Chief AML Officer

Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Board Compliance Committee

Job Summary

The Chief AML Officer (CAMLO) is responsible for leading the organization's Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and financial crime prevention programs. This role ensures compliance with all applicable AML/CFT regulations and protects the organization from financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and sanctions violations.

The CAMLO serves as the primary authority on AML matters, overseeing policies, systems, investigations, and regulatory engagement to maintain a strong compliance and risk management framework.

Key Responsibilities

1. AML/CFT Strategy & Program Management

• Develop and implement enterprise-wide AML/CFT strategies and frameworks
• Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and international standards (e.g., FATF guidelines)
• Continuously enhance AML programs to address emerging risks
• Promote a strong financial crime compliance culture

1. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with AML/CFT laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations
• Oversee timely and accurate regulatory reporting (e.g., suspicious transaction reports – STRs)
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators and financial intelligence units (FIUs)
• Manage regulatory inspections, audits, and reviews

1. Customer Due Diligence (CDD/KYC)

• Oversee KYC, CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes
• Ensure proper onboarding and monitoring of customers
• Implement risk-based customer profiling and segmentation
• Monitor high-risk customers and politically exposed persons (PEPs)

1. Transaction Monitoring & Investigations

• Oversee transaction monitoring systems and suspicious activity detection
• Lead investigations into suspicious transactions and financial crime risks
• Ensure timely escalation and reporting of suspicious activities
• Collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory bodies when required

1. Sanctions & Financial Crime Risk Management

• Manage sanctions screening and compliance programs
• Ensure adherence to international sanctions regimes
• Identify and mitigate financial crime risks across the organization
• Implement controls to prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption

1. Policies, Controls & Governance

• Develop and maintain AML policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure audit readiness and documentation standards
• Conduct regular AML risk assessments
• Align AML programs with enterprise risk and compliance frameworks

1. Training & Awareness

• Develop AML training programs for employees
• Promote awareness of AML/CFT obligations and risks
• Ensure staff understand policies and reporting requirements
• Foster a culture of vigilance and compliance

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop AML and financial crime compliance teams
• Establish performance standards and accountability
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in AML practices
• Support talent development and succession planning

Key Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or related field
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly preferred

Experience

• 12–18+ years of experience in AML, compliance, financial crime, or risk roles
• Proven experience in senior AML leadership roles (e.g., Chief AML Officer, Head of AML, Financial Crime Leader)
• Strong background in banking, financial services, insurance, or investment sectors

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and frameworks (e.g., FATF, local regulations)
• Expertise in KYC, transaction monitoring, and investigations
• Strong analytical and risk assessment skills
• Leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• High ethical standards and attention to detail
• Ability to manage complex regulatory environments

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Compliance with AML/CFT regulations
• Timeliness and accuracy of STR/SAR filings
• Effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems
• Reduction in financial crime risks and incidents
• Audit and regulatory inspection outcomes
• Employee AML training completion and awareness

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in multinational or highly regulated financial institutions
• Strong relationships with regulators and FIUs
• Exposure to regtech and AML technology solutions
• Ability to manage complex financial crime risks

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive salary
• Performance-based incentives
• Executive benefits and allowances