Catalina Bahri: Navigating Compliance with Global Perspective and Purpose

Catalina Bahri wears many hats as Bank of Marin’s compliance manager—interpreting laws, navigating complex regulations, crafting and enforcing corporate policies, and leading internal investigations with precision and integrity. Her role is central to upholding the Bank’s ethical standards and ensuring regulatory alignment, and she brings a blend of international experience, strategic foresight, and a deep passion for risk management.

She began her professional journey shortly after graduating from University of San Diego when she accepted an auditing role at First Data—a payment processing company now known as Fiserv. Initially supportingthe company’s subsidiaries in Latin America, she later expanded her scope to include Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. From Mexico City to Moscow, Bahri found herself traveling the world and eventually specializing in international settlements.

After six years in audit, Bahri had built a strong foundation that prepared her for a seamless transition into compliance. Encouraged by colleagues who recognized her skill set as an asset to any compliance team, she joined her employer’s leadership development program, which exposed her to different departments including a rotation in compliance. Soon after, she joined the compliance team where she built an oversight program for its Latin America division.

Her success led to expanded responsibilities, and by the end of two years, she was leading a global compliance program that covering all international regions—excluding Canada and Mexico.

“One of the most challenging but rewarding parts of my career was understanding country-specific regulations and requirements beyond those of the United States,” recalls Bahri. “Every control and system we put into place had to take various countries and their respective regulations into account. I had to think strategically.”

By the end of her first compliance role, Bahri had traveled to 23 countries, including a two-month assignment in Australia.

“Reflecting on my career, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to travel the world and be exposed to so many beautiful cultures,” says Bahri. “Every role taught me something new that I carried over with me to my next role. Enterprise Risk Management and audit have played a major role in every position I’ve held.”

Since joining Bank of Marin in March 2025, Bahri has brought her global perspective and deep expertise to the Bank’s compliance operations. She also serves as the Bank’s CRA Officer, Privacy Officer, and holds professional designations as a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

“Compliance isn’t just about following rules, it’s about building trust with our clients, regulators, and each other. I’m proud to be part of a team that values integrity and is committed to doing things the right way.”