Executive Manager, Regulatory Engagement, Risk Management, Commonwealth Bank
Dr Sascha Walkley leads Regulatory Engagement for Financial Crime Compliance at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Sascha commenced with the bank in 2018 and has over 20 years’ experience specialising in anti-money laundering and counter terrorism-financing policy and compliance.
Prior to joining the bank, Sascha was employed for over 12 years with AUSTRAC, Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism-Financing Regulator and Financial Intelligence Unit. During her time at AUSTRAC, Sascha contributed to a range of key policy reforms and initiatives in addition to Australia’s preparation and response to its FATF Mutual Evaluation. As part of her tenure at AUSTRAC, Sascha was awarded an Australia Day Medallion for exemplary performance in driving policy reforms.
Sascha completed her PhD at the Australian National University and spent several years lecturing part time in Criminology, including co-developing an undergraduate university course with a focus on white collar crime and cybercrime.
Sascha has a strong interest and deep knowledge of the AML/CTF regime in Australia, particularly with its application to the banking sector. Combining this with her practical experience in education and industry, Sascha wants to ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of the AML/CTF legislation in Australia so that our community is protected from the social and economic harms arising from money laundering and terrorism financing.