Vice President, Global Financial Crime Compliance – Global Head of Client Risk Rating (“CRR”) & Customer Due Diligence (“CDD”)

American Express•New York, NY

8h•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. The 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. 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 non-proprietary global markets. Reporting to the Global Head of AML, the GFCC Global Head of Client Risk and Customer Due Diligence will lead efforts to assess, index, monitor, and mitigate client introduced risk, using data analytics to create dynamic Client Risk Ratings (CRR) to drive Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, ensure regulatory compliance across all lines of business and jurisdictions where American Express operates, and provide relevant, reliable information to lines of business leadership and GFCC colleagues. This individual will oversee a cross-functional team focused on ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of the CRR and CDD program. The role’s responsibilities include program development (including remediation and enhancement), project management (including close work with GFCC Project Management Office (PMP), Transaction Monitoring (T M) and Risk Assessment teams, external consultants and contractor support), oversight of system/model/tool maintenance and operating effectiveness as they relate to CRR and CDD requirements, monitoring fulfillment of data requirements, and oversight of metrics and reporting. This is a critical leadership role within GFCC, requiring (1) expert financial crime risk management requirements and methods and (2) expert domain expertise in CRR, KYC, project management, platform delivery and maintenance, organizational design to meet business needs, and operational execution within a complex global financial institution.

Requirements

Minimum of 15 years of experience in large financial services compliance functions with expertise in CIP, KYC, and CDD.
Proven expertise in program development and synchronization.
Established understanding of global regulatory expectations.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-regional/global and cross-functional teams.
Strong communication and influencing skills; ability to interact with senior executives and regulators.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

Lead the Global KYC organization, comprising the GFCC CRR, CDD, KYC teams; and oversight of colleagues in the first line of defense and technology
Oversee program development (including remediation and enhancement) and project-management governance to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations, internal policies, and evolving risks
Drive strategic enhancements to overall CRR/KYC program execution
Engage directly with regulators in connection with KYC portfolio areas
Synchronize efforts with key stakeholders including the Financial Crimes Compliance Surveillance Unit, U.S. Investigations Unit, Threat Assessment Group, Financial Crimes Data Science and Analytics Center of Excellence, Technology, Operations, Model Risk Management, Business Line Compliance, and first-line stakeholders.
Establish and maintain comprehensive documentation, metrics, controls and Risk and Control Self-Assessments around all CRR and CDD processes
Administer the GFCC KYC Standards, as published by GFCC under AEMP 04, Financial Crime Risk Management Policy
Support GFCC’s response to regulatory exams, audits, and internal reviews both as to CRR/KYC processes and broader GFCC and second-line program elements
Maintain awareness of industry developments and regulatory expectations in AML transaction monitoring and financial crimes detection
Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

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