Global Financial Crime Compliance – VP Governance (Committee and Issues Oversight)

American Express•Sandy, UT

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express. How will you make an impact in this role? The American Express Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC) function provides second-line policy, framework, oversight and control solutions to meet the Company’s legal, regulatory and risk management mandates in connection with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF), Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC). The GFCC portfolio comprises all aspects of the Company’s first and second-line financial crime risk management (FCRM) activities, including all lines of businesses in the United States and both proprietary and non-proprietary global markets. Reporting to the Global Head of Governance, the VP of Governance will lead efforts across multiple integrated workstreams to enable compliance with the firm’s Financial Crime Risk Management Policy and Standards. This individual will lead a multi-disciplined cross functional team that oversees governance of the FCRM program, including issue management oversight, committee governance, audit and exam management, inter-company agreements (ICA), financial institution due diligence (FIDD), and DFS-504 compliance. This is a critical leadership role within GFCC, requiring (1) expertise in FCRM requirements and methods, and (2) proven experience in managing complex issues related to financial crime risk within a complex global financial institution.

Requirements

A senior risk professional, preferably with experience in a large financial institution.
7+ years professional experience in a leadership capacity, with at least five years in any of the following: BSA-AML compliance, risk management, program management, and regulatory matters. Professional certification (e.g., CAMS, CFE) preferred.
Strong knowledge of BSA requirements and examination procedures outlined in the FFIEC manual
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in all aspects of the job and with multiple audiences in mind.
Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with key stakeholders.
Strong management and interpersonal skills.
Keen ability to problem solve, assess complex processes, and deliver practical solutions.

Responsibilities

Support GFCC oversight of issue management for the Financial Crimes Risk Management (FCRM) program, including issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation tracking, and risk-based reporting across Issues, Operational Risk Events, and Remediations.
Coordinate the GFCC Issue Management Supervisory Forum (IMSF), providing governance and oversight of imminent and emerging risks impacting the FCRM program.
Manage the Financial Crimes Risk Management Committee, including agenda setting, preparation of materials, execution of meetings, and documentation of decisions.
Oversee escalations to governance committees, including approval of policy exceptions to the Financial Crime Risk Management Policy (AEMP-04).
Support the planning, coordination, and oversight of regulatory examinations, internal audits, and second-line testing for the Global Financial Crimes Compliance program.
Support end-to-end audit and examination lifecycle management, including regulatory and audit information requests, walkthroughs, issue management, and validation of remediation and closure.
Review and challenge audit, examination, and testing results to ensure findings are accurate, risk-based, and aligned with regulatory expectations and enterprise standards.
Manage relationships with Internal Audit, independent testing teams, and regulatory supervisors, ensuring timely delivery and fulfillment of commitments and remediation obligations.
Monitor regulatory developments and emerging financial crime risks to inform audit readiness, governance priorities, and testing strategies.
Prepare senior management and governance forums for regulatory engagement through concise, risk-focused reporting and executive-level summaries.
Oversee and implement a comprehensive governance framework for the intercompany agreement process within GFCC.
Provide oversight of responses to financial crime–related inquiries from third-party financial institutions, ensuring consistent, appropriate, and legally compliant responses across legal entities, lines of business, and markets.
Oversee and execute the annual New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Part 504 certification process.
Provide governance oversight and periodic reporting on material enhancements and control improvements identified through the DFS Part 504 certification process.
Oversight of the Financial Crimes Risk Management Governance and Testing standards, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and internal policy requirements.
Partner with GFCC leadership to identify systemic control gaps, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and strengthen the overall Financial Crimes Compliance control environment.
Identify, assess, and escalate significant FCRM program risks to senior management and appropriate governance forums

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
6%25 Company Match on retirement savings plan
Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
Career development and training opportunities