Harsha Philip
About Harsha
Harsha Philip is an Associate at Cygnus Compliance Consulting, specializing in AML, sanctions screening, and customer risk rating through data-driven solutions. She conducts data quality assessments, validates model logic, and leads end-to-end testing of SWIFT and RTP messaging to ensure regulatory compliance and comprehensive model coverage. Harsha supports model documentation and governance initiatives, enhancing transparency and traceability across client models. She brings a strong foundation in cybersecurity and secure software engineering, holding a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Her academic work included a blockchain-based digital identity management capstone, alongside hands-on projects in secure systems, metadata auditing, and cyber attack defense.
Prior to Cygnus, Harsha gained experience during a cybersecurity externship at MorganFranklin Consulting, and as a Summer Associate at Emblem Health, where she built dashboards to monitor cybersecurity risk exposures. She also contributed as a Research Assistant at RIT’s Center for Cyber Security, developing static analysis tools to detect dynamic code vulnerabilities in Android applications.
Harsha’s technical skills include SQL, Python, Java, and compliance platforms such as Fircosoft, Finscan, Patriot Officer, and Prime. She applies these to solve complex compliance challenges involving fuzzy name matching, transaction monitoring, and regulatory model validation.
Beyond her technical work, Harsha has a creative side—she enjoys oil painting, sketching, and creative writing, and pursued a minor in 3D Digital Design and Animation to explore artistic expression alongside her technical studies. Her curiosity, adaptability, and attention to detail make her a valued contributor to multidisciplinary compliance initiatives.
Education
- M.S. in Cybersecurity, Rochester Institute of Technology
- B.S. in Cybersecurity, Rochester Institute of Technology
Tools
- Ficrosoft/Acquity
- Oracle FCCM
- Proprietary/Custom homegrown/ML System
Expertise
Regulatory Risk & Compliance
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Model risk is a critical subset of operational risk. Unvalidated or poorly calibrated models can lead to compliance failures, missed risk signals, and failed exams. Our validation services help financial institutions meet OCC, FRB, and FDIC expectations while enhancing model performance across AML, sanctions, fraud, and CRR domains.
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We deliver comprehensive, data-driven risk assessments that help institutions identify vulnerabilities, evaluate controls, and satisfy regulatory expectations. Our assessments inform practical, risk-based strategies that enhance program effectiveness.
Technology Consulting
Advisory & Consulting
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Strengthen your security posture with a proactive, risk-based approach to technology.
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Understand, evaluate, and implement blockchain technologies where it adds value.
Cyber Security
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Timely and coordinated incident response is critical to maintaining business continuity and regulatory compliance. We develop tailored incident response plans, simulate cyberattack scenarios, and support forensic analysis and breach containment when every second counts.
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We help institutions design cloud architectures that prioritize security and regulatory compliance, including risk assessments and remediation of misconfigurations.
Data Engineering & Analytics
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We design and implement dynamic dashboards to support transparency, stakeholder engagement, and audit readiness across compliance domains.