MARLON ANTHONY HIGGINS
St. Claire Heights,St. Johns
Summary
Professional career spanning twenty-four (24) years in the financial services sector of Antigua and Barbuda, predominantly in international banking, and marginally in domestic banking. Experience in Governance, Risk Management, Bank Strategic Management, Finance and Accounting, and Bank Operations during this period enabled fulfill of many successful projects in the banking environment, including leading capital augmentation and governance restructuring engagements for Banks. Ideally qualified to lead bank management processes for capital repair and augmentation, technical aspects for new business development and implementation and restructuring exercises.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group General Manager
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
01.2015 - 06.2024
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders within banking environment to facilitate successful partnerships and collaborations.
- Successfully navigated challenging business conditions arising from failed correspondent banking crisis, leveraging prudent and aggressive financial approaches to maintain Bank safety.
- Restructured underperforming departments within Bank resulting in improved organizational effectiveness.
- Increased overall efficiency by streamlining group management processes and implementing new systems.
- Spearheaded product innovation initiatives in Fintech services that resulted in new product offerings driving market leadership for institution.
- Managed financial performance with accurate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to maintain strong fiscal health of Bank.
- Oversaw risk management practices that minimized potential threats while maximizing opportunities for growth of Bank.
- Led change management initiatives during periods of transition ensuring smooth adaptation within Bank.
- Established standardized policies and procedures for increased consistency across departments within Bank.
- Drove deposit growth through strategic business development initiatives in Private Banking division.
- Championed employee professional development, providing opportunities for skill-building workshops and training sessions.
Group Manager -Finance & Branch Operations
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Adhere to high ethical standards, and comply with all banking laws and regulations.
- Managed branch staff and operations of th Bank.
- Continuously monitored branch performance against key performance indicators, taking corrective actions as needed to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
- Maintained friendly and professional staff and customer interactions and relations.
- Special management emphasis on Finance, Investment, Private Banking and Loans departments.
- Oversaw daily operations for streamlined efficiency, ensuring timely execution of tasks and optimal resource allocation.
Managing Partner
MAH Enterprises (formerly KAM)
11.2007 - 12.2012
- Built and managed firm of young professionals in field of accounting, audit, finance, and business advisory services, with special focus on domestic and international banking sectors of Antigua and Barbuda.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with clients, and secured profitable partnerships for th company.
- Established and implemented business procedures and process improvements.
- Mentored junior staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
- Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
- Oversaw financial management of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
Assistant to CEO
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
06.2006 - 10.2007
- Provided strategic management support to CEO with responsibility for bank capital management, support on new business development initiatives, and corporate finance and accounting.
- Worked attentively to ensure Bank's compliance with regulatory and supervisory requirements.
- Boosted efficiency by handling various administrative tasks, allowing CEO to focus on strategic planning and execution.
- Improved bank culture by assisting in development and implementation of employee engagement initiatives led by CEO.
- Managed sensitive information with discretion, ensuring confidentiality in all aspects of role as Assistant to CEO.
- Supported successful project outcomes by tracking progress, providing status updates, and identifying potential roadblocks for CEO's attention.
- Contributed to bank growth by participating in strategy sessions and offering insights based on industry research and analysis.
- Championed company values and supported the CEO's vision for organizational growth through diligent work ethic and dedication to excellence.
Internal Auditor
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
02.2004 - 05.2006
- Assisted in preparation of audit reports that clearly communicated findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
- Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthrough for compliance with documented processes.
- Identified and reported audit issues.
- Supported management in developing action plans to address identified issues, promoting timely resolution of audit findings.
- Documented recommendations to improve internal controls.
- Enhanced internal control systems by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing effective audit recommendations.
- Provided valuable insights to management by presenting clear and concise audit findings, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
- Evaluated bank policies to determine how well standards adhered to best practices.
Accountant
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
07.2000 - 01.2004
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual audit process to provide necessary documentation and address any concerns or findings promptly.
- Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values for insurance purposes.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy through meticulous data analysis and reconciliation efforts.
- Enhanced financial decision-making capabilities by providing timely, accurate information to management through regular performance reports.
Education
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Accounting
Guam Board of Accountancy
Guam11-2003
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of The West Indies
Cave Hill, Barbados, W.I07-2000
Skills
- Team player and participatory leadership skills
- Problem solver and efficient multi-tasker
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong strategic thinker and planner
- Strong new business development experience
- Thorough understanding and application of Risk Management techniques and controls
- Proficient and versatile in all Windows Based applications
- Business tactician
- Drafting and paralegal writing skills
- Strong knowledge and experience in international banking regulations, and fintech business development
Accomplishments
- Chairman - Special Shareholder's Committee - Caribbean Union Bank Ltd. - successful project in bank recapitalization, expansion and restructuring (2014/2015)
- Cabinet Appointment to the ABI Bank Resolution Technical team (June 2015)
- Spearheaded Bank's technical team in arranging USD25 million financing deal for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda's acquisition of West Indies Oil Company Ltd.
- Spearheaded Bank's technical team in USD25 million successful debt restructuring initiative for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
- Successful Escrow Manager of over USD130 million of escrow funds for National Projects for Antigua and Barbuda.
- Chairman - Organizing Committee - Caribbean Association of Audit Committee Members - 2014 Annual Regional Conference (most profitable in history of the conference).
- Team Leader - bank capital protection - special project in Clean Collections following failed correspondent banking services. More than 95% success rate in international settlement (2003).
- Employee of the Year Award 2003 - Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
Affiliations
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (Antigua Branch)
- Member of the Advisory Board of the University of the West Indies Press
- Co-Founder - Post Millennial Academy Ltd.
Certification
International Accounting Standards Board
IFRS Implementation
Train-the-Trainer Programme – World Bank & ECCB
Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)
Money Laundering & Combating Terrorist Financing
Visa International – LAC, Card Services Operations
Issuing and Acquiring Card Operations and Risk
Management
Bank Operational Risk Management & Measurement
Euromoney Plc, UK
Basel II Implementation
Bank Supervision
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions
(OSFI - Canada)
Hobbies
Enjoy and appreciate all aspects of life and look forward to new experiences for continued growth, advancement and positive contributions to society. However, I particularly enjoy:
1. Spending quality time with my family and friends.
2. Playing sports competitively - lawn tennis and basketball.
3. Staying abreast with current affairs.
4. Engaging in meaningful discussions to gain new insights to living.
5. Building new small business ventures.
6. Coaching in the areas of business and financial intelligence.
Timeline
Group General Manager
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
01.2015 - 06.2024
Group Manager -Finance & Branch Operations
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
01.2013 - 12.2015
Managing Partner
MAH Enterprises (formerly KAM)
11.2007 - 12.2012
Assistant to CEO
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
06.2006 - 10.2007
Internal Auditor
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
02.2004 - 05.2006
Accountant
Global Bank of Commerce Ltd.
07.2000 - 01.2004
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Accounting
Guam Board of Accountancy
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of The West Indies
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