Manager-Financial Crimes

About the role

Global Merchant & Network Services (GMNS) brings together American Express' merchant- and network-related businesses to enable a sharp focus on using the power of our network to provide unique value to all our mutual customers. The organization manages relationships with millions of merchants worldwide that accept American Express and runs the company’s payment network while managing bank partnerships globally.

GMNS is looking for an experienced Manager–Financial Crimes focused on ensuring risk and control management is embedded in the day-to-day operations of our organization. This first-line role involves extensive collaboration with partners across business units, functional areas, and geographies. The role leads the execution of financial crime risk management within the business unit and is accountable for maintaining a strong control environment to prevent, detect, and respond to financial crimes—including anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, fraud, and anti-bribery and corruption (ABC). The ideal candidate brings deep subject-matter expertise and a pragmatic, partnership-driven approach to risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain financial crimes risk assessments and controls aligned with enterprise policy and regulatory expectations.
• Partner with business leadership to embed financial crime risk management into day-to-day operations, new product development, and client onboarding.
• Lead or support investigations of suspicious activity, coordinating with AML and fraud investigation teams.
• Monitor and report on financial crimes risk indicators, emerging threats, and control effectiveness to business and risk leadership.
• Escalate and remediate control issues or potential violations in partnership with compliance, legal, and audit functions.
• Support internal and regulatory exams, audits, and inquiries related to financial crimes.
• Coordinate financial crimes training and awareness programs for front-line staff.
• Maintain detailed documentation and records to demonstrate compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Consult on the design and implementation of controls tailored to specialized risk areas including Financial Crime and Compliance, with input in broader areas of operational risk.
• Ensure all activities and guidance provided to the business unit align with standards set by centralized specialist risk-stripe teams.
• Comply with enterprise policies and programs pertaining to specific risk types (e.g., Conduct Risk Management policy) and support the design/enhancement of business unit procedures and standards.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory updates relevant to operational risks and share this with business unit process owners.
• Support the design and dissemination of targeted training and awareness programs to increase understanding and management of specific risk topics within GMNS.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in AML, financial crimes compliance, fraud risk, or business risk roles within a financial institution.
• Strong understanding of BSA/AML, OFAC, and anti-bribery and corruption regulations.
• Proven ability to assess risk, implement controls, and collaborate across functions.
• Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States (the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, criminal justice, business administration, or a related field (preferred).
• CAMS, CFE, or similar professional certification (preferred).
• Experience working in a first line of defense or business control function (preferred).
• Familiarity with customer risk rating, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting processes (preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure.
• Ability to influence and educate business partners on risk concepts.
• Skilled in project management and working in a matrixed organization.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries.
• Flexible work arrangements and schedules with hybrid and virtual options through Amex Flex.
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location).
• Free and confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program.
• Career development and training opportunities.

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit the Colleague Benefits Site.

About Us

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service. As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, 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.

About The Team

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally.