Michael Clarson
APAC Regional Head - Global Financial Crimes Investigations & Intelligence
Professional Overview
Michael Clarson is an accomplished financial crimes investigations and intelligence professional with extensive experience leading global teams and driving strategic initiatives across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. As the APAC Regional Head of Global Financial Crimes Investigations & Intelligence at Citi, he is responsible for overseeing complex cross-border investigations, enhancing intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities, and implementing robust financial crime prevention programs.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role at Citi, Michael is responsible for managing a team of subject matter experts who conduct comprehensive investigations into financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities. He works closely with regional and global stakeholders to develop intelligence-driven strategies, strengthen compliance frameworks, and drive operational efficiencies. Under his leadership, the APAC Investigations & Intelligence team has successfully disrupted numerous high-profile financial crime networks, enabling Citi to mitigate risks and safeguard its clients' assets.
Career Progression
Prior to his current position, Michael served as the APAC Regional Head of the Global Investigations Unit at Citi, where he led complex cross-border investigations and collaborated with law enforcement agencies to enhance financial crime detection and prevention capabilities. Before joining Citi, he held senior roles at Deloitte Australia, including Director and Senior Manager, where he provided advisory services to clients on financial crimes compliance and regulatory matters.
Michael's career also includes a stint as a Federal Agent with the Australian Federal Police, where he gained extensive experience in complex criminal investigations, digital forensics, and intelligence analysis. His diverse background has equipped him with a unique blend of investigative expertise, regulatory knowledge, and strategic leadership skills.
Academic Background
Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne, with a focus on Accounting and Finance. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and has completed various professional development programs in financial crimes, compliance, and risk management.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial crimes investigations and intelligence
- Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) programs
- Compliance and regulatory advisory services
- Cross-border investigations and international cooperation
- Digital forensics and data analytics
- Strategic leadership and team management
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Michael has made significant contributions to the financial services industry's fight against financial crimes. He has led high-profile investigations that have disrupted complex money laundering schemes, resulting in the recovery of millions of dollars in illicit funds. Additionally, he has spearheaded the development of innovative intelligence-gathering and analysis techniques, enabling Citi to proactively identify and mitigate emerging financial crime threats.
Michael's thought leadership and industry expertise have been widely recognized, and he has been invited to speak at various industry conferences and forums. He is known for his collaborative approach, his commitment to ethical practices, and his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven track record of success, Michael Clarson is a respected leader in the field of financial crimes investigations and intelligence. In his current role at Citi, he continues to drive strategic initiatives, foster cross-functional collaboration, and deliver tangible impact in the fight against financial crimes across the APAC region.
