AML/BSA Officer

About the role

The AML/BSA Officer will serve as the Bank's designated AML/BSA Officer and is primarily responsible for administration, execution, and continuous improvement of the Bank's AML/BSA Program. This role operates within the second line of defense and exercises independent judgment in identification, escalation, and reporting of AML/BSA risks.

Responsibilities

• Establish direct accountability point for AML/BSA, strengthening regulatory credibility and ensuring clear, direct escalation of financial crime risks to senior management.
• Establish dedicated second-line expertise and independence, enabling more effective and stronger oversight over the AML BSA Program.
• Centralize ownership of program execution, improving the quality, consistency, and defensibility of the program and supporting activities.
• Lead execution of AML/BSA Program and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Serve as Bank’s designated AML/BSA Officer accountable for program execution and effectiveness.
• Lead and coordinate suspicious activity investigations, escalation, and regulatory filings.
• Maintain complete and examiner-defensible documentation.
• Exercise independent judgment in the identification, escalation and reporting of AML/BSA risks, including escalation of material issues to senior management and the Audit Committee, as appropriate.
• Partner with business units to perform investigations and provide effective challenge.
• Monitor regulatory developments and recommend program enhancements.
• Conduct AML/BSA risk assessments and track remediation.
• Provide regular and ad hoc reporting to senior management on AML/BSA program effectiveness and SAR activity.
• Prepare and deliver AML/BSA training for Bank staff, independent contractors, and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee identification, tracking, and remediation of AML/BSA issues, including regulatory findings and management action plans, and provide status reporting to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Serve as primary liaison for examinations and audits.
• Support second-line oversight of OFAC, fraud, and related financial crimes programs.
• May serve as officer of such other functions as well.
• Perform other duties and support broader Compliance Program activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be CAMS certified.
• Bachelor’s or Associates degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Law, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10+ years of AML/BSA experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience administering AML/BSA programs and interacting with regulators.
• Strong knowledge of AML/BSA laws and regulations, and of financial services regulatory compliance frameworks, including second-line oversight and effective challenge expectations.
• Proven strong analytical skills to independently evaluate complex data, identify trends, and assess potential risks.
• Proven ability to manage investigations and SAR filings.
• Ability to work independently and to influence and credibly challenge stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); data visualization tools such as Tableau preferred.
• High degree of initiative, judgment, and accountability.