Senior AML​/ATF Specialist

About This Opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

As the most senior investigative role within Meridian’s AML Compliance function (level
3), this position is designed for an accomplished professional with deep expertise in detecting and mitigating money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions evasion risk. The Senior Specialist is entrusted with investigating and resolving high‑risk and highly complex cases that may involve large corporate or business entities, organized crime, and ideologically motivated violent extremism and/or terrorist financing. These investigations and enhanced due diligence (EDD) activities often present unique and evolving risks and complexities, requiring exceptional judgment, advanced critical thinking, and extensive experience to achieve effective outcomes.

As a subject‑matter expert, the Senior Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting first‑line business banking relationship managers and branch leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, assess, and manage risks associated with their members, including those with significant relationship values. The insights are critical in guiding decisions related to the onboarding of high‑risk prospects and the potential demarketing of high‑risk members, directly contributing to Meridian’s business banking growth strategy.

Prior experience conducting complex EDD investigations—including analysis of corporate/entity legal structures, financial records, and account activity—is highly valued. This expertise is a distinct asset for the role.

Because of the seniority of the position, the work performed is subject to heightened scrutiny by FINTRAC and other regulatory authorities and auditors. It ensures that risk management activities support business objectives while adhering to regulatory standards and best practices.

• Design and execute complex EDD strategies commensurate with the nature and severity of the risks identified for members and prospective members, including those with complex or opaque ownership and control structures, operating in high‑risk industries, or whose capital may be sourced from high‑risk jurisdictions.
• Assess and set appropriate scope for investigations using a risk‑based approach.
• Provide an opinion to line‑of‑business stakeholders relative to the risk of the member/prospect and make recommendations regarding suitability for membership.
• Create a work product that will pass the scrutiny of auditors and regulators.
• Investigate potential or suspected instances of money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions evasion, specializing in high‑complexity or high‑profile cases. This includes the review and interpretation of complex financial and legal documents, high volumes of transaction activity, and open‑source information.
  • Determine if reporting to FINTRAC is required. Discreet and documented decisions are subject to review by auditors and regulators.
  • Identify if additional risk mitigation tactics are necessary and execute them, which may include recommendations to de‑market material relationships based on investigation results.

• Serve as a subject‑matter expert and consultant to lines‑of‑business, providing guidance and support in identifying and assessing money‑laundering and terrorist‑financing risks as they arise.
• Provide education to business line stakeholders and influence decision making in an effective and tactful manner.
• Provide guidance and coaching to less‑experienced investigators; review work, give direction, act as a trusted partner and sounding board.
• Support preparation for internal/external audit and quality control activities.

• Strong understanding of FINTRAC’s Guidelines, the PCMLTFA, and its regulations.
• Working‑level understanding of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Working‑level understanding of PIPEDA.
• Expert‑level understanding of ML/TF typologies and risk factors, including staying up‑to‑date with…