Employee Stories

Crystal Alfonso

My career journey

Tell us about your career journey so far?

I started my banking career as a Member Service Representative (Teller) at a credit union in New York City. During that time, I was also a fulltime student and received my associate degree in accounting in 2011. Thereafter I enrolled at John Jay College of Criminal Justice where I received my Bachelor of Science in Economics Crime, Specialisation of Financial Crime Investigations in 2013.

I was then promoted at the credit union to the Compliance Department where I filed my very first suspicious activity report (SAR). I moved into the retail banking space and gained experience in both anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud investigations. I eventually moved into the AML/ Know Your Customer (KYC) Business Banking department where decisions were made to retain or exit business banking client relationships that were involved in multiple SAR filings.

Finally, I joined Standard Chartered in February 2019 as an AML Investigator where I worked in many workstreams within the Investigations unit including Detection Scenario, Continued Activity Reporting, Legal & Regulatory Response Group and the Intelligence group under the Consortium unit. I accomplished receiving my anti-money laundering specialist certification (ACAMs) in 2020 and was promoted to Senior AML Investigator in 2021, then to Team Lead. With nearly 15+ years of experience in the industry, I was promoted again to Senior Manager of the AML Investigations unit based in Tampa, Florida.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Take every opportunity that comes your way!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?

Staying on top of AML trends as criminals find new ways to launder illicit funds.

If you didn’t do the job you do now, what would be your other career choice?

My other career choice would have been to be a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent in the financial crime unit or white collar crime unit.

What drew you to a career in banking?

I’ve always envisioned myself in the banking industry. I enjoy working with numbers and identifying flow of funds. Math was my best subject.

What’s been your most memorable experience with Standard Chartered?

The most memorable experiences I’ve had thus far would be the holiday parties and summer picnics. My family and I look forward to these events every year. The bank does a great job with building culture and moral.

Could you use three words to describe life at Standard Chartered?

Rewarding, Balanced, Inspiring  

What’s the best thing about working for Standard Chartered?

The on-going support of promoting a healthy work/life balance has been prominent. Flexible work arrangements are crucial for working parents/care takers.

What makes working at Standard Chartered unique?

The people. Standard Chartered has a diverse environment that embodies and celebrates cultures from all around the world.

Give us an example of how you live by Standard Chartered’s values

Doing the right thing – acknowledging unusual activity and reporting it

Better together – promote team building events and volunteer events

Never settle – strive for excellence and continuous improvement

What advice or hints and tips, would you give to someone looking to work at Standard Chartered?

My advice would be to do your research on the roles you are applying for and on the bank itself. Stay persistent and patient.

How should someone prepare for an interview with Standard Chartered?

Be sure to do your research on the role and the bank.

What’s your professional and personal goal for 2025?

My professional goal is to be promoted to Executive Director/Managing Director for the Tampa site. My personal goal is to travel more.

How do you like to spend your free time?

My free time is spent with family. My daughters are involved in sports so there is little down time for other things when I’m outside of work.

Is there anything people don’t know about you?

While I was in college, I worked at a Sanrio retail store in Times Square where I discovered my obsession with Hello Kitty.   

Are there any skills you’re trying to learn?

Pottery has been something I’ve been wanting to learn. I like to be creative, and painting was something I picked up while I was in college.

What’s the best part of your daily routine? Tell us something people don’t know about you?

Connecting with my team in the office. I enjoy speaking with them in person rather than remotely.