#USA #Richmond #ABA #Blue Ridge Bank #Rebecca Robertson

Recognition of Excellence in Banking

On October 16, 2026, the American Bankers Association announced a prestigious honor bestowed upon Rebecca "Becky" Schauer Robertson, the Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Risk Officer of Blue Ridge Bank. She received the distinguished ABA Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional work in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. This recognition is a testament to her over 30 years of dedicated service in the financial sector, during which she has cultivated a deep understanding of risk management, compliance with financial regulations, and crime prevention related to financial activities.

A Long-standing Career of Dedication

Becky Robertson's journey in the financial services industry has been marked by a continuous commitment to excellence and a strong focus on regulatory compliance. Her intricate knowledge of risk strategies and compliance measures has made her a valuable asset not just to Blue Ridge Bank, but also to the industry at large. Her efforts in creating educational programs and volunteering have also set a high standard for others in her field.

Robertson has significantly contributed to various ABA initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of banking professionals. Notably, she played a crucial role in establishing the Certified AML and Fraud Professional certification, along with contributing to the ABA AML and Fraud School. Her influence extends to advising the ABA's AML and Fraud Conference, where her input has shaped the curriculum and resources available to attendees.

Leadership in Education

Her excellence in mentoring and training upcoming AML professionals has greatly enriched the ABA's educational offerings. As an outstanding instructor, she has helped to cultivate a new generation of experts in financial compliance. Grace Vallacchi, Blue Ridge Bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, expressed her admiration for Becky, stating, "Her leadership and expertise are truly inspirational. It has been a privilege to work with her."

Leading a team dedicated to ensuring compliance and mitigating risks, Robertson's efforts have not gone unnoticed. According to Harry Golliday, CEO of Blue Ridge Bank, her abilities were instrumental in the bank's swift emergence from a significant BSA-related Consent Order—a task that usually stretches across lengthy periods of revisions and corrections.

A Legacy of Impact

Beyond her contributions to Blue Ridge Bank, Robertson has been heavily involved in various boards and associations. She has served as a past board member for the Carolinas and Virginia ACAMS Chapters, as well as being the past president of the South Carolina InfraGard and the SC FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Additionally, her role as past treasurer for Crimestoppers of the Midlands SC Board underscores her commitment to community service and safety.

As the finance world continues to evolve with new challenges, leaders like Rebecca Schauer Robertson pave the way for future generations in the industry. Her recognition by the American Bankers Association not only celebrates her past achievements but also illuminates the path for continued excellence in banking practices concerning financial integrity and safety. For more details about Blue Ridge Bank and its service offerings, visit www.mybrb.bank.