Head of AML Advisory
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for anti-money laundering specialists has surged in recent years, with a 25% increase in job openings in the fintech sector. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, companies like Mercury are seeking skilled professionals to navigate the complex regulatory environment. With its innovative approach to banking services, Mercury stands out as a pioneer in the industry. To succeed in this role, candidates should possess a deep understanding of BSA/AML frameworks and a strategic mindset. Before applying, it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest compliance trends and be prepared to drive growth in a highly regulated space.
Job Description
About the Role
The Head of AML Advisory at Mercury will play a critical role in shaping the company's BSA/AML program, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and driving growth in a highly regulated space. This leadership role will report to Mercury's BSA Officer and require significant cross-functional engagement with various teams, including risk strategy, operations, product managers, engineers, and external financial partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of BSA/AML and other applicable regulatory frameworks, as well as excellent communication skills to break down complex requirements into practical systems.As a key member of the BSA/AML and Sanctions compliance team, the Head of AML Advisory will drive day-to-day advisory and support for Mercury's BSA/AML program, spanning Know Your Customer (KYC), Transaction Monitoring, emerging risk, and customer supportability. This role will require a deep understanding of the fintech industry, as well as the ability to identify emerging compliance trends and risks.
Mercury is committed to creating a safe and secure banking experience for its customers, and the Head of AML Advisory will be instrumental in achieving this goal. By developing and implementing effective BSA/AML programs, the successful candidate will help protect Mercury, its customers, and the broader financial ecosystem from bad actors and harmful activities.
What You Will Do
- Develop and implement Mercury's BSA/AML program, including supporting policy, control, governance, and training development
- Work closely with the BSA/AML and Sanctions Compliance Officer, existing operational AML/BSA and KYC teams, and Product Compliance managers to align policies with implementation and address escalation
- Partner across Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Product teams to guide Mercury's growth in a highly regulated space
- Serve as a champion and conduit for BSA/AML and KYC priorities across the company, providing advisory to business partners as needed
- Maintain an inventory of BSA/AML requirements, executing gap assessments and change management assessments as required to ensure compliance with expectations from regulators, partner institutions, and Mercury's policies
- Support the execution of AML/BSA and KYC Risk Assessments
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective BSA/AML programs
- Stay up-to-date on emerging compliance trends and risks, ensuring Mercury remains ahead of the curve
- Develop and deliver training programs to ensure employees understand BSA/AML policies and procedures
- Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with BSA/AML regulations
What We Are Looking For
- Minimum of 8+ years of experience building and designing BSA/AML governance and policy programs at fintechs, traditional financial institutions, or both
- Deep knowledge of BSA/AML and other applicable regulatory frameworks, such as FFIEC, SAR, CTF, and FATF
- Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify emerging compliance trends and risks
- Strong team leadership skills, with the ability to get into the weeds and be scrappy
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to break down complex requirements into easy-to-understand and practical systems
- Strong commitment to BSA/AML compliance, with a passion for protecting Mercury's customers and the broader financial ecosystem
- Ability to operate in a highly regulated, rapidly evolving, and sometimes ambiguous environment
- Experience with Excel and other relevant tools
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with talented professionals across multiple disciplines
Nice to Have
- Experience working in a fintech company or a similar industry
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and their applications in BSA/AML
- Certification in AML or a related field, such as CAMS or CFE
- Experience with data analytics and visualization tools
- Strong network of contacts in the BSA/AML and fintech communities
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Opportunity to work with a pioneering fintech company
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous PTO and holiday package
- Employee discounts and perks
- Opportunity to work with a talented and diverse team
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
- Continuous learning and development opportunities
- Access to industry events and conferences
- Flexible and adaptable work environment
- Support for remote work and work-life balance
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Develop a strong understanding of BSA/AML frameworks and regulatory requirements to stand out as a candidate.
- To succeed in this role, it's essential to have excellent communication skills and the ability to break down complex requirements into practical systems.
- When applying, be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience in developing and implementing effective BSA/AML programs.
- Consider obtaining certifications, such as CAMS or CFE, to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to BSA/AML compliance.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience working in a highly regulated environment and your ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity.
- Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and your experience with data analytics and visualization tools.
- Highlight your passion for protecting customers and the broader financial ecosystem from bad actors and harmful activities.
- Emphasize your ability to stay up-to-date on emerging compliance trends and risks, and your experience with industry events and conferences.
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