Head of AML Operations

Reports to Head of Compliance

Purpose:

To lead the strategic development and operational execution of the Anti-Money Laundering framework, with a strong focus on client delivery, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions.  Work closely with senior management, clients and other stakeholders to promote ethical behaviours. Lead a Global AML Function to deliver high quality AML advisory and operational delivery, ensuring a focus on consistent operating practices, jurisdictional regulatory nuances and efficiency enhancements to support and align with Aztec’s growth ambitions.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership – Develop, implement and maintain Aztec’s global AML strategy, with a focus on utilising AI and automation, providing strategic direction to the AML team and ensuring alignment of AML initiatives across all Aztec jurisdictions while supporting compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Client Delivery – Lead the delivery of a frictionless AML onboarding process, including risk assessments and due diligence for clients and investors, ensuring quality, timeliness and accuracy.
• Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, regulators, auditors and 3rd party vendors as needed, staying abreast of industry AML technology advancements.
• Regulatory Compliance – Develop, implement and maintain Aztecs AML procedures ensuring they support compliance with regulatory requirements and align with Aztec’s policy objectives in all jurisdictions.  
• Risk Management – Ensure that appropriate procedures and controls are in place to support the Group with the mitigation of financial crime risk.
• AML Programme Management – Ensure the effective operation and ongoing efficiencies of AML monitoring systems (Verify), embracing AI and automation, and assume ownership for any external / outsourced AML relationships. Design and implement a Quality Assurance programme across the activities of the AML team, to ensure client satisfaction and improve NPS scores with the business.
• Team Leadership – Lead, mentor and develop one AML team across the Aztec Group ensuring operational practices are aligned across all jurisdictions.  Ensure a cross jurisdictional operating model is in place to support with volume of activity and that there is dedicated resource available to support Global accounts.  Ensure the team is adequately resourced and training is provided to support meeting agreed objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Provide guidance and support to senior management and clients on AML and Customer Due Diligence related matters. Provide regular and proactive updates to senior management on matters including breaches, backlogs and resourcing issues.

Leadership Requirements:

• Strategic Leadership: Develops and articulates a clear vision for the AML strategy aligning this with broader organisational goals and emerging regulatory trends, informing and influencing leadership decision making.
• Collaboration & Communication:  Collaborate with the whole CRO Function to align with the broader risk management framework.
• Ethical Integrity: Sets the tone for ethical conduct across Aztec, promoting a culture of accountability and transparency.
• Team & Capability Building: Builds, leads and retains a high-performing team which is operationally efficient and has clear goals, KPIs, and a culture of continuous learning and growth that develop people to their full potential.
• Change Leadership: Drives change in response to regulatory development and the evolving Aztec business model. Encourage continuous improvement in compliance practices, leveraging technology and data analytics.

Skills, knowledge, expertise: 

Technical Skills:

• Demonstrable ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of key jurisdictional regulations and compliance requirements is needed.

People Skills:

• Exceptional collaboration and stakeholder management across leadership, clients and regulators.
• Ability to translate complex frameworks and regulatory requirements into easily understood concepts for different audiences.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CCEP (Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional), or equivalent global compliance certification required.
• Extensive (minimum of 10 years) experience in AML, financial crime, compliance or related role in the financial services industry is essential
• Proven track record of developing and implementing AML strategies
• At least 5 years experience in a leadership role managing AML teams across multiple jurisdictions
• Strong background in identifying, assessing and mitigating financial crime risk
• Experience in developing and maintaining AML Frameworks

Key Internal Interfaces: 

• ExCo and business management
• Risk Team
• POD

Key External Interfaces: 

• Regulators
• Clients

We will provide the training, both in house for relevant technical knowledge and also professional qualifications to enhance your professional development. You will need to be quick to learn new systems and great with people, as close working relationships between our colleagues and clients is at the heart of what we do.