Appointed Commissioner of Financial Institutions in January 2021, Natalia I. Zequeira Díaz brought extensive banking industry expertise to her role, essential in a post-pandemic economy. Tasked with steering Puerto Rico's financial system, she focuses on formulating innovative, flexible regulations.
Zequeira aims to bolster the resilience of Puerto Rican financial institutions amid pandemic-induced challenges and anticipated industry evolutions. Her education, including an LL.M. from Fordham University and a JD from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law, underpins her role.
Before her appointment, Zequeira excelled as a legal consultant, known for her prowess in privacy law, internal audits, legal compliance, and risk assessment, with notable experience at Pirillo LLC. She's adeptly represented diverse financial entities, concentrating on regulatory and compliance matters, furthering her acumen in banking laws and project financing.
Her significant contributions extend to regulatory compliance for banking products and services, evidencing her substantial legal skill within the banking sector.
W. Stephen Muldrow was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico on October 4, 2019. Mr. Muldrow previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Puerto Rico U.S. Attorney's Office from 1995 to 2001, serving as Lead Organized Crime Drug Task Force Attorney and Coordinator for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
From 2001 to 2019, Mr. Muldrow served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Florida, including serving as the Acting United States Attorney, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Senior Litigation Counsel in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions.
From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Muldrow worked as a Trial Attorney and Senior Trial Attorney in the Tax Division (Civil Trial Section, Northern Region) in Washington, DC. From 1988 to 1989, he worked as a law clerk for the United States Marshals Service, Office of General Counsel.
Mr. Muldrow earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, at The American University, Washington College of Law, and a Master of Arts in Law & International Affairs from The American University, School of International Service. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish from Bucknell University.
Yeissa Rodríguez brings over 18 years of financial services expertise, with a specialized focus on BSA, AML, OFAC, and comprehensive regulatory compliance. Her career began within a commercial bank in Puerto Rico, advancing to roles as Chief Compliance Officer in various international financial entities within the region.
Her academic foundations are solid, with a BBA from the University of Puerto Rico, majoring in Criminal Justice and a concentration in Law and Society, equipping her with a unique perspective on regulatory matters. Beyond practical experience, Rodríguez possesses several prestigious certifications, affirming her proficiency in the field. She is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), a Certified Risk Management Specialist, and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Additionally, her expertise is broadened by her Identity Theft Investigator Certification and a Private Investigator Diploma.
Rodríguez engages with the industry at large, notably serving as the Director of the Compliance Committee for the Puerto Rico International Bankers Association (PRIBA). In this role, she actively contributes to setting and upholding compliance standards, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the financial sector in Puerto Rico. Her blend of hands-on experience, formal education, and an active role in industry leadership positions Rodríguez as a significant figure in steering compliance within the region's financial services industry.