Crystal Martinson

About Crystal Martinson

Senior compliance and risk leader with 15+ years of experience designing, scaling, and operating global AML, sanctions, and financial-crime compliance programs across fintech, payments, and regulated financial services, with deep roots in U.S. government intelligence and enforcement.I specialize in building compliance-by-design programs that enable product innovation while meeting complex regulatory obligations. My work sits at the intersection of payments risk, AML/BSA, OFAC sanctions, regulatory operations, and product lifecycle management, partnering closely with Product, Engineering, Legal, Operations, and executive leadership.Most recently, I led global AML and sanctions operations for Amazon Payments, scaling programs across multiple regions, payment products, and regulatory regimes. This included standing up new global sites, growing analyst organizations from early-stage to mature scale, launching controls to support new payment products, improving regulatory outcomes, and building data-driven risk and performance frameworks.Earlier in my career, I served in senior intelligence and sanctions roles within the U.S. government, including as a Section Chief at the U.S. Treasury, where I focused on sanctions targeting, illicit finance networks, and interagency coordination. That foundation continues to shape my practical, risk-based approach to compliance leadership.I’m known for- Owning complex, high-stakes compliance programs end-to-end- Scaling global teams and third-party partners responsibly- Translating regulatory expectations into operational reality- Engaging effectively with regulators, sponsor banks, auditors, and senior stakeholders- Leading with clarity, accountability, and respect for the human side of risk managementI’m most energized by roles where compliance is a strategic enabler, not a blocker — particularly in fintech, payments, and platform-based businesses navigating growth, change, and regulatory scrutiny.

Experience

1. Executive Consultant Global Payments Risk, Aml & Financial Crime

   Independent

   Mar 2024 — Present

   Senior advisor supporting confidential clients across fintech, payments, and financial services on financial crime risk, AML/BSA strategy, and compliance program development.

Education

• National Intelligence University

  Master of Science - MS

• Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

  Associate of Arts - AA, Persian Farsi Studies

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate of Arts - AA, Technology and Intelligence Studies

• American Military University

  Middle Eastern Studies

• The George Washington University School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA