Carrier: GRC, fraud prevention, growth, performance-based mindset, Passion: Gaming, reading, photography, AI
Nizar Hezhaz
ICO | Risk & Fraud Manager | Compliance
Sofia
Summary
FINTECH & CRYPTO | BUILDING REGULATED COMPANIES
FINANCE | RISK & FRAUD MANAGER | INTERNAL CONTROLS OFFICER | DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKER WITH TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Risk & FRAUD mitigation and prevention with over 7 years of cross-functional experience in financial services, fraud detection, data analysis, and technical operations.
Senior Affiliate account manager with over 4 years experience in igaming affiliate management. Data driven to focus on growth in terms of FTDs, total player value, retained value, Romi value and more. Worked in tier 1 markets, MENA and LATAM. Conduct fraud analysis of affiliate players, payments though dedicated software, assist internal audits and legal department in contract signing of new B2B deals. Conduct from start to finish the full deal, allocate budget for test or progressive scaling.
Insightful Manager with experience directing and improving operations through effective employee motivational strategies and strong policy enforcement. Proficient in best practices, market trends and regulatory requirements of industry operations. Talented leader with analytical approach to business planning and day-to-day problem-solving.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Internal Control Officer
GRX Europe
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Act as primary client liaison during internal audits.
- Ensured timely resolution of regulatory issues by closely tracking action plans and following up with responsible parties until completion.
- Evaluated effectiveness of IT controls through regular testing, identifying gaps, and recommending enhancements to mitigate risks associated with data integrity issues.
- Facilitated open communication between management and staff regarding internal control matters, promoting transparency in decision-making processes.
- Maintain compliance for MiCA, GDPR licenses. Establish workflow based on ISO 27001, 27701, 22301, 42001, 31000, 37301, 9001.
- Prepared and presented clear and concise audit reports and documentation.
- Assisted with progress reporting to management.
- Reduced instances of fraud and error by establishing robust monitoring systems and ensuring strict adherence to company policies.
- Provided training on internal controls best practices, fostering a culture of accountability throughout the organization.
- Assisted senior management in evaluating potential acquisitions by performing due diligence reviews focused on assessing risks and controls environments.
- Improved internal control processes by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing effective recommendations.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to discuss progress towards achieving control objectives, addressing any concerns or roadblocks as needed.
- Identified areas for improvement in financial reporting through meticulous review of documentation and procedures.
- Performed risk analyses to identify appropriate security countermeasures.
- Conducted security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Fraud Manager
Sofia Stars
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Own fraud strategy and day-to-day operations across KYC, deposits/withdrawals, bonus abuse, collusion and ATO for licensed iGaming brands
- Build SQL/Power BI dashboards to monitor fraud-to-sales and chargeback-to-sales ratios (TC40/TC15) and surface emerging threats in real time
- Coordinate scheme and PSP compliance (VAMP/VRP), prepare audit evidence and manage responses to scheme inquiries
- Lead end-to-end investigations, compile evidence packages, liaise with law enforcement and pursue recovery actions when applicable
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
Founder & Professional Photographer
Ndphotography.eu
09.2018 - Current
- Founded a photography business specializing in portraits, fashion, and commercial product photography
- Delivered services to high-end fashion clients including local Bulgarian brands, managing creative direction and post-production
- Successfully built a brand identity and online client acquisition strategy through SEO and social media
- Designed and executed marketing and sales strategies to support expansion into Middle Eastern markets
- Spearheaded affiliate campaigns via influencer partnerships and SEO-enhanced web content for the gambling and gaming sector
- Supported local payment integration, optimized KPI tracking, and ensured cross-departmental coordination for promotional execution
- Played a key role in business development and revenue growth by aligning marketing outreach with regional consumer behaviors
Senior affiliate manager
WinWin media group (igaming)
07.2024 - 01.2026
- Lead hunting, lead generation 20 per day.
- Assist with onboarding, deal listing, terms of contract, postback integration and payment.
- Streamlined reporting processes for improved data accuracy and quicker decision-making capabilities.
- Fraud prevention, Fraud analysis of affiliate traffic.
- Payment handling with interdepartmental collaborations such as internal audit.
- Cohort analysis, powerBI and excel.
- Cultivated a supportive community amongst affiliates by organizing events such as webinars, meet-ups, or conferences promoting collaboration among members of the network.
- Developed targeted promotional materials for affiliates, enhancing brand messaging and increasing conversion rates.
- Negotiated favorable commission structures with partners to maintain a competitive edge within the industry.
- Collaborated with internal teams such as marketing, legal, finance, and product development to execute successful campaigns seamlessly.
- Assessed affiliate performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and tailored action plans for improvement as necessary.
- Enhanced partner relationships through consistent communication and support, resulting in long-term collaborations.
Risk Monitoring - Banking (Acquiring and Issuing)
Paynetics AD
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Reporting, SQL queries and data analysis
- Fraud prevention, ATO investigation
- Streamlined garnishment enforcement procedures, resulting in significant time savings and improved accuracy in financial reporting
- Automation of systems, reports and processes
- Monitoring acceptance rates with PSPs
- Ensured compliance with Visa and MasterCard's VAMP and VIRP requirements by effectively communicating with over 2000 merchants within 3 months, reducing non-compliance incidents
- Executed termination of non-compliant merchants, issuing formal notifications within 2 weeks, enhancing compliance rates and reducing risk exposure
- Assessed risk for newly on-boarded merchants, implementing sanction checks and compliance measures enhancing overall risk management
- Assist in various audits from regulatory institutions and schemes
- Assist law enforcement agencies with investigations (Financial crime prevention and apprehension)
- Responsibilities that encompass data cleaning, database maintenance, securing sensitive information, and employing hashing techniques, among other critical tasks
- Real-time alert monitoring facilitated through risk management systems and Power BI dashboards
Finance Associate & Risk Analyst
Crypto.com
10.2021 - 06.2025
- Conduct real-time risk and fraud monitoring on high-volume transactions using advanced risk assessment platforms
- Investigate Account Takeover (ATO) cases, trace compromised funds, and collaborate with fraud investigation teams to mitigate future risks
- Monitor acceptance rates, void/refund transactions, and take proactive measures to prevent financial losses to clients and the company
- Respond to alerts and risk signals, handling support tickets and escalating critical incidents with clear documentation
- Leverage tools for chargeback prevention, implementing data-backed strategies to improve approval rates and dispute resolutions
- Identified suspicious activity patterns, helping reduce fraud exposure and strengthen internal risk frameworks
- OTC Settlements
- Rebalancing of crypto wallets and accounts
- Reporting and thoroughly document every process
- Crypto Funds Returns (CFR)
- Credits and debits of crypto assets in APP (CEX), Exchange and on-chain connected DEFI wallets
- Automation of processes such as reporting, KPIs, alerts
- Clarify existing processes for both end-users and employees and subsequently establish new operational procedures
- Adhering to Visa's VAMP and VIRP standards, as well as Mastercard guidelines, is essential for maintaining acceptable fraud-to-sales and chargeback-to-sales ratios (TC40 and TC15)
- Addressing high-level concerns, including those related to Transaction Laundering Detection (TLD), as communicated by payment schemes, is a priority
Content Review Analyst
TELUS International
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Reviewed global and MENA region ads in English and Arabic for compliance and quality assurance
- Contributed to improving platform standards by flagging violations, misleading content, and policy breaches
Sales & Retention Advisor
Pepperstone AU
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Managed a portfolio of 50+ high-net-worth clients in GCC regions, providing retention support and resolving compliance matters
- Oversaw CC payment controls, conducted KYC verifications, and ensured AML regulatory compliance for fund withdrawals
- Implemented strategies that reduced chargeback rates and improved client trust through consistent engagement
- Generated weekly reports and KPI analyses for performance review and bonus distribution
Sales & Quality Coordinator (On Call)
Almawared Pharma
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Managed import/export operations, product development with European labs, and quality control documentation
- Played a vital role in pharmaceutical sales pipeline support, product localization, and internal coordination
- Inspected finished goods to verify conformance with customer specifications and company quality standards.
Team Lead - Sales & Retention (GCC Focus)
Winabet365.com
12.2015 - 03.2018
- Led a sales team focused on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets; coached team members and distributed daily performance targets
- Conducted quality assurance and implemented second voice protocols to maintain communication standards
- Performed technical, fundamental, and sentiment market analysis to guide high-value client retention strategies
- Lead generation, RS, CPA, hybrid and flat fee payments. Postbacks with B2B deals.
- Cohort analysis, affiliate payments, fraud prevention.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Economics
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Sofia, Bulgaria06-2012
Skills
Affiliate Marketing Strategy
Accomplishments
- Increased sales value of FTD, player value and company growth in igaming.
- Strategy in prevention of fraud rings, reducing fraud to sales, chargeback to sales ratios by 15%
- Maintain compliance as per regulatory requirements and prevention of financial penalties.
- Documented and resolved audit penalties by keeping a meticulous record of compliance.
Sales impact:
Fraud prevention:
Compliance:
Certification
Economics - Sofia University
Interests
Certificates
ISC2 Candidate
S-161-PM Password Management
TI Integrity 2019 & 2021
Respectful Workplace
IEvolve Empower
Security and Privacy Awareness
PCI Compliance
Anti-Money Laundering Foundations
Compliance (Annual Review Oct 26)
Compliance Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terror
GDPR
General Information Security and Training
Responsible Gambling EU
Fighting Fraud
ICDL
Java MasterClass
CISCO CCNA 200-301
CompTIA PenTest+
Bug Bounty and Website Security
Website Hacking / Penetration Tester
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
WireShark
Postgre SQL
MS PowerBI
Kali Linux
Build a Blockchain
Full Stack Web Development
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
CompTIA Network+ N10-009
Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation
Linux Command Line Mastery
Risk Management, Internal Controls and Corporate Governance
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Certified
ISO 42001 AI Management System
ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management System
ISO 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management System
ISO 31000 Certified Risk Management FEMA
ISO 27001 Lead implementer Management Systems Mastery
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance Management
Mastering Internal Controls
Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
Timeline
Internal Control Officer
GRX Europe
01.2026 - 05.2026
Fraud Manager
Sofia Stars
09.2025 - 01.2026
Risk Monitoring - Banking (Acquiring and Issuing)
Paynetics AD
06.2025 - 10.2025
Senior affiliate manager
WinWin media group (igaming)
07.2024 - 01.2026
Finance Associate & Risk Analyst
Crypto.com
10.2021 - 06.2025
Content Review Analyst
TELUS International
05.2020 - 09.2021
Founder & Professional Photographer
Ndphotography.eu
09.2018 - Current
Sales & Retention Advisor
Pepperstone AU
01.2017 - 12.2020
Sales & Quality Coordinator (On Call)
Almawared Pharma
01.2016 - 12.2020
Team Lead - Sales & Retention (GCC Focus)
Winabet365.com
12.2015 - 03.2018
Bachelor's Degree - Economics
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski