Barbara Brick is Ocean Bank’s executive vice president (EVP), director of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and compliance, heading all functions involved in compliance with the reporting of financial and policy regulations as well as the bank’s adherence to BSA, anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer compliance regulations. She has had a direct impact on three financial institutions being released from corresponding BSA Regulatory Consent Orders and Deferred Prosecution Agreements.

Brick joined Ocean Bank in 2011 as the AML/BSA officer. In 2018, she was promoted to senior vice president (SVP), director of BSA and compliance. In 2023, she was promoted to EVP, director of BSA and compliance.

Under Brick, the regulatory risk division of Ocean Bank monitors bank practices and directs its BSA and compliance policies and activities to ensure they conform to regulatory policies.

With 40 years of banking experience, she has also served as vice president (VP), AML/BSA compliance officer for Great Florida Bank and as VP, financial intelligence unit (FIU) manager for BankAtlantic.

Brick is a member of various organizations, including ACAMS and its ACAMS South Florida Chapter.

ACAMS Today (AT): What led you to a career in anti-financial crime (AFC)?

Barbara Brick (BB): In 2004, when I worked at BankAtlantic, I oversaw the ATM operations and ATM monitoring division for the bank. Before leading the ATM division, I oversaw many other operational areas of the bank that needed some “TLC” (tender loving care) and help to be productive. I was approached by senior management to assist with building the BSA department staff and procedures since the bank was expected to enter a cease-and-desist order for AML/BSA/Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance deficiencies. The bank hired a BSA officer from out of state and asked me to build the team, work with the law enforcement (LE) consultants and create procedures pending the BSA officer’s arrival. I thought this was a temporary function until I fell in love with AML/BSA and OFAC and was asked by the new BSA officer to stay on board as the FIU manager.

AT: Compliance stands within constantly evolving regulations. What has been your strategy in leading a successful compliance program?

BB: Always be open to and embrace change. Listen to those around you. These traits will allow you to be successful in any aspect of your life and work, regardless of whether it is in compliance or another function.

AT: With 40 years of banking experience, what inspired you to keep going forward in this industry?

BB: I fell in love with the BSA world because every day you learn something new. It never gets boring, and it stimulates my brain and keeps me hopping. Also, the fact that I can help LE in some way is very rewarding.

AT: What recommendations do you have for improving communication between the compliance department and other departments?

BB: It’s essential to be straight-forward and honest with all levels of the bank. It starts from the top down with a culture of compliance, and at Ocean Bank, the unwavering support that we receive from our board of directors and senior management is amazing. With a good culture of compliance, everyone understands what is necessary to meet AML/BSA and OFAC regulations and can be very focused and continue to grow the bank.

AT: What strategies helped you achieve a leadership position?

BB: I started 40 years ago in banking as a teller. I always wanted to get to the next level in all the positions I’ve held throughout my career. My strategy has been to learn everything I can about the person’s role above me so that I can achieve that position. I always asked a lot of questions and learned from mistakes made along the way. Without learning from those mistakes, I wouldn’t be in the role I am today.

AT: What advice would you give to the new generation of women who want to occupy leadership positions?

BB: Observe, learn and engage. I have had many leaders, both men and women, in my career. First, I observed those leaders’ traits and second, I determined what I liked or didn’t like about their management styles. Coupled with my personality to get along with all types of backgrounds, I created my management and leadership style that is consistent with how I would want to be treated as an employee or individual. I found that I wanted to keep my team engaged and excited about their work by encouraging participation and sharing information that would allow them to be part of the solution. I actively work to make the interactions with my team positive for everyone involved. My team has great ideas, and when everyone has a common goal or interest, the team works well together and achieves success both professionally and personally.

AT: What is the most valuable lesson you learned throughout your career?

BB: Be honest and don’t sugarcoat anything. AML/BSA and OFAC are tough areas in which to work. You need to have a thick skin and not let auditors and examiners or others get you frustrated. They are only doing their job. Be patient, straightforward, honest and kind.

Interviewed by: Karla Monterrosa-Yancey, CAMS, editor-in-chief, ACAMS, editor@acams.org