What I Learned: Module 8 focused on the Compliance Risk Assessment (CRA) methodology. I learned that this systematic process identifies, analyzes, and evaluates ML/TF risks across four pillars: Customer, Product, Geography, and Delivery Channel. The core principle is the Risk-Based Approach (RBA), which dictates how we allocate compliance resources. What I'm Achieving: I am assisting in the periodic review and update of YAP's CRA, analyzing our residual risk profile after controls are applied. This ensures our controls (KYC, TM, Screening) are proportionate and effective against the specific risks we face, such as the inherent risk of new virtual asset features. Why It Matters: The CRA is the foundation of the entire AML program and is a mandatory regulatory requirement. It provides the rationale for all our controls and is the blueprint for regulatory readiness, proving to the CBUAE/DFSA that our program is fit for purpose. How This is Preparing Me for a Real Career: This module is preparing me for a leadership role in compliance management. The ability to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and translate those findings into actionable control improvements is a strategic skill that drives business decisions and ensures long-term sustainability. Inspiration for Others Coming Behind You: Don't fear risk—assess it. The Compliance Risk Assessment is your compass. Master this methodology, and you will be the one who strategically guides your company through the complex regulatory landscape.

What I Learned: Module 7 clarified the difference between Sanctions Screening (a hard block against prohibited parties) and PEP Screening (triggering Enhanced Due Diligence for high-risk individuals). I learned that compliance requires continuous screening against global watchlists (UN, OFAC, local lists) and meticulous false positive management to ensure operational efficiency. What I'm Achieving: I am actively supporting the daily screening process, ensuring that our customer base and transaction counterparties are continuously checked. My focus is on accurate resolution of name matches, protecting YAP from both regulatory breaches and unnecessary customer friction. Why It Matters: Compliance with sanctions lists is a matter of national and international security. Failure to comply can result in massive fines and severe reputational damage. PEP screening protects YAP from being used to facilitate corruption and illicit fund flows. How This is Preparing Me for a Real Career: This module is building my expertise in a critical, high-stakes area of compliance. The ability to manage a robust screening program and understand the legal implications of global sanctions regimes is a specialized and valuable skill for any future compliance officer. Inspiration for Others Coming Behind You: Sanctions and PEP screening is your chance to contribute to global financial integrity. Be meticulous, understand the lists, and remember that your daily checks are a vital defense against corruption and terrorism financing.

What I learned In this module, I learned how usability testing helps validate design decisions using real user behavior and feedback. I understood how observing user actions, hesitation points, and emotional responses is especially important in fintech, where users interact with sensitive financial features. I also learned how structured feedback and iteration improve clarity, trust, and overall user confidence. What I’m achieving I am developing the ability to identify usability issues early and improve designs based on real insights rather than assumptions. Through testing and iteration, I practiced refining payment flows, confirmations, and card controls to reduce confusion and hesitation. This is helping me design more reliable and user-centered fintech experiences. Why this matters In fintech, even small usability problems can cause user anxiety or mistakes. Usability testing ensures that users feel confident, informed, and in control of their finances. For YAP, continuous testing and iteration are essential to delivering a seamless digital banking experience that users trust and rely on daily. How this is preparing me for a real career This module is preparing me to work effectively in real product teams by teaching me how to gather, prioritize, and act on feedback. I am learning how to collaborate with designers, product managers, and developers to improve user experience through evidence-based decisions — a critical skill for long-term success in fintech design roles. Inspiration for others coming behind me If you want to grow as a UX designer, embrace usability testing early. Watching real users interact with your designs will teach you more than assumptions ever could. In fintech especially, listening to users and iterating thoughtfully helps you create experiences that people can trust with something as important as their money.

What I Learned: Module 6 was a deep dive into Transaction Monitoring (TM), the continuous surveillance of customer activity post-onboarding. I learned that sophisticated criminals often pass initial KYC checks and only misuse accounts later. TM, especially when leveraging AI and machine learning, is the critical real-time defense that catches suspicious patterns like structuring and layering. What I'm Achieving: I am gaining hands-on experience in alert triage and investigation, learning to distinguish between legitimate customer behavior and genuine financial crime risk. This involves understanding the nuances of YAP's customer base to ensure our TM system is accurately calibrated. Why It Matters: TM is YAP's active, continuous defense against money laundering and fraud. It is essential for maintaining our regulatory license and is the primary source for generating accurate STRs (Suspicious Transaction Reports), which are vital for law enforcement. How This is Preparing Me for a Real Career: This module is preparing me for a specialized role in Financial Crime Operations. The ability to work with advanced analytics, interpret complex data, and make rapid, risk-based decisions on flagged transactions is a highly sought-after skill in the global fintech industry. Inspiration for Others Coming Behind You: Don't just monitor transactions—master the patterns. Technology is your ally in this fight. Embrace the data, and you will become the expert who catches the financial criminals trying to exploit the system.

I know I’ve been late, but what truly matters to me is not giving up on what you set out to achieve. It’s about continuing to strive for your goals—no matter what happens. Even in the face of natural Calamities, ir other responsibilities, or any kind of work you may have, whatever you choose to do, you must commit to making it happen. No matter the cause or the criteria, you find a way to move forward. This is me being honest with all of you: yes, I was late, and I strongly believe that finishing tasks on time is important. But what is equally important is finishing the task without giving up. And finally, owning your downs—and owning yourself—is one of the most important principles to live by in today’s era. Looking forward to the remaining.