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Nikitha Ningappa Varma

@nikithaningappavarma

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Financial Crime Compliance Analyst specializing in AML/KYC, EDD, and sanctions/PEP screening to mitigate risk.

Canada

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a financial crime compliance role where I can own AML/KYC, EDD, and screening investigations, collaborate with stakeholders, and produce clear, regulator-ready reports—while growing controls, investigations, and risk outcomes.

I’m a Financial Crime Compliance Analyst with 3+ years of experience across commercial and retail banking, focused on identifying and mitigating financial crime risk. I specialize in AML/KYC, Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), transaction monitoring, and sanctions and PEP screening, with a strong emphasis on defensible investigations.

In my recent role, I conducted thorough AML name screenings for sanctions, negative media, and PEPs using specialized tools to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies. I evaluated complex matches, escalated high-risk cases using established escalation protocols, and prepared clear, comprehensive investigative reports for senior compliance leadership.

At HSBC, I performed EDD to reduce potential risk exposure by reviewing public records, news sources, and external databases for reputational concerns. I also implemented transaction monitoring procedures to detect and prevent fraudulent activity, proactively escalating potential risks per quarter and contributing to a 10% increase in timely investigations and mitigation actions.

Previously, as a CDD KYC Analyst, I improved customer data accuracy by 7% through meticulous documentation and periodic reviews of high-risk customer segments. Before entering financial crime compliance, I also worked as an IT Auditor at KPMG Global Services, strengthening my analytical rigor through end-to-end audits and risk assessment of IT general and application controls.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Financial Crime Compliance Specialist

AXA Global Business Services

Jan 2025 - Aug 2025 (7 months)

Conducted AML name screening for sanctions, negative media, and PEPs, assessing matches and escalating high-risk cases per established protocols. Performed Level 2 investigations, produced defensible investigative reports, and trained junior staff on AML screening best practices.

AML KYC Investigative Research Risk Assessment Case Management

Senior EDD Analyst

HSBC

Feb 2024 - Jan 2025 (11 months)

Performed enhanced due diligence (EDD) reviews on customers and transactions, escalating reputational and risk concerns to appropriate stakeholders. Improved timeliness of investigations and mitigation actions by 10% through proactive quarterly escalations and supported accurate risk rating via RM collaboration.

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)Transaction Monitoring Escalation Management World Check RDC Screening Tools

CDD KYC Analyst

HSBC

May 2022 - Jan 2024 (1 year 8 months)

Completed CDD/KYC screenings and documented customer information to improve data accuracy by 7%. Investigated AML transaction monitoring alerts, ensured timely escalation and resolution, and conducted periodic customer reviews across commercial, retail, HNWI/SCC/PEP segments.

KYC Customer Due Diligence Customer Escalation

IT Auditor

KPMG Global Services

Jun 2021 - Dec 2021 (6 months)

Performed end-to-end IT audit engagements, including planning, control testing, documentation, and issue identification across multiple client environments. Delivered audit reports with clear findings and recommendations to onshore teams in Chicago and Houston while supporting concurrent deadlines and risk assessments.

IT Audit Controls Testing Audit Planning Audit Reporting Risk Assessment IT General Controls

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

PESIT, Bengaluru

Bachelor of Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering

2014 - 2018

Activities and societies: Hosted 'Quarterly Awards' and participated in 'Impromptu Debate Competition'.

Earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunication Engineering at PESIT. Completed the program from 2014 to 2018.

Chetan PU College, Hubli

Pre-University

2012 - 2014

Completed pre-university studies at Chetan PU College from 2012 to 2014. Built skills across AML/KYC/CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, and sanctions/PEP screening.