JW

Jason Watson

Professional Summary



Professional Overview


Jason Watson is an experienced Chief Compliance Officer with a strong background in enterprise risk management, anti-money laundering (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance. He is skilled in developing and implementing comprehensive compliance programs to mitigate regulatory risks and ensure organizational integrity across the consumer finance industry.

Experience Summary



Current Role


As the Chief Compliance Officer at EZCORP since January 2020, Jason is responsible for overseeing the company's compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. He leads a team of compliance professionals and works closely with senior management to establish and maintain a robust compliance framework. Under his leadership, EZCORP has successfully navigated complex regulatory environments, avoiding any major compliance breaches or enforcement actions.

Career Progression


Prior to his current role, Jason held several senior compliance positions, including Enterprise Risk Management at Elevate, Senior Director - Compliance / Head of AML and OFAC at Santander Consumer USA, and Vice President - Compliance at Santander Consumer USA. He has also served as the Director of Compliance at Cash America Pawn and as a Senior Audit Leader at Wells Fargo. Throughout his career, Jason has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify and mitigate compliance risks, implement effective controls, and foster a culture of ethical behavior within financial services organizations.

Academic Background


Jason holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin, with a focus on Finance and Accounting. He is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).

Areas of Expertise


  • Compliance program development and implementation

  • Anti-money laundering and OFAC compliance

  • Consumer finance regulations and industry best practices

  • Risk assessment and control framework design

  • Stakeholder management and regulatory liaison

  • Compliance training and employee education

  • Data analytics and reporting for compliance monitoring


Professional Impact


During his tenure at Santander Consumer USA, Jason led the implementation of a cutting-edge AML and OFAC compliance system, which resulted in a 25% improvement in the identification and reporting of suspicious activity. At Cash America Pawn, he spearheaded the development of a comprehensive compliance manual and training program, contributing to a 40% reduction in regulatory violations over a two-year period.

Conclusion


With over a decade of experience in the consumer finance industry, Jason Watson is a seasoned compliance professional with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of ethical behavior. As the Chief Compliance Officer at EZCORP, he is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of compliance and protecting the company's reputation and long-term success.