Director Financial Crimes Compliance

A growing organization in the financial services industry is seeking a Director of Financial Crimes Compliance & Regulatory Operations to provide leadership and strategic oversight of its AML/KYC and regulatory operations functions. Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, this role requires deep expertise in AML/KYC, strong people leadership, and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into scalable programs, processes, and operating strategies.

• Lead the organization's AML/KYC program and regulatory operations functions.
• Ensure programs, controls, and procedures meet applicable regulatory requirements and evolve alongside business needs.
• Oversee customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and investigations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, and increase operational scalability.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, and analysts.
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability across the function.
• Coach and develop team leaders and individual contributors while addressing capability and resource needs.
• Support succession planning and the long-term development of the team.

• Lead regulatory examinations, audits, remediation efforts, and related responses within areas of responsibility.
• Advise the Chief Compliance Officer on AML/KYC risks, regulatory developments, and emerging issues.
• Establish effective escalation, reporting, and governance practices.
• Ensure policies, documentation, and controls remain current and audit-ready.

• Partner with Operations, Legal, Risk, Technology, and Internal Audit on compliance matters.
• Provide AML/KYC guidance for systems, distribution relationships, and strategic business initiatives.
• Balance regulatory requirements with practical business and operational considerations.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive compliance experience within insurance, annuities, financial services, or another highly regulated industry.
• Significant AML/KYC experience and a strong understanding of related regulatory requirements, frameworks, and controls.
• 5+ years of leadership experience, including responsibility for developing managers and leading teams.
• Demonstrated experience strengthening, enhancing, or scaling AML/KYC programs, processes, and controls.
• Experience managing regulatory examinations, audits, and remediation initiatives.
• Strong judgment and strategic thinking, with the ability to communicate complex risks to senior leadership.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership skills.