David Y. Lee, CAMS

David is the Global Head of Sanctions and Screening at Payoneer. Previously, David was Circle Internet Financial Global Head of Sanctions and Secretary of the Risk & Compliance Committee.  Previously, David spent nearly 20 years in the U.S. Government as a national security and Asia expert, where he most recently served in the State Department as Deputy Political Counselor leading Strategic Affairs, Sanctions, Counterterrorism, and Nonproliferation at the UN Security Council for the United States.

David is a seasoned expert at the nexus of international finance, technology, and global security. He leverages emerging technologies to streamline cross-border financial operations, trade, and humanitarian aid—while mitigating risks posed by sanctioned and illicit actors. With over two decades of experience spanning government, fintech, and crypto, he specializes in sanctions compliance, AML/CFT, CPF, and geopolitical risk management. David brings a strong background in strategic policy, crisis response, and global development, with deep regional expertise in Northeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. David is multilingual, a tech enthusiast, gamer, and creative thinker with experience in diplomacy, nonproliferation, and international military affairs.