Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Job Overview

The Head of Financial Crime Compliance is responsible for leading the bank’s efforts to identify, mitigate, and manage financial crime risks, including money laundering, fraud, bribery, corruption, tax evasion and sanctions violations. This role will ensure that the bank complies with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining a strong and effective compliance culture. The role involves strategic leadership, policy development, and day-to-day oversight of financial crime compliance activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the bank’s financial crime compliance framework in alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Provide advice and strategic guidance to the Board, senior management, and other key stakeholders on financial crime risks.

2. Policy and Procedure Management

• Create and maintain robust policies and procedures to detect, prevent, and report financial crime.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely updates to internal policies and procedures

3. Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Conduct financial crime risk assessments and implement risk-based monitoring programs.
• Identify emerging risks and trends in financial crime and recommend proactive measures.
• Lead and conduct the bank’s Enterprise Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) program

4. Training and Awareness

• Develop and deliver training programs to educate staff on financial crime compliance responsibilities.
• Foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

• Responsible Country Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) responsible for the timely and accurate filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the relevant authorities.
• Lead transaction monitoring, screening, investigations, and reporting activities.
• Review and approve customer KYC at new customer onboarding and periodic/trigger review.
• Review and approval of new product approvals and periodic product due diligence.
• Provide regular reports to head office and senior management on financial crime compliance performance.

6. Regulatory Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact with regulators, auditors, and law enforcement on financial crime matters.
• Respond to regulatory inquiries and manage inspections or audits related to financial crime compliance.

7. Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor the financial crime compliance team, ensuring they have the skills and resources to succeed.
• Promote collaboration and communication across teams to enhance compliance efforts.

Job Requirements

Education and Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), or ICA (International Compliance Association) qualification are highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial crime compliance or a related area within banking or financial services.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing financial crime compliance frameworks.
• People management experience preferred
• Experience in managing regulatory relationships and responding to inspections or audits.

Skills and Competencies:

• Deep understanding of anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), sanctions, and fraud prevention laws and regulations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex risks and recommend effective solutions.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding compliance best practices.

This role is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a passion for financial crime prevention and a desire to make a meaningful impact in a small banking environment.