Pedro Infante’s journey in the world of compliance began over 13 years ago, with a pivotal role at the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS). As the Head of International Business and Head of LATAM, he was instrumental in establishing the Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS) credential, now considered the gold standard in anti-financial crime certification. His efforts also helped expand ACFCS’s presence to over 75 countries, a milestone that marked his growing influence in the industry.
Today, Pedro serves as the Chief Compliance Officer at MyBambu, bringing his extensive expertise in financial crime and compliance to the fintech industry. Reflecting on his motivation to enter the fintech space, he shares, “I wanted to be part of a fast-growing industry. I saw where digital banking was heading, and it gave me an exciting opportunity to help shape the future while ensuring things are done ethically and within regulations.”
Pedro’s diverse background in SaaS, sales, and marketing has equipped him with a unique perspective on compliance. “In sales and marketing, I learned how important it is to build trust and communicate clearly,” he says. His time in SaaS, on the other hand, taught him how to leverage digital tools to create compliance systems that are both efficient and scalable. With this varied experience, Pedro continues to find the right balance between innovation and responsibility, keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of fintech.
Building a Strong Foundation for Growth
MyBambu offers a range of financial solutions through mobile devices, making it easy and secure for customers to manage their finances. Pedro ensures that every aspect of the company’s operations adheres to regulatory standards, particularly in areas like BSA/AML (Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering) compliance. His role involves overseeing risk management, implementing compliance programs, conducting audits, and training employees to recognize and mitigate potential risks.
Balancing growth and compliance is crucial in the fast-evolving fintech landscape. Pedro collaborates closely with the business and product teams to ensure that MyBambu’s growth strategies are in line with regulatory expectations. “I don’t see compliance as a barrier. I see it as part of the foundation for sustainable growth,” he explains. By embedding compliance into day-to-day operations and strategic planning, Pedro helps the company innovate and expand while remaining fully compliant with the law.
The company’s mission to promote financial inclusion is at the heart of Pedro’s work. His efforts contribute directly to creating products and services designed for underbanked and underserved communities. “We want to provide these communities with the same financial tools and opportunities that others have access to,” he shares. His focus is to ensure these offerings are not only accessible and user-friendly but also safe and aligned with regulatory standards. By building trust and making compliance a priority, Pedro helps MyBambu expand its reach and positively impact financial inclusion.
A Compliance Framework That Powers Innovation
At MyBambu, compliance is supported by cutting-edge technology and a skilled team of over 30 compliance specialists who manage daily operations. From KYC (Know Your Customer) to CIP (Customer Identification Programs), Pedro leverages advanced systems to stay ahead of regulatory requirements. “We don’t cut corners—our systems and risk management rules are rigorously tested and monitored daily to ensure they meet the highest standards,” Pedro emphasizes. By partnering with top-tier vendors, MyBambu ensures that its KYC/CIP processes are both effective and compliant.
The compliance framework Pedro has built is robust, incorporating a risk-based approach, enhanced KYC procedures, real-time transaction monitoring, and digital fraud detection. Each of these elements works together to confirm user identities, prevent financial crime, and maintain regulatory compliance. Continuous staff training and regular audits further strengthen the company’s risk management strategy, allowing MyBambu to remain agile and responsive to regulatory changes.
“Effective KYC and CIP protocols are critical when serving the unbanked population,” Pedro notes. These processes help establish user identity, providing financial services safely and securely. They not only protect against fraud and financial crime but also build trust with customers by safeguarding their personal information. For MyBambu, implementing strong KYC and CIP measures enhances user confidence and broadens participation in the formal financial system, ultimately driving the company’s growth while maintaining a safe and secure environment for its customers.
Strengthening Compliance Through Training and Transparency
Ensuring the team is equipped to identify and report suspicious activities is a priority at MyBambu. Pedro has established a structured system for real-time monitoring and a robust reporting process. Regular updates keep the team informed about the latest regulations, and monthly live testing helps fine-tune the company’s risk management tools. This improves fraud detection accuracy, reducing false positives and increasing the effectiveness of SAIR (Suspicious Activity Incident Report) submissions. “The goal is to increase true positives and ensure we’re submitting accurate reports,” says Pedro.
Clear communication and teamwork are at the core of Pedro’s approach to compliance. He believes that fostering transparency and accountability helps teams work cohesively toward shared goals. Regular check-ins, continuous compliance training, and a strong risk-aware culture keep everyone focused and agile. “Ongoing feedback from the team is crucial for driving continuous improvement,” he shares. This collaborative mindset not only strengthens compliance but also helps teams stay aligned and proactive.
Adapting to a Changing Regulatory Landscape
Looking ahead, Pedro anticipates tighter regulations around data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital identity verification. He sees increased scrutiny on anti-money laundering (AML) compliance as a significant trend shaping the fintech industry. To stay ahead, MyBambu is proactively investing in advanced security measures, enhancing KYC and AML systems, and building flexibility into their compliance processes. “By staying proactive and continuously updating our processes, we ensure we’re prepared to meet these evolving regulatory challenges while remaining committed to serving the unbanked population,” Pedro emphasizes.
To ensure compliance doesn’t hinder innovation at MyBambu, Pedro integrates regulatory considerations from the very start of every new project. He encourages close collaboration between compliance and product teams to create solutions that are not only rule-abiding but also adaptable. This approach allows the company to innovate freely without sacrificing its commitment to compliance.
Pedro’s ongoing dedication to compliance excellence is driven by a strong background in financial crime prevention and compliance. He stays informed by attending international conferences, earning new certifications, and actively applying what he learns to daily operations. “Keeping up with the latest regulations and best practices allows me to guide my team effectively and stay ahead of emerging challenges,” he notes.
Scaling Compliance for a Growing Global Presence
As MyBambu expands its reach to serve more unbanked individuals, Pedro understands that the compliance function must evolve to keep pace. His vision is to build a scalable and adaptive compliance framework that can navigate diverse regulatory landscapes. This means integrating more advanced technology for automated monitoring, refining KYC processes, and enhancing risk management tools. “Our focus will be on building a more agile compliance team capable of balancing innovation and regulation,” Pedro explains. By doing so, MyBambu will be better positioned to serve a larger, global customer base while maintaining its commitment to compliance and trust.
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