A man in suit and tie sitting at desk.

Stanford Aderibigbe Stanford

President and Chief Executive Officer


President and Chief Executive Officer

Stanford A. Stanford Sr. is a highly accomplished bank executive with a distinguished career in depository and non-depository financial services entities. His specialties are risk and compliance, international trade, and strategic management. With over three decades of leadership experience, he has consistently demonstrated expertise in managing complex regulatory environments, driving organizational transformation, and fostering sustainable growth in the financial sector.

Professional Experience

Head of Enterprise Risk Management

Nationstar Mortgage (DBA Mr. Cooper Group) – Dallas, TX
Stanford was the Head of Enterprise Risk Management for Nationstar (DBA Mr. Cooper Group), a leading $1.2 trillion financial services organization. In this role, he led the development and execution of enterprise-wide risk management strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and financial stability. His innovative approach to risk oversight positioned Nationstar as a leader in the financial services industry.

Chief Compliance Officer

WSFS Bank – Wilmington, DE
As Chief Compliance Officer for WSFS Bank, a $21 billion regional bank, Stanford spearheaded the design and implementation of the bank’s Compliance Risk Management (CRM) program. He also led the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance functions across the organization. His leadership ensured the bank maintained robust compliance frameworks and navigated evolving regulatory landscapes with precision and integrity.

Assistant Regional Director

United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Washington, DC
Stanford’s tenure as Assistant Regional Director at the CFPB cemented his reputation as a regulatory expert. He oversaw the implementation of federal consumer protection laws, provided strategic guidance to regional offices, and worked to ensure that financial institutions adhered to fair and ethical practices. His contributions helped shape policy reforms and safeguard consumer interests.

Educational Background

Stanford’s extensive academic credentials have provided him with a solid foundation for his impactful career:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, equipping him with advanced financial strategy and capital management expertise
  • Master of Science (MS) in Computer and Information Management Systems, enabling him to integrate technology into risk and compliance operations
  • Bachelor of Science in Economics, offering a deep understanding of market dynamics, economic theory, and financial systems

Professional Expertise

  • Enterprise Risk Management: Designed and executed risk management frameworks that improved operational efficiency and ensured compliance with industry regulations
  • Regulatory Leadership: Stanford is a former bank regulator with a deep understanding of regulatory expectations and has successfully guided institutions in meeting and exceeding compliance standards
  • Compliance Strategy: Developed and implemented comprehensive compliance programs to address BSA/AML/OFAC requirements and mitigate operational risks
  • International Trade & Strategic Management: Leveraged his knowledge of global markets and financial systems to foster cross-border partnerships and navigate international trade complexities

Professional Accomplishments

  • Designed and implemented the CRM program at WSFS Bank, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
  • Led enterprise risk management strategies for Nationstar, strengthening its reputation as a $1.2 trillion financial services powerhouse
  • Contributed to federal consumer protection policies during his tenure at the CFPB, safeguarding millions of Americans’ financial rights

Leadership Philosophy

Stanford is committed to ethical leadership, innovation, and collaboration. He believes in empowering teams, fostering a culture of compliance and transparency, and driving meaningful change in the financial sector.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional endeavors, Stanford enjoys mentoring aspiring financial professionals, advocating for financial literacy initiatives, and exploring the intersection of technology and finance.