May’s AML Professional of the Month was awarded to Shakil Ahmed, CAMS. Ahmed was recognized for his commitment to the anti-financial crime community worldwide. Ahmed is the head of audit and inspection at the National Bank of Pakistan in Islamabad where he supports and controls the implementation of anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) and audit procedures. Ahmed coordinates with AML and legal compliance units regarding all audit and compliance issues. In addition, he drafts analysis and opinions on audit and compliance risks. Ahmed has worked in mid- to high-management roles as general manager of business and general manager of credit administration. Out of his 24 years of service, 15 of those have been in audit, risk management, credit and AML/CTF. His experience has taken him overseas, traveling half the globe to meet with regulatory bodies on AML compliance issues. In 2007, he had a long interaction with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). In 2010, he was assigned to assist the National Bank of Pakistan on its New York operations where he gained experience interacting with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and PwC. Last year, in 2018 Ahmed headed a team of internal auditors to brief HKMA on AML/CTF issues of the National Bank of Pakistan on its Hong Kong operations. He is a—self-proclaimed—banker by profession yet literature lover by soul. Ahmed has a master’s degree in English literature, a bachelor’s degree in economics, banking and finance, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance.

Do you have a mentor who has actively influenced your anti-money laundering (AML) career path in a positive way? Does someone in your network exemplify excellence in AML? Recognize their commitment: Nominate them for ACAMS AML Professional of the Month.