Sam Nazzaro leads Athena Bitcoin’s global compliance operations as the Chief Compliance Officer and Regulatory Counsel. With a keen oversight of teams operating across five countries, Sam is at the forefront of ensuring compliance with AML/BSA, FCPA, MSB, and other regulatory requirements for both domestic and international operations. His responsibilities encompass policies, investigations, law enforcement matters, regulatory licensing, audits, and training.

Before joining Athena, Sam held prominent positions at the Department of Justice (DOJ). As Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division, he played a pivotal role in overseeing corporate criminal resolutions for global companies. His expertise in handling FCPA and AML violations was instrumental in the investigations led by the Fraud and Money Laundering Sections.

Sam’s DOJ tenure also includes significant roles as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief, where he tried numerous cases and argued appeals on narcotics, money laundering, violent crime, and corruption. As a trial attorney in DOJ’s Organized Crime Section, Sam’s work using RICO and other federal statutes led to the dismantling of major criminal organizations like the MS-13 gang and the New England La Cosa Nostra. He also served internationally, living and working in Eastern Europe for four years, where he assisted and trained Organized Crime Prosecutors, the Judiciary, and FIUs.

In the private sector, Sam has been a Senior Leader in the Anti-Corruption, Compliance & Forensic Services practices at PwC and BDO. He successfully led complex AML investigations and high-profile international governance projects. At PwC, he also served as Assistant General Counsel for Investigations/Litigation, leading internal compliance investigations.

Sam’s legal career began as a commercial litigator in Philadelphia. He is a retired LTC from the United States Army Reserves JAG Corps, where he represented soldiers, advised command leadership, and lectured globally on anti-corruption and AML.

Sam holds a JD/MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA from Cornell University, where he also lettered in football. In his spare time, he enjoys winemaking.

Sam's extensive experience in both public and private sectors, combined with his global perspective, positions him as a key asset to Athena Bitcoin’s leadership team.