FIU Investigations Senior Specialist (BSA)

Vantage Bank•McAllen, TX

About The Position

At Vantage Bank, we're driven by a deep commitment to supporting our customers, valuing our employees, embracing diversity, fostering meaningful connections, and providing outstanding service every step of the way. JOB SUMMARY The Investigations Senior Specialist safeguards the organization from financial crime by conducting complex investigations into suspicious activity, fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other risks while ensuring full compliance with BSA/AML/OFAC regulations. They perform supervisory tasks, produce in‑depth research, and thorough analysis, identify deficiencies through timely quality‑control reviews, and ensure appropriate work assignment and timely production across the team. The Investigations Senior Specialist frequently engages with team members to resolve issues, escalating unresolved matters as needed, and serve as a subject matter expert with strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and deep regulatory knowledge. They also support the Financial Intelligence Unit department in ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations, preparing for exams and external audits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Criminal Justice, or a related field, OR a combination of equivalent, relevant work experience required.
8+ years of experience in BSA and AML, preferably focusing on CASE investigations.
Minimum of 10 years of prior experience in a financial institution required.
6+ years of experience leading, supervising, or managing others.
Knowledge of digital currency fundamentals, embedded finance risk mitigation strategies, foreign correspondent banking principles, and on chain monitoring systems utilized to mitigate inherent AML/OFAC risks.
Excellent analytical, time management, organizational and critical thinking skills with the ability to multi-task and work in a deadline-driven environment.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, the Windows environment, and internet research skills.
Must be initiative-taking with a high level of accountability and attention to detail.
Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to always maintain a high degree of ethical standards and complete confidentiality.
All employees of Vantage Bank, herein referenced to as the “Bank”, must comply with the terms of the BSA Policy upon acceptance of this position.
It is the responsibility of each employee to take the required BSA training modules and become familiar with and adhere to the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti Money Laundering and Office of Foreign Asset Control Policy.

Nice To Haves

Professional Certification (CAMS, CFE, ACFCS) or other related certifications, or willingness to obtain, preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists the Investigations Manager in the daily operations of the Investigation team.
Assigns monthly workload to analysts and ensure analysts complete their assigned workload in a timely manner.
Conducts end-to-end investigations into suspicious activity identified through alerts, referrals, escalations, or external requests.
Analyzes customer behavior, transaction patterns, KYC information, and external data sources to determine potential financial crime risks.
Documents investigative findings clearly, concisely, and in accordance with regulatory and internal standards.
Prepares Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when required, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
Evaluates the severity and potential impact of identified risks and recommend appropriate actions.
Identifies emerging trends, typologies, and red flags related to money laundering, fraud, sanctions evasion, and other illicit activity.
Escalates high-risk cases to management or specialized investigative teams as appropriate.
Partners with Compliance, Fraud, Legal, Operations, and business units to gather information and resolve investigations.
Provides guidance and mentorship to junior investigators, offering feedback on case quality and investigative techniques.
Participates in cross functional projects aimed at improving detection, monitoring, and investigative processes.
Ensures all investigative work aligns with BSA/AML, OFAC, USA PATRIOT Act, and other applicable regulations.
Maintains awareness of regulatory changes, industry best practices, and enforcement trends.
Supports internal and external audits, regulatory exams, and quality assurance reviews.
Recommends enhancements to monitoring systems, workflows, and investigative tools.
Contributes to the development of policies, procedures, and training materials.
Other duties as assigned.