The CAMS Scholarship - Africa

Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Mastercard, ACAMS Advisory Board Member and Chief Judge

Howard R. Fields manages the global compliance team responsible for the enterprise ethics and compliance programs including business conduct and ethics, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering (AML) and economic sanctions. He also oversees the internal investigations of employee fraud and misconduct related to violations of law and company policy.

Prior to joining Mastercard, Mr. Fields was with GE Capital for 12 years in various senior compliance officer roles, including deputy chief compliance officer for both GE Capital Solutions and GE Capital America, AML Counsel, and Compliance Leader – Financial Crimes Compliance Group. Previously, Mr. Fields practiced White Collar Criminal defense for Wiggin & Dana, LLP and prior to that he was an enforcement attorney with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Serving as the Chief Judge for ACAMS AFC Scholarship in Africa was an honor and privilege to see the immense passion and expertise showcased by applicants continent-wide. Each candidate presented a compelling case for their inclusion, demonstrating a deep commitment to combating financial crime. As we welcome the chosen scholars into our community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Your journey toward mastering compliance roles begins here, enriched not only with knowledge but also with the camaraderie of fellow professionals. Let us forge ahead together, united in our pursuit of excellence and integrity in the field."

Senior Communications Specialist at ACAMS

Nisha Harichandran is a member of the communications team at ACAMS, the world’s largest mission-driven membership organization dedicated to ending financial crime. She leads internal communications, social impact and DEI initiatives at ACAMS and has been championing the ACAMS scholarship program that spotlights and supports the career needs of BIPOC and under-represented professionals to receive world-class qualifications.

"ACAMS Scholarships is going to its fourth year, and I am proud to have been part of this journey since its inception. Education fuels empowerment, and this program opens doors, breaks barriers and allows diverse perspectives to flourish. Congratulations to all the winners! As you make waves in the space, keep championing the talent and community around you."

Regional Manager – Africa at ACAMS

Wandile Mngadi's extensive experience and understanding of the financial systems and its challenges in combating financial crime in Africa has allowed him to strategically partner with organizations from the public and private sectors across the continent.

With a career spanning 17 years, Wandile has expertise in risk management, balance sheet management, credit and market risk, account management, AFC compliance, and regulatory affairs. Prior to ACAMS, he served across a multitude of organizations including Standard Bank, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Africa Trading Refinitiv and the Central Bank of Swaziland. Passionate about sharing his knowledge and insights, Wandile promotes a culture of compliance and integrity within the region.

“Being chosen as a panellist for the ACAMS Scholarship Africa was an honour that aligns with my dedication to diversity and inclusion. The applications showcased a wealth of dedication, knowledge and ambition from AFC professionals across the region, making the selection process incredibly challenging. Congratulations to the successful candidates; your dedication and expertise promise a brighter future for the AFC industry. To those not selected, remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. Your determination and passion are the true drivers of success. Keep striving, for your journey is just beginning."

Co-Chair, East Africa Chapter (Kenya) at ACAMS

Mrs. Hilda Gituro started her banking career in Kenya in 1998. She is currently the Head of Compliance & Combating Financial Crime at Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited, a banking institution listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and regulated inter-alia by the Central Bank of Kenya and Capital Markets Authority. Hilda assumed her current role in January 2010 where she was instrumental in establishing the Compliance Risk Management Framework.

She is a member of the Kenya Bankers Compliance Committee which looks at existing and emerging compliance and financial crime risks in the banking industry and how to mitigate them. Hilda has also previously served on the Board of Trustees Mater Hospital-Kenya. She has consulted for the Government of Kenya during the National Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment and is an advocate for public-private partnerships which would significantly enhance the fight against financial crime on a national and global scale.

“The CAMS Scholarship Africa selection process was an exciting and engaging process which involved reviewing applicants from across Africa that showcased a genuine passion for combating financial crime. The applicants were assessed on their expertise and had to provide a solid case as to why they should be “one among” the successful applicants. The knowledge gained shall not only add value to each applicant from a skills perspective but also equip them with practical guidance to effectively execute their compliance roles. I would like to wish all the successful applicants my best wishes as they begin this journey and look forward to having them network with the other ACAMS professionals.”

Board Member, South Africa Chapter at ACAMS

Kashnie Naidoo is the founder and CEO of Crescent Compliance Solutions, a bespoke software and compliance consulting company. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge spanning over two decades, a significant portion of which (ten years), was in a senior market regulation role at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) giving her a unique combination of hands-on market experience and a deep understanding of its regulatory intricacies. She has successfully constructed and overseen compliance programs for various financial institutions and exchanges, offering invaluable advice on managing compliance risks and matters related to AML/CTF to exchanges, stockbrokers and industry bodies and has been a strategic compliance partner to multiple management teams.

She has played an integral role in multiple leadership teams, providing invaluable insights on legislative changes at both the country level (pertaining to financial markets and AML) and in international contexts.

She is passionate about fostering positive transformation within the South African AML/CFT landscape and effecting meaningful change.

“Being a judge on the ACAMS Africa Scholarship Program has been a humbling and inspirational experience. It has opened my eyes to the hunger for knowledge and specialisation, and the abundant talent we have on the African continent. Contributing towards the betterment and growth of individuals in the industry, who showcase remarkable talent, drive, and ambition, has been a true pleasure. Together, let us continue to empower and uplift, igniting the flames of excellence across our diverse and vibrant continent.”