Global Head of Client Screening

Wells Fargo

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

About this role: We are seeking a seasoned and strategic leader to serve as the Global Head of Client Screening within our Financial Crimes organization. This role is critical to ensuring our firm maintains a robust and globally consistent approach to client screening, aligned with regulatory expectations and industry best practices. The successful candidate will oversee the end-to-end screening lifecycle, including sanctions, PEPs, adverse media, and other financial crime-related risks.

Requirements

8+ years of Business Execution, Implementation, or Strategic Planning experience, including Management or leadership experience, or equivalent experience demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
4+ years of management or leadership experience

Nice To Haves

Proven leadership experience in a global or regional role within a financial institution.
Strong understanding of screening technologies, data sources, and vendor platforms (e.g., World-Check, Dow Jones, LexisNexis).
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and manage cross-functional stakeholder relationships.
Excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
Experience in managing large-scale transformation or remediation programs.
Familiarity with AI/ML applications in screening and alert optimization.
Ability to influence at all levels of the organization and drive strategic change.
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the global client screening strategy, ensuring compliance with international regulatory frameworks (e.g., OFAC, EU, UN, FATF).
Oversee the design and execution of screening policies, procedures, and controls across onboarding, periodic reviews, and event-driven processes.
Partner with technology and data teams to optimize screening platforms, including alert generation, resolution workflows, and system tuning.
Lead global screening operations, ensuring timely and accurate disposition of alerts and escalation of potential risks.
Serve as a senior point of contact for regulatory inquiries, audits, and internal governance forums related to client screening.
Monitor emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry trends to proactively evolve the screening program.
Drive innovation through automation, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
Build and manage a high-performing global team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Defining and executing a global client screening strategy aligned with the firm's risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
Overseeing the design, implementation, and enhancement of client screening systems and processes
Leading, mentoring, and developing a global team of screening professionals.
Fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
Ensuring adequate resources and expertise to meet screening demands.
Direct oversight of client screening operations, including sanctions, PEP (Politically Exposed Persons), and adverse media screening.
Ensuring operational performance and effective controls are in compliance with AML/KYC regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Monitoring and analyzing trends and patterns in screening alerts and dispositions.
Implementing process improvements and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Compliance, Technology, Operations, Legal, and Business Development teams.
Providing periodic reporting to senior management and the board on the status of the screening program.
Proactively identifying and mitigating risks associated with screening & KYC