Senior Investigator, AML Investigations Unit (Transaction Monitoring Case Investigations)

Scotiabank • Mississauga, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Investigator contributes to the overall success of the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations (AMLI) by conducting money laundering (ML) and/or terrorist financing (TF) investigations. This role investigates time-sensitive transaction monitoring cases referred to the AMLI, and/or other internal or external sources, to determine whether activity is reasonable for the client/focal party and can be closed with referral to AMLI (as required), or to recommend that potential Reasonable Grounds to Suspect (RGS) exists and refer to AMLI Manager and/or delegate for suspicious transaction report (STR) approval. Ensures all activities conducted comply with governing regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.

Requirements

• University degree, or equivalent, and a minimum of 2 years of experience in AML and/or risk disciplines.
• Extensive investigative skills along with 5 years of documented AML or law enforcement experience may substitute for university degree requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in ML/TF investigations.
• Knowledge of local and relevant AML laws and regulations.
• Strong understanding of financial transactions along with an understanding of technology.
• Good investigative skills and demonstrated understanding of complex financial transactions.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement as to the materiality of risks identified.
• Proven ability in determining required risk mitigation activities with appropriate consideration of the impact of the business line.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Uses an analytical approach to problem solving, coupled with attention to results and a sense of urgency.
• Exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to communicate in French and/or Spanish is an asset.
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Perform and document AMLI investigations, including clearly reasoned findings, along with maintaining supporting information, in accordance with Enterprise AML and internal policies and procedures.
• Perform increased risk and/or complex investigations, and provide both recommendations and reports, as appropriate, on investigative trends and outcomes.
• Investigate Client records, activities, and account information to determine whether unusual activity may indicate RGS.
• Identify and investigate high-risk Clients, including, but not limited to, potential politically exposed persons (PEPs)/politically exposed foreign persons (PEFPs), and/or Sanctions, and refer, as appropriate, to internal partners (e.g., EDDU, Global Sanctions, etc.).
• Prepare and deliver investigative results to the appropriate staff, including identification of trends and areas of improvement.
• Identify and report RGS within the regulatory reporting requirements and timelines.
• Recommend risk-mitigation actions and next steps at the conclusion of case investigations, including, but not limited to, demarketing, retain, or Caution List recommendations.
• Apprise and advise senior personnel regarding ongoing investigations and findings.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and feedback regarding recommendations and best practices for enterprise investigations, as appropriate.
• Share subject matter expertise and provide specialized advice, guidance, and direction to team members on ML/TF and case investigations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skill sets relevant for ML/TF, Sanctions, and other regulatory matters to perform case investigations.
• Identify challenges and obstacles related to the team’s objectives and escalate them accordingly.
• Understand how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.
• Actively pursue effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to, and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, and conduct risk, including but not limited to responsibilities under the Operational Risk Management Framework, Regulatory Compliance Risk Management Framework, AML / ATF Global Handbook and the Guidelines for Business Conduct.
• Champion a high-performance environment and contribute to an inclusive work environment.
• Prepare and review STR reports to ensure all regulatory requirements are met to support the accurate and timely submission of STR reports to FINTRAC.

Benefits

• A competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits plan.
• Meaningful development conversations that enable faster advancement and internal training to support your growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree