Connie Fenchel is a Bates Strategic Advisor with more than 45 years of government and private sector experience in law enforcement, financial crimes, regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and sanctions. Her expertise includes independent reviews and investigations, risk assessments, domestic and international training, expert testimony, and AML program development and remediation.
Connie is a former Deputy Director in the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She led the FinCEN effort to administer the recordkeeping, reporting, and AML provisions of the BSA and USA PATRIOT Act. She has as well conducted numerous training seminars throughout the United States and internationally for law enforcement personnel, and the financial industry on money laundering. Connie has also led delegations to international conferences and multi-lateral meetings throughout the world. Before working at FinCEN, Connie has a lengthy career with the U.S. Customs Service in several senior-level positions.
Upon retirement from the government, Connie established AML Experts, Inc., an independent consulting firm assisting banks and non-banks in complying with AML laws and regulations. She has worked with hundreds of banks, credit unions, cryptocurrency companies, payment processors, money transmitters, precious metal dealers and others providing consultation and training.
Connie is active in various advocacy organizations and serves on several advisory boards for associations and financial companies.
Connie is a consultant and subject matter expert in these Practice Areas and Services:
- Regulatory & Internal Investigations
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AML & Financial Crimes
- Anti-Money Laundering
- Third Party Risk Management
- Internal Investigations
- Fraud & Risk Management
-
Compliance Solutions
- Anti-Money Laundering
- Bank Secrecy Act
- Compliance Testimony
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MSB, FinTech and Cryptocurrency
- MSB Consulting
- BSA/AML/OFAC Compliance
- Virtual and Cryptocurrency Compliance
Credentials
EXPERIENCE
Bates Group LLC, Strategic Advisor, 2022 - Present
AML Experts, Inc./Global Consulting Services, Inc., President, San Diego, CA/Washington, D.C., 2003 – Present
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Vienna, VA, 1999 – 2003; Deputy Director, Operations, 2002 – 2003; Executive Assistant Director, Law Enforcement Policy, 1999 – 2002
U.S. Customs Service, 1977 – 1999; Executive Director, Office of Investigations, Washington, D.C., 1996 – 1999; Assistant Director, Office of Investigations, Washington, D.C., 1993 – 1996; Special Agent in Charge, Office of Investigations, Dallas, TX, 1989 – 1993; Branch Chief, Office of Investigations, Washington, D.C., 1986 – 1989; Group Supervisor/Senior Special Agent/Special Agent, San Francisco, CA, 1977 – 1986
RELATED ACTIVITIES
- Serve as featured speaker at domestic and international conferences
- Serve as Head of U.S. Delegation at international conferences on money laundering
- Member of Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC)
- Former Member of the Senior Executive Service (SES)
EDUCATION
Master of Science (MS), Management, National Louis University, Washington, D.C.
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Criminal Justice (magna cum laude), University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/LICENSING
Member of Federal Law Enforcement Officers Associations
Member of National Center for Women and Policing
Member of Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists
Board Member, Anti-Money Laundering Association (AMLA)
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
International Training and Curriculum Development
Program Planning and Evaluations
Expert Witness Testimony
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Recipient of "Breaking the Glass Ceiling" Award, 2000 – 2001
- Recipient of eighteen special act/merit pay awards, 1978 – 2002
- Recipient of three Commissioner's Unit Citations, 1995 – 1997
- Recipient of Albert Gallatin Award for exemplary government service, 2003