STEPHEN HERBERT CMA FOUNDER & CEO
Stephen Herbert is a seasoned Governance, Risk, & Compliance consultant with a focus on delivering risk mitigation solutions to financial organizations. His primary role involves developing and executing independent quality assurance (QA) testing.
In recent years, Stephen served as a Senior Compliance Officer in AML Monitoring & Testing at Amerant Bank, N.A., based in South Florida. In this role, he played a vital part in overseeing BSA/AML/OFAC governance and regulatory compliance, conducting monitoring and testing based on risk assessments, audit findings, and OCC exam outcomes. Notably, he was recognized as the subject-matter expert on trade-based money laundering.
With over 30 years of banking experience, including board membership at The International Bank of Miami, N.A., Stephen brings a diverse and cross-functional background in executive-level operations and financial management. His career spans various corporate settings, entrepreneurial ventures, and international engagements across regions like SE Asia, Europe, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. This rich and global experience sets him apart, providing a unique perspective in the banking and commerce industries.
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Sir George Williams University and a Master of Business Administration Degree with honors, majoring in Finance, from Concordia University in Montreal. He also possesses the AMLCA Certification from the Florida Bankers' Association and Florida International University. Beyond his professional endeavors, he engages with the community, volunteering with the Miami-Dade Police Department and actively participating in educational and mentoring programs. His extensive expertise in finance and compliance continues to make a valuable impact in both the financial industry and the community.
ALBA PRESTAMO CMA ASSOCIATE
Alba Prestamo is a value-driven commercial banker who brings extensive expertise in leadership, organizational skills, corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Her record demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, successful financial audits, and adept crisis management.Â
She has held significant roles in notable financial institutions, including Banesco USA, where she served as the Chief Compliance and BSA Officer, managing BSA, Consumer Compliance, and Fraud Prevention units and actively engaging with regulatory agencies. At Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, she held the position of EVP Chief Administrator and Risk Officer, overseeing risk management and compliance, among other responsibilities. Additionally, she played a pivotal role as Acting CEO and president at The Bank of Miami, managing operations, ensuring compliance, and navigating the financial crisis.
Alba's educational background includes a Bank Executive MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, another Bank Executive MBA focusing on Commercial Banks Comptrollership from the University of Wisconsin, and a one-year credit school program at Citizens & Southern Bank. She holds a bachelor's degree in Math/Accounting from Florida International University, rounding out her strong academic foundation in finance and accounting.
RICARDO PEREZ-REINALDO CMA ASSOCIATE
Ricardo Perez-Reinaldo is a seasoned banker with a remarkable career spanning over 45 years. His expertise covers both domestic and international banking, encompassing operational, lending, deposit generation, senior management, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Ricardo's journey to banking began while attending college, working in the operations department of one of Florida's largest banks. After earning a bachelor's degree in finance from Florida Atlantic University, he joined a major bank holding company's credit training program, honing his skills in financial statement analysis.
Eager to use his Spanish language skills, Ricardo transitioned to international banking, focusing on Latin American markets and foreign corporations. He played a pivotal role in creating an International Credit Department and was promoted to trade finance lending officer. His overseas stint in Bogotá, Colombia, tripled credit line usage with no losses or reputation risks.
Ricardo's journey continued as he returned to Miami to assist in establishing a Miami Agency for a large Spanish bank, which became profitable faster than projected. He then entered the International Private Banking division and assumed leadership roles. In recent years, he has transitioned to providing consulting services to financial institutions, notably in the BSA/AML area, while enjoying time with family and traveling. His extensive banking career and leadership roles make him a respected figure in the industry.
EDWARD VIADERO CMA ASSOCIATE
Edward J. Viadero has a 47-year career in banking, having held officer positions primarily with international banks such as The International Bank of Miami, N.A., and Citizens and Southern International Bank, now part of Bank of America, N.A.
His extensive experience covered various aspects of banking, including bank operations, correspondent banking, and private banking. More recently, over the last 10 years, he transitioned into BSA/AML compliance and BSA/AML, serving as an independent consultant for Gibraltar Bank and as a Senior Investigator responsible for reviewing High-Risk classified accounts at Banesco USA.
Edward's educational background includes pursuing a degree in Business Administration at St. Norbert's College, and he is proficient in both Spanish and English.