• In this new initiative, ACFCS engages the fincrime compliance community for wisdom and practical insights on how to enter and rise in a fulfilling, but demanding and ever changing, field.
• For this tip, we travel to Moldova, and go back in time more than 2,000 years to a Latin proverb that is as relevant now as it was back then: “Fortune favors the brave.” An idea that has taken root in Moldova as it battles corruption and money laundering scandals from within and without that have ensnared the banking sector.
• The tacit meaning for financial crime compliance professionals: When it comes to learning, be fearless. As for connecting with others, Be bold. As for the power of shifting public perception you have gone from student to master: Be prolific in sharing on social media to get your name, and brand, out there.

By Brian Monroe
bmonroe@acfcs.org
June 1, 2021

With minor edits by ACFCS VP of Content, Brian Monroe

In this new initiative, ACFCS engages the fincrime compliance community for wisdom and practical insights on how to enter and rise in a fulfilling but demanding and everchanging field.

We are asking minds across the spectrum and around the world of compliance officers, regulators and investigators to share some of their secrets to success.

Some of the questions: How can you take the first steps launching a career in the midst of a pandemic? And for those already working, how can you continue to develop professionally and take it to the next level?

For this tip, we travel to Moldova, and go back in time more than 2,000 years to a Latin proverb that is as relevant now as it was back then: “Fortune favors the brave.”

The tacit meaning for financial crime compliance professionals: When it comes to learning, be fearless.

Find the areas where you are weak, and engage in training sessions on broad trends, specific red flags and niche skill sets.

As for connecting with others and collecting a bit of their knowledge: Be bold.

Find the highest and best sources, most experienced professionals, and let them know you are hungry to learn and eager to capture and share that insight to better fight all forms of financial crime.

As for how best to let the community know of your passion, fervor and fury, don’t be shy.

Be prolific in sharing, using and musing on as many social media platforms as possible to get your name out there – and hopefully on the radar of recruiters, thought leaders and public and private operations to help you rise in your career.

This advice is even more critical in Moldova, which in recent years has been rocked by billion-dollar corruption and money laundering scandals ensnaring, and later causing the implosion, of three of the country’s banks.

The frustration against rampant graft and the rising political machinations of Russia has boiled over during a pandemic-pummeled 2020 with nationwide protests calling for stronger defenses against influence-peddling – and interference by felonious foreign power brokers.

Name: Artur Golban

Organization: Victoriabank        

Title: AML Officer

Country: Moldova

What initially attracted you to the world of financial crime prevention? What keeps you here now?

The world of financial crime prevention attracted me because by identifying suspicious transactions, activities and behavior, we contribute to the ecology of the World’s financial system to become cleaner and to prevent activities which could harm people’s [physical and financial] health and integrity.

How did you overcome the experience gap for those new to their industry, field or country?

I continuously enhance my knowledge participating in various trainings in AML/CFT.

I very much like the exchange of experience, especially with people who have worked a long period of time in this domain. Learning from people is the most precious thing when they share their experience and knowledge on different cases.

What’s your advice to someone just starting out in the industry and wondering how to chart their career path?

I would advise for newcomers to be patient, to be calm and to use all the possibilities for increasing their experience in the domain.

Try to learn from people who have experience and to make friends from the same area of activity, to share experience and to receive knowledge/experience, to be openminded because combatting financial crimes is the common goal.

Any advice or suggestions for job-seeking during the pandemic?

To be patient, to use all the possibilities to increase the knowledge through virtual trainings and at the same time, to participate in virtual interviews, [webinars and events] in AML and [other compliance areas, to broaden your understanding and see the bigger picture].

Also, don’t be shy in using social media for job seeking. Be brave because fortune favors the brave.  

Any other thoughts or guidance on getting started in fincrime careers to share?

Financial crime is a very interesting area of activity. It fascinates me.

I hope that everybody to find himself comfortable in this area, it helps people, it saves lives and   to start a career in this domain is a very good choice, because you are contributing at preventing and combatting AML/CFT phenomenon which is continuously evolving.

Get involved in sharing your career tips: How It Works

Each quarter, ACFCS is asking its members for advice on various aspects of fincrime careers, from getting your foot in the door to finding a mentor.

This quarter, we’re focused on guidance for launching a career – everything from what motivated you to seek out a role in fincrime prevention, to where you’re seeing hiring opportunities and more.

We’ll gather responses and share them back with our member community. Three participants will receive one year of complimentary ACFCS members (added to your existing membership for current members).

To learn more and submit your tips, click here.