Director-Compliance - Financial Crimes Training

About the role

The Financial Crimes Compliance Training Lead (Band 40) is responsible for defining and executing the training strategy for Financial Crimes Compliance (FCC), including Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Sanctions and Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABAC). This role ensures that colleagues across the enterprise are equipped with the knowledge and capabilities required to meet regulatory obligations and effectively manage financial crime risks. Operating at a strategic leadership level, this role partners with Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Business stakeholders to design scalable, risk-based training programs that drive a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

• Lead the enterprise-wide FCC training strategy aligned with regulatory expectations and business priorities
• Translate evolving regulatory requirements (e.g., AML, OFAC, BSA) into an effective training program
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on compliance learning, risk awareness, and capability building
• Drive a risk-based approach to training, prioritizing high-impact areas and emerging threats
• Lead the execution of the Enterprise Financial Crimes Training Needs Analysis
• Oversee training governance, controls, and processes to ensure consistency and compliance
• Manage budgets, vendors, and external training partners
• Ensure efficient and scalable delivery across global teams
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of FCC training programs, including:
  • Mandatory compliance training (AML, Sanctions, ABAC)
  • Role-based and advanced risk training for high-risk Business Units
  • Onboarding and continuous education programs
• Ensure training content is current, engaging, and aligned with regulatory guidance and internal policies
• Leverage modern learning approaches (e.g., digital learning, simulations, scenario-based training)
• Ensure all training programs meet regulatory expectations and stand up to internal/external audits and regulatory scrutiny
• Partner with Financial Crimes Risk areas, Testing, and Audit teams to address findings and enhance training effectiveness
• Maintain strong documentation and governance of training programs
• Collaborate with FCC leaders, business units, HR, and global partners to identify training needs and deliver tailored solutions
• Influence and align with senior stakeholders across a matrixed organization
• Represent training initiatives in regulatory discussions, audits, and governance forums
• Define KPIs and metrics to assess training effectiveness, completion, and risk reduction
• Use data and analytics to continuously improve training programs and demonstrate impact
• Deliver insights and reporting to senior leadership and regulators as needed
• Lead and develop a team of training professionals and subject matter experts
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Build succession and capability within the training organization

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in Financial Crimes Compliance and Learning & Development
• Deep expertise in AML, Sanctions, and broader FCC regulatory frameworks (e.g., BSA/AML, OFAC, FATF)
• Proven experience designing and leading enterprise-wide compliance training programs
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate in a highly matrixed organization
• Experience in a global financial institution or highly regulated environment (preferred)
• Degree in Business, Compliance, or related field (preferred)
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS) (preferred)
• Familiarity with learning technologies and data analytics tools (preferred)
• Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives