L1 Transaction Monitoring Analyst (KYC/KYB)

Job Location: St. Louis, MO

Job Type: Full-Time

About the role

Straive is a global leader in enterprise-grade data analytics and AI solutions, committed to empowering businesses across various industries with cutting-edge technology and expert insights. Backed by EQT, a top private equity firm, we are uniquely positioned to drive innovation through significant investments and an entrepreneurial spirit. Our core focus is on delivering advanced Data Analytics & AI Solutions. By combining sophisticated technology with subject matter expertise, we deliver material impact on our clients' topline and streamline their operations. We specialize in providing tailored solutions across financial services, CPG, legal, pharma, life sciences, retail and logistics, helping them build robust data analytics and AI capabilities. With a client base spanning 30 countries, Straive's strategically located teams operate from eight countries and is headquartered in Singapore. This global presence enables us to offer localized expertise with a worldwide perspective. Join Straive to be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of data analytics and AI innovation. Here, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to transformative projects, supported by significant investments and an entrepreneurial drive fueled by our partnership with EQT.

Responsibilities

• Tier 1: High-Volume Triage
  • Review transaction monitoring alerts generated by the system in line with established procedures and playbooks.
  • Perform initial data review, including: Customer KYC profiles and risk ratings; Transaction history and patterns; Relevant account and customer information.
  • Conduct initial risk categorization of alerts (e.g., risk irrelevant vs. potentially suspicious).
  • Clear alerts that meet predefined “risk irrelevant” criteria with appropriate documentation and rationale.
  • Escalate alerts that exhibit unusual, complex, or higher-risk characteristics to L2 for deep-dive investigation.
• Documentation & Quality
  • Accurately document review steps, observations, and decisions in the case management system.
  • Ensure all work is completed in accordance with internal policies, procedures, and regulatory expectations.
  • Maintain high-quality standards in alert handling, including completeness, accuracy, and consistency of case notes.
• Collaboration & Escalation
  • Collaborate closely with L2 Analysts and Team Leads on escalated alerts.
  • Provide clear, concise summaries and supporting information when escalating cases.
  • Support the team in responding to queries from Compliance, QA, or Audit regarding L1 reviews.
• Performance & Continuous Improvement
  • Meet or exceed defined KPIs, including: Average Handling Time (AHT); Throughput (alerts processed per day); Quality scores (accuracy and completeness of reviews).
  • Identify recurring issues or process gaps and suggest improvements to playbooks and procedures.
  • Participate in training sessions to stay current on typologies, red flags, and system changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Law, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 0–2 years of experience in AML, transaction monitoring, financial crime, or related operations roles (freshers with relevant academic background may be considered).
• Basic understanding of AML/CFT concepts and transaction monitoring principles preferred.
• Familiarity with KYC, customer due diligence, and banking/financial products is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to follow structured procedures and predefined playbooks.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office and ability to work with case management / monitoring tools.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professional ethics.