BSA/AML Compliance Associate

BBVA•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Within the US Compliance unit of a large global bank, the BSA/AML Compliance Associate will be responsible for supporting the bank’s BSA/AML Program and ensuring compliance with all applicable BSA/AML and OFAC rules and regulations across all business areas. The candidate will perform day-to-day functional tasks with a primary focus on the Transaction Monitoring lifecycle, including alert review, case investigations, and SAR drafting. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and transaction monitoring expertise, demonstrating a strong understanding of AML regulatory expectations and the ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-jurisdictional environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least five years of experience in BSA/ AML.
Must be a team player, be able to interface with Senior Management and exhibit a high level of professionalism.
Must possess in depth technical knowledge of BSA / AML, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC Sanctions compliance, Know Your Customer (KYC), and transaction monitoring review and reporting.
Experience conducting company searches and use of resources such as LexisNexis and World-Check.
Experience with transaction monitoring and case management tools.
Ability to work independently or with limited supervision on highly sensitive matters.

Nice To Haves

Graduate Degree in Law, Business, or other related areas is highly desirable.
Active Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation (preferred) or ability to acquire within 180 days of hire.
Ability to read, write and speak Spanish is highly desirable.
Knowledge of LATAM / Spain regions is highly desirable.
Broker/Dealer experience

Responsibilities

Review automated transaction monitoring alerts and conduct end-to-end investigations of suspicious activity, ensuring timely resolution in accordance with internal SLAs and regulatory requirements.
Responsible for the high-quality drafting of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), maintaining robust documentation for "no-file" decisions, and participating in the Quality Control (QC) process of SAR filings.
Liaise with Business Lines, Client Onboarding, Operations, and Legal to support compliant onboarding practices and discuss customer risk tolerance reviews or requirements for additional controls.
Act as a point of contact for the business to manage Requests for Information (RFIs) and provide guidance on AML-related inquiries.
Participate in compliance regulatory examinations, internal audits, and independent inquiries by supporting the drafting of responses and the preparation of required materials.
Contribute to transaction monitoring "tuning" efforts and the development of new detection scenarios based on emerging risks and typologies.
Contribute to the ongoing development, maintenance, and updating of AML team procedures to ensure they remain aligned with corporate guidelines and evolving regulations.
Execute special projects, thematic reviews, and assignments as needed