Crypocurrency Subject Matter Expert

Joe is the Founder of BitAML, a compliance advisory firm exclusively serving the bitcoin and digital currency market. BitAML clients include bitcoin ATM operators, exchanges, traders and trading platforms, crypto-cannabis solutions, altcoins, ICOs and ICO platforms. 

Prior to launching BitAML, Joe was a founding member and architect of the BSA/AML program of a top 100 U.S.-based online financial institution. He also served as a project manager for a top 20 global bank, where he led several regulatory and AML audit remediation projects, and consulted on the enhancement of existing procedures for banking money services businesses (MSBs). Before entering the field of BSA/AML, Joe held leadership positions within various risk management disciplines, including vendor due diligence, fraud prevention, and corporate investigations.

He is a frequent guest speaker at both bitcoin and compliance industry events, and regularly consults with policymakers and law enforcement, as well as traditional retail and investment bankers on both digital currency technology and customer onboarding. Joe enjoys volunteering his time with the non-profit, student-led Blockchain Education Network, and serving as an advisor to the Illinois Blockchain Initiative, a collaborative interagency effort to promote innovations in blockchain and distributed ledger technology in Illinois.

Past Experience:

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• Developed and scaled a suite of AML compliance solutions for digital currency startups. Solutions included a customizable turnkey AML risk assessment; BSA/AML program; AML training module; KYC policy; transaction monitoring; independent AML audits; and, ancillary and other support services for day-to-day compliance responsibilities.

• Invented a web-based SaaS application that enables digital currency startups to analyze and track internal compliance policies and procedures. Patent pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

• Served as digital currency regulatory, compliance subject matter expert for the Association of Certified Financial Crimes Specialists (ACFCS); Blockchain Education Network (BEN); State of Illinois, Illinois Blockchain Initiative; and, several law enforcement agencies and traditional financial institutions.

• Served as Advisor to a digital currency-based payment, e-commerce, and customer loyalty system for the legalized cannabis industry supply chain from seed-to-sale.

Specializing in:

• Emerging High-Risk Industries

• Crypto-Currency

• Fintech Payments

• Bitcoin

• Legalized Marijuana

• Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Report Writing and QA

• Money Services Businesses (MSBs)

• Cash Intensive Businesses (CIBs)

• Non-Bank Private Label ATMs

• Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)

• Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI)

• Entities with Cross-Border Transactions

Experienced in:

• Regulatory Competencies: BSA; FCRA; OFAC; USA PATRIOT Act; and, TILA

• Suspicious Activity Monitoring & Reporting

• Design and Developing Research Testing Strategies & Methodologies

• Development, Consultative & Instructional Support of Negative Media Functionality

• BSA Training

• Know Your Customer

Certifications:

• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

• Anti-Money Laundering Certified Associate (AMLCA)

• Northeastern University, College of Criminal Justice.

• Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Corporate Investigations - Cooperative Education Program