Notable Alumni | Michael Richard Fights Money Laundering, Financial Crimes

Editor’s Note: The College of Arts & Sciences Notable Alumni Awards honor alumni for broad career accomplishments, commitment to community service, and valuable contributions to 51�� and the College of Arts & Sciences.

Michael Richard ’12 Sociology and Mathematics, ’13 M.A. in Sociology

Michael Richard specializes in finding patterns within data, patterns that can shed light on money laundering and other financial crimes.

He became a certified anti-money laundering specialist in 2015, one of the highest certifications in the financial crimes field. He was also invited to help participate in a typology study which focused on the identification of human trafficking.

Currently, he works as Control Testing Supervisor at Discover Financial Services, where he leads and directs a small team of control testers as well as manages team performance and administrative duties to achieve team goals, develops and coaches employees. He joined Discover in 2015 and held increasingly responsible positions. Before that he held posts at .

Michael Richard

Richard is an 51�� alum who double majored in Sociology and Mathematics and also earned an M.A. in Sociology from the College of Arts & Sciences.

On multiple occasions, Richard has been invited back to OHIO to speak about his work experiences and AML to sociology criminal classes.

Chris Talbot and Michael Richard sitting together — Chris Talbot and Michael Richard talk to students in 2018.

Richard says that the Sociology program at OHIO had a great impact on his career.

“The program opened my eyes to my love of the study of people. Going all the way back Dr. (Ted) Welser’s Sociology 101 class, I had my eyes opened to how fascinating the study of group behavior can be. This love has carried me into my career today and continues to help me on a regular basis.”

Michael Richard on a panel with fellow alumni — 2017 sociology panelists Michael Richard, Jenna Richards, and Kathy Copas. (Photo credit: Monica Davis)

OHIO Memories

Looking back on his time at OHIO, Richard recalls some of his best moments from football games to meeting the love of his life.

Michael Richard and shirtless friends with "BOBCAT" across their chests at an OU football game — Michael Richards with his Bobcat letter friends at a football game.

“I always enjoyed getting painted up for home football games. I never missed a home game for my entire time in undergrad, and I am still close friends with the majority of the other ‘letters’” he says.

“Also, I will always fondly remember the togetherness that was present on campus. Whether it be walking to class or walking uptown, I always ran into multiple people that I knew from class or social circles who were more than happy to say ‘hi; and catch up.

“I loved that family feel…. I met not only some of my closest friends, but my wife as well. OU provided me the environment to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be, and I will be forever grateful for that.”