Manager - Compliance

About the role

The CDD Governance Manager will report to the CDD Compliance Director and work with first- and second-line teams across markets and lines of business to drive enhancements to Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes and procedures. This role supports strategic initiatives such as Guardian, KYC Standards gap assessment & implementation, and regulatory requests. The individual should have proven ability to work collaboratively across markets and functions, thrive in a changing environment, and possess experience working on global initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead key governance-related projects in line with Guardian and regulatory requests through strong stakeholder management to deliver on time-bound objectives.
• Manage global initiatives like conducting Gap Assessment & Implementation of KYC standards, driving alignment across markets and functions, and ensuring timely risk mitigation.
• Develop subject matter expertise in the end-to-end CDD program, including understanding the supporting technology.
• Ensure risks and issues are effectively identified, assessed, prioritized, and managed across teams.
• Review and assess existing KYC policies, procedures, and workflows against internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Define timelines, owners, and success metrics for remediation activities and track them to closure.
• Support audit and regulatory exam preparedness by providing evidence of assessments, action plans, and remediation efforts.
• Monitor for changes in regulatory expectations and proactively assess potential impact on KYC programs.
• Lead a team of analysts to identify gaps or areas of concern and recommend corrective action plans.
• Prepare detailed assessment reports with findings, gap summaries, and risk implications.
• Stay updated on evolving regulations and industry standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience in program governance, project management, product management, strategy development and implementation, with at least three years in BSA-AML, financial crimes compliance, government agency/regulator, general compliance, risk management, or audit.
• Decisive self-starter with high accountability, solution-focused, and able to balance multiple priorities in a deadline-intensive environment.
• Ability to assess and synthesize key insights from large amounts of information to determine strategic opportunities and drive implementation.
• Strong strategic thought leadership and ability to navigate ambiguity while proactively addressing challenges.
• Strong management, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and engage stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to develop impactful communications for senior leadership and regulators.
• Familiarity with KYC operations, customer lifecycle, management systems, and screening technologies is a plus.
• Experienced people leader capable of driving performance through coaching and motivating teams.
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and professionally.
• Strong decision-making skills, adaptability, and ability to work independently or within a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States (no visa sponsorship provided).

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries and bonus incentives.
• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan.
• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits.
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite, or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need.
• 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, for pregnancy, adoption, or surrogacy.
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (location-dependent).
• Free and confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program.
• Career development and training opportunities.

About Us

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values, and Leadership Behaviors, with an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. We operate with a strong risk mindset to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service. As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and opportunities to learn, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, we help define the future of American Express.