Timileyin Akinbode

I’m a risk & compliance professional with deep expertise in conflict-sensitive due diligence, AML/CFT investigations, client onboarding, and regulatory compliance across legal and financial services. I’m trusted to perform conflict checks, KYC/EDD reviews, and sanctions/PEP screening, then translate complex findings into clear, decision-ready risk summaries. My focus is always on accurate risk assessments that support audit readiness and protect institutions from financial crime and reputational exposure.

At Western Union, I conduct high-volume transaction monitoring investigations across six African jurisdictions, analysing customer activity, transactional behaviour, and sanctions exposure to identify suspicious patterns requiring escalation. I perform CDD, KYC, and EDD for high-risk customers, including source of funds analysis, ongoing monitoring, and reputational risk assessments. I also collaborate with Compliance, Legal, Product, Operations, and Engineering teams to strengthen operational controls and improve monitoring effectiveness, while maintaining complete investigation documentation for regulatory and audit needs.

Previously as a Legal and Compliance Manager at Grandida LLC / Pureworker Nig. Ltd, I led corporate research, beneficial ownership reviews, and conflict-sensitive due diligence using CAC, PSC, and land registry searches. I developed and reviewed internal compliance policies, governance frameworks, onboarding procedures, and operational controls to improve risk management. I also liaised with regulators including CBN, NDIC, and EFCC, and I drafted and reviewed commercial agreements and compliance records while ensuring adherence to regulatory and anti-bribery obligations.

Earlier, as an Associate at Olaniwun Ajayi LP and a Trainee Associate at Chief FRA Williams Chambers, I strengthened my compliance foundation through AML/CFT and data protection comparative analyses, high-risk contract review, and AML/CFT audits. I drafted board documentation aligned with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020), monitored corporate filings for irregularities, and supported remediation and filings. I’ve also delivered training sessions to improve AML/CFT, data protection, and anti-fraud compliance knowledge—reinforcing my belief that strong compliance is both analytical and people-focused.