Her Story
About Shea
Shea Cantu, CFCI, CCCI, is a seasoned banking professional and Senior Fraud & Insider Threat Investigator at Stellar Bank, specializing in fraud investigations, insider risk management, program governance, and risk control. With nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Cantu has built a career focused on identifying threats, strengthening operational controls, and developing proactive strategies to protect organizations from financial crimes. Her expertise spans fraud detection, compliance, audit, behavioral analysis, investigative interviewing, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk management.
Cantu’s career journey began in frontline banking roles before advancing through increasingly complex risk and fraud positions at Texas Capital Bank, where she spent 13 years developing her expertise in fraud risk management and investigations. Recognized for her natural ability to identify suspicious patterns and uncover fraudulent activity, she progressed from client support and operational roles into leadership positions overseeing fraud programs, risk assessments, and control initiatives. At Stellar Bank, she has continued to drive innovation by developing multiple programs from the ground up, including two pilot initiatives and an insider risk program designed to strengthen fraud prevention, policy enforcement, and organizational awareness.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Cantu is passionate about creating a culture of fraud prevention through education, collaboration, and strategic program development. She holds certifications as a Certified Financial Crime Investigator (CFCI) and Certified Cyber Crimes Investigator (CCCI), and is actively involved with organizations including the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). She has also contributed to community education efforts through Junior Achievement and fraud awareness initiatives for vulnerable populations, reflecting her commitment to protecting both organizations and individuals from financial threats.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors who have supported and encouraged my growth, including Ken Self and Connie Couch, who helped me recognize my potential early on, and Jamie Barood, whose leadership in the fraud risk space continues to inspire me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay resilient and bring their best every day. It can be a challenging and often thankless role, but the impact you make matters. Celebrate small wins, treat people with respect, focus on what you can control, and remember that protecting others—even when it is difficult—is meaningful work.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are mentorship, leadership, and service. I believe strong leaders invest in others, just as mentors like Ken, Connie, and Jamie have invested in my growth. I value helping others succeed, whether by developing team members, supporting youth through financial literacy and fraud prevention education, or protecting vulnerable communities through fraud awareness initiatives.
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