Financial Crimes Risk Analyst

About the role

Assists in ensuring the Bank’s compliance with the applicable aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), USA PATRIOT Act, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations by monitoring, identifying, reporting, and investigating suspicious activity related to potential money laundering, financial crimes, and terrorist financing. The Financial Crimes Risk Management (FCRM) Analyst assesses the financial crimes risk of customers to ensure compliance with BSA/AML regulations, including customer identification procedures (CIP), customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and beneficial ownership (BO).

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) reviews of high‑risk accounts, including Money Service Businesses (MSBs), marijuana‑related businesses (MRBs), Non‑Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs), Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), Non‑Resident Aliens (NRAs), privately‑owned ATM operators (POATMs), cryptocurrency entities, etc.; document EDD monitoring and tag accounts appropriately in Verafin.
• Analyze transactional trends and identification documentation to conclude EDD reviews and recommend acceptance, risk mitigation, or account closure.
• Provide updated information to the Financial Crimes Risk Manager for revising procedures handling newly identified high‑risk customers.
• Review Verafin reports to identify untagged NGOs, MRBs, or MSBs and add appropriate tags and comments.
• Evaluate transactional activity in POATM or MSB accounts for unusual patterns or lack of cash activity.
• Stay current on MSB and MRB regulatory requirements for Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, and Florida, as well as federal guidelines.
• Communicate with bank personnel to obtain additional documentation needed for investigations or reviews of high‑risk accounts.
• Track documentation for all MSBs and work with retail and lending staff to resolve exceptions.
• Process alerts in Verafin for privately‑owned ATM transactions and assign risk ratings to new Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) accounts.
• Investigate alerts in Verafin for red flags or new account scenarios, determining whether to clear or further investigate.
• Utilize internal bank systems and external research tools to investigate, research, and document anti‑money‑laundering investigations.
• Develop an understanding of industry and AML regulations, recognizing patterns of suspicious activity.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of policies and regulations related to anti‑money‑laundering schemes.
• Support special projects or critical casework regarding BSA/AML matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university preferred; minimum three years of banking experience required, including recent BSA compliance experience within the last 12 months, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and/or Certified AML and Fraud Professional (CAFP) certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within one year.

Skills

• Proficient with Internet, Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn bank‑specific software such as Verafin, IBS (Core), and IBS (Teller Insight).
• Maintains proficient knowledge of BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC regulations, and related bank policies.
• Skilled at operating systems and software programs used to obtain customer information, transaction history, and generate reports for the BSA program.
• Strong interpersonal and customer‑service abilities to interact appropriately with employees, customers, and supervisors.

Competencies

• Analytical and design: strong problem‑solving and technical troubleshooting skills; ability to manage simultaneous complex projects.
• Problem solving: identifies and resolves issues promptly; gathers and analyzes information; works well in group problem‑solving situations.
• Interpersonal skills/customer service: maintains confidentiality; remains open to ideas; responds to service requests; meets commitments.
• Oral and written communication: speaks clearly and persuasively; listens actively; responds well to questions; reads and interprets written information.
• Teamwork: balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to positive team spirit; prioritizes team success.
• Organizational support: follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks accurately and on time; supports organizational goals.
• Judgment and motivation: exhibits sound judgment; explains reasoning; includes appropriate stakeholders in decisions; makes timely decisions.
• Planning/organizing: prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism: approaches others tactfully; reacts well under pressure; treats all individuals with respect.
• Quality and quantity: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; completes work in a timely manner.
• Adaptability: adapts to changes; manages competing demands; handles frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/punctuality and dependability: consistently present and on time; ensures coverage when absent; follows instructions and takes responsibility for actions.

Physical Demands

Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle objects, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lb and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lb. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level is usually moderate. This description reflects essential functions and may be adjusted by management to meet the Bank’s changing needs. It is not a contract and may be modified at the Bank’s discretion.