BSA/AML Manager

Avant • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Avant is looking for an experienced BSA/AML Manager to oversee Avant’s anti-money laundering and sanctions screening programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide thought leadership on risk management while leading a high-performing team of investigators. You will be responsible for triaging alerts, assessing emerging risks for new products, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure our policies align with regulatory expectations. If you have a strong background in banking or Fintech fraud, possess sharp technical analytical skills, and thrive in a collaborative environment, you are the ideal candidate to help us safeguard our platform.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in banking fraud or AML experience in fraud risk management or AML within financial services, fintech, or payments, with significant exposure to card, loan, and/or banking products.
• Demonstrated experience building, managing, or validating fraud or AML models and rules (e.g., transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, customer risk rating, behavioral analytics).
• Strong hands-on analytical and data skills with proficiency in tools such as SQL and at least one of: Python, R, SAS, or similar.
• Solid understanding of BSA/AML and sanctions regulatory requirements and guidance (e.g., BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC, FATF, FFIEC).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership on AML risk management and model usage, ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader risk, compliance, and enterprise risk frameworks.
• Lead a team of BSA/AML investigators responsible for triaging alerts and referring to suspicious activity, ensuring staffing levels keep pace with product growth while maintaining high-quality alert processing.
• Ensure Avant’s sanctions screening program, including screening cadence and coverage, meets regulatory expectations and internal policy requirements.
• Lead the assessment of complex and emerging AML risks, including those related to new products, customer segments, channels, technologies, and regulatory developments.
• Work closely with Engineering and Product to design, prioritize, and implement BSA/AML technology solutions and controls within Avant’s platforms and tools.
• Partner with Compliance and Legal to ensure BSA/AML policies, procedures, and controls align with regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.
• Engage with card processors and bank partners to complete annual regulatory risk assessments and address identified gaps or issues.
• Monitor KRIs, dashboards, and reporting related to alerts, SAR referral rates, operational performance, and control effectiveness, and recommend enhancements where needed.
• Communicate key AML and fraud trends, emerging risks, and program performance to executive leadership and, as appropriate, to Board-level stakeholders.

Benefits

• Choice of great Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plan options
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Time Off
• Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)
• Generous Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance and Post-parental leave ramp-up program
• Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-office Snacks
• Summer Fridays
• Fun In-Office and Virtual Social Events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees