ML Investigator - Enhanced Due Diligence

Valley Bank•Aventura, FL

About The Position

This role involves reviewing and analyzing alerts from the Bank's electronic monitoring software to determine if further review is warranted. The investigator will also review and analyze internal AML reports, draw conclusions, and make recommendations. A key part of the job is researching and analyzing customer activity against KYC documentation and other information sources to recommend further review or SAR filing. The investigator will conduct suspicious activity investigations, determine the need for SAR filing, and draft narratives to support these decisions. They will also draft and file SARs with FinCEN, manage complex cases, and identify/analyze records from outside agencies. Recommendations for closing accounts may be made, and correspondence with employees and customers regarding matters like structuring will occur. The role also includes preparing bank-wide guidance on AML matters, working with business units and AML Investigations to resolve monitoring issues, and ensuring the monitoring platform addresses prevailing risks. Support for management in daily AML/KYC compliance efforts and completion of special projects are also expected.

Requirements

Knowledge of laws applicable to money laundering, to include the BSA, The USA Patriot Act, U.S. Treasury AML guidelines, OFAC requirements and Suspicious Activity Reporting requirements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Superior organizational and analytical skills.
Strong time management skills.
Strong research skills.
Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
Experience with online research systems including web-based tools.
Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy under pressure situations.
Team oriented and able to work independently.
Ability to prioritize and organize assignments.
High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of two years in banking operations or investigative law enforcement experience related to anti-money laundering.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree preferred.
CAMS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Review and analyze alerts generated by the Bank's electronic monitoring software to make a determination as to whether activity warrants further review.
Review and analyze internal AML reports, draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding the need for further investigation.
Research and analyze customer activity compared to KYC documentation and internal/external information sources and make recommendations regarding the need for further review and/or SAR filing.
Conduct suspicious activity investigations and determine whether a Suspicious Activity Report is needed.
Draft narrative for each case substantiating the decision/recommendation.
Draft and file Suspicious Activity Reports with FinCEN.
Manage complex cases involving matters such as multiple relationship accounts, international wires involving Bank-designated high risk jurisdictions, and complex cash structuring schemes.
Identify and analyze records of outside agencies to facilitate investigations including credit bureau records, police and court records.
Make recommendations for closing customer accounts/relationships based on investigation.
Correspond with employees and customers in connection with matters such as structuring.
Prepare bank wide guidance on AML matters.
Work with the business and AML Investigations to understand and resolve potential AML monitoring issues.
Work with the AML management team to ensure the monitoring platform consistently addresses prevailing risk.
Support management in the day-to-day compliance efforts with AML/KYC requirements.
Analyze, plan and complete special projects assigned by the AML management.