Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
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Languages
Personal Information
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
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KATERINA GAYDADZHIEVA-GRIGOROVA

KATERINA GAYDADZHIEVA-GRIGOROVA

SOFIA,Bulgaria

Summary

Seasoned legal and compliance professional with experience in financial regulatory law, specializing in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT). Proven expertise in leading enterprise-wide AML/CFT risk assessments, developing robust compliance policies, and delivering strategic legal guidance to ensure alignment with international standards and national regulations. Adept at designing and executing comprehensive training programs to foster a strong compliance culture, and experienced in managing internal and regulatory audits with a focus on transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. A trusted advisor to senior leadership with a strong track record of embedding legal risk management into core business practices while safeguarding the institution's regulatory standing and reputation.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Chief Legal Advisor – Compliance Dept. (AML/CFT)

DSK Bank AD
Sofia, Bulgaria
04.2025 - Current

1. AML/CFT Risk Assessment

  • Lead comprehensive AML/CFT risk assessments across all business lines, customer segments, and product offerings.
  • Identify emerging money laundering and terrorist financing threats and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to embed a risk-based approach in day-to-day operations and decision-making.

2. Policy Development and Implementation

  • Oversee the development, review, and continuous enhancement of internal AML/CFT policies, procedures, and control frameworks.
  • Ensure all policies reflect up-to-date regulatory requirements and international standards (e.g., FATF, EU directives).
  • Provide legal interpretation and guidance on complex regulatory issues affecting the bank's AML/CFT compliance posture.

3. AML/CFT Compliance Training

  • Design, implement, and supervise comprehensive AML/CFT training programs tailored to various levels of staff, including executive management and frontline employees.
  • Ensure ongoing staff education to maintain awareness of current regulations, typologies, and internal responsibilities.
  • Support a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the organization.

4. Auditing and Reporting

  • Act as the primary legal liaison for internal, external, and regulatory audits or examinations concerning AML/CFT matters.
  • Oversee the preparation of periodic compliance and risk assessment reports for senior management and governing bodies.
  • Monitor regulatory trends and provide strategic legal advice to anticipate and manage regulatory change.

Legal advisor

DSK Bank AD
Sofia, Bulgaria
07.2022 - 03.2025

- Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify, assess and monitor AML/CFT risks across business lines and products.
- Policy development and implementation - developing and updating internal AML/CFT rules, policies, procedures and controls to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
- AML/CFT compliance training - developing and delivering AML/CFT compliance training programes to employees at all levels, ensuring a thorough understanding of regulations and responsibilities.
- Auditing and reporting - assisting with internal, external and regulatory audits and examinations related to AML/CFT. Prepare regular reports on compliance activities and risk assessment for senior management and relevant stakeholders.

Anti-Money Laundering Specialist

DSK Bank AD
Sofia, Bulgaria
09.2021 - 07.2022

- Investigate, analyse and report suspicious transactions/activities to regulatory authorities in accordance with applicable laws.
- Transaction Monitoring - Manage transaction monitoring, including setting up alerts and conducting investigations into suspicious patterns or transactions.

- Conduct ongoing transaction monitoring to identify unusual or suspicious activities.
- Review and analyze alerts generated by AML monitoring systems.
- Investigate customer activity to assess potential money laundering or terrorist financing risk.
- Prepare Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and submit them in a timely manner to regulatory authorities.
- Stay up to date with AML laws, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.
- Support internal audits and regulatory examinations.

Vendor Debit Desk Process Lead

Ingram Micro Bulgaria
10.2020 - 08.2021
  • Lead the identification, analysis and optimisation of critical financial processes, driving efficiency, effectiveness and continuous improvement.
    - Process Mapping & Analysis - Conduct in-depth analysis of existing financial processes to identify areas for improvement, potential bottlenecks and opportunities for automation.
    - Process Improvement - developing and implementing strategies to streamline, simplify and optimise financial processes while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and internal controls.
    - Solution Design & Implementation - Lead the design and implementation of new processes, systems or tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the Finance Tower.
    - Change Management - Develop and execute change management plans to effectively communicate and implement process changes, ensuring smooth transitions and user adoption.
    - Team Collaboration - Work closely with cross-functional teams within Finance and other departments to identify process improvement opportunities and align process changes with broader organisational goals.
    - Metrics and Reporting - Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process efficiency, effectiveness and impact. Prepare regular reports and presentations on process improvement initiatives and results.
    - Continuous Improvement - Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within the Finance Tower by encouraging team members to identify and propose process improvements.
    - Project Management - Manage and monitor process improvement projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets and quality standards.

Vendor Debit Desk Back End Specialist

Ingram Micro Bulgaria
06.2018 - 09.2020

Resolving vendor debit balances, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring timely and accurate payments to suppliers.
- Investigate and resolve debit balances- Review vendor statements, invoices and payment records to identify and resolve debit balances.
- Communicate effectively with vendors to clarify discrepancies, obtain necessary documentation, and resolve outstanding issues.
- Reconciliation - Reconcile vendor statements to company records to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
- Process vendor invoices and ensure timely payment based on established policies and procedures.
- Data Entry and Maintenance - Maintain accurate records of vendor debit balances, payment history and communication logs in the accounting system.
- Problem Solving - Analyse and troubleshoot complex debit balance issues, working with internal teams to resolve root causes.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls and relevant financial regulations.
- Reporting - Prepare and submit regular reports on vendor debit balances, resolution progress and any trends or issues identified.

Vendor Debit Desk Front End Specialist

Ingram Micro Bulgaria
06.2016 - 05.2018

- Data Gathering - Collect and verify supporting documentation from vendors (e.g. invoices, proofs of delivery, credit memos) to support debit resolution.
- Process Automation - Leverage existing tools and systems to streamline the debt resolution process, including automating repetitive tasks and data entry.

Trainee lawyer

"Student Practices" to Ministry of Education and Science
07.2013 - 09.2013
  • Company Overview: Legal
  • Working with clients
  • Preparation of draft contracts, powers of attorney and other documents
  • Legal

Sales consultant

Flash Group Ltd.
Plovdiv
06.2011 - 08.2011
  • Company Overview: Trade
  • Customer Service
  • Preparation of contracts for provision of mobile services
  • Trade

Cashier

Lukoil Bulgaria
09.2009 - 11.2009
  • Company Overview: Trade
  • Customer Service
  • Trade

Education

ISCED-3А - English language

English language school Plovdiv
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
09.2004 - 05.2009

First Certificate in English - undefined

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

Master Degree of Law - Law

Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski"
Bulgaria
09.2009 - 05.2015

Skills

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power Point
  • International Humanitarian Law
  • Financial crime investigations
  • KYC procedures knowledge
  • Leadership competencies
  • Terrorist financing awareness
  • Decision-Making efficiency
  • Policy creation and implementation
  • AML regulations knowledge

Languages

Bulgarian
Native
English
Advanced (C1)

Personal Information

  • Date of birth: 10/15/90
  • Nationality: Bulgarian

Affiliations

  • Reading & Literature – Passionate about exploring diverse genres, from legal and financial literature to contemporary fiction, to broaden perspectives and enhance critical thinking.
  • Camping & Outdoor Adventures – Regularly engage in camping trips that foster self-sufficiency, planning skills, and a strong appreciation for the outdoors.
  • Hiking & Nature Exploration – Enjoy long-distance hikes and mountain trails, valuing the mental clarity and resilience that nature brings.

Accomplishments

    Medal of Honor for Best Junior volunteer of Bulgarian Red Cross

    Medal of Honor for Best Senior volunteer of Bulgarian Red Cross

Timeline

Chief Legal Advisor – Compliance Dept. (AML/CFT)

DSK Bank AD
04.2025 - Current

Legal advisor

DSK Bank AD
07.2022 - 03.2025

Anti-Money Laundering Specialist

DSK Bank AD
09.2021 - 07.2022

Vendor Debit Desk Process Lead

Ingram Micro Bulgaria
10.2020 - 08.2021

Vendor Debit Desk Back End Specialist

Ingram Micro Bulgaria
06.2018 - 09.2020

Vendor Debit Desk Front End Specialist

Ingram Micro Bulgaria
06.2016 - 05.2018

Trainee lawyer

"Student Practices" to Ministry of Education and Science
07.2013 - 09.2013

Sales consultant

Flash Group Ltd.
06.2011 - 08.2011

Master Degree of Law - Law

Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski"
09.2009 - 05.2015

Cashier

Lukoil Bulgaria
09.2009 - 11.2009

ISCED-3А - English language

English language school Plovdiv
09.2004 - 05.2009

First Certificate in English - undefined

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
KATERINA GAYDADZHIEVA-GRIGOROVA