforcement Division in New York, enhancing governance and risk management in the financial sector. I focused on fraud investigations, particularly insider trading cases, organized legal documents and evidence, and appeared in court with SEC attorneys to support efforts in addressing financial misconduct.
June 2023-August 2023
Paid Legal Intern
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Enforcement Division, New York Office
I utilized my extensive knowledge in the financial services industry to assist in ongoing investigations involving financial crimes. My contributions included researching regulatory compliance and financial crime case law, which involved preparing memoranda that supported judicial decision-making in complex financial cases. Additionally, I participated in depositions and streamlined case docket management by implementing organized research processes, enhancing the court’s efficiency in handling compliance-related cases.
August 2015-August 2021
KPMG, LLP
I oversaw the comprehensive audit process, ensuring adherence to internal audit policies and industry best practices. My responsibilities encompassed risk-based audit programs, including operational audits, credit reviews, IT audits, and financial audits to evaluate internal control effectiveness.
I created annual risk-based audit plans with appropriate budget allocations and standardized audit protocols for staff according to Audit Manual guidelines. My duties involved reviewing audit documentation, including planning memos, risk matrices, test programs, and recommending enhancements.
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I monitored and ensured timely follow-up on outstanding audit and regulatory issues, verifying corrective actions. I coordinated external audits, maintaining comprehensive reporting and thorough information exchange. Furthermore, I engaged in the system development lifecycle for high-risk systems to integrate and test controls effectively.
August 2022-December 2022
Legal Intern
United States District Court for the District of Arizona
I conducted extensive research on regulatory compliance and case law, preparing memoranda that supported judicial decision-making in complex legal matters. Additionally, I enhanced case docket management by implementing organized research processes, which improved the court’s efficiency in addressing various legal issues before federal court.
September 2013-August 2015
Highbridge Capital Management
Collaborated with cross-functional teams (risk, operations, legal) to align compliance objectives with business goals, reducing operational risks and improving control alignment.
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Conducted audits across trading and portfolio management functions in Latin American markets, ensuring adherence to internal controls and BSA/AML frameworks. Identified control gaps and recommended improvements to compliance programs, which were adopted firm-wide.
May 2012-September 2013
Ernst & Young, LLP
Executed financial audits for banking and insurance clients, ensuring GAAP/IFRS compliance and robust internal control environments.
Enhanced client compliance with BSA/AML and financial crime prevention standards by refining internal audit procedures and control testing.
Education
Bachelors' of Arts
University of Massachusetts
GPA 3.97/4.0 – Summa Cum Laude
MBA in Finance
University of Massachusetts
GPA 3.8/4.0 – Summa Cum Laude
Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting
University of Massachusetts
Juris Doctor
Arizona State University
GPA 3.7/4.0 – Magna Cum Laude
Accomplishments
Recognitions
Efficiency Gains
Safra Bank
Optimized audit processes by 20% at Safra Bank via data analytics integration, improving fraud risk assessment accuracy and saving significant audit hours.
Compliance Impact
KPMG, LLP
At KPMG, client control deficiencies were reduced by 30% through enhanced risk assessments and targeted internal control improvements.
Strategic Audit Leadership:
KPMG, LLP
Successfully built and led internal audit teams in multiple organizations, consistently achieving high marks in regulatory reviews and audit committee evaluations.
Financial Crime Prevention
Highbridge Capital Management
Implemented new anti-fraud controls at Highbridge Capital, directly contributing to stronger BSA/AML compliance and a marked decrease in potential compliance breaches.