Data Scientist, AML/ATF - Global Compliance & AML

Scotiabank; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Scotiabank is seeking a Data Scientist in Canada to join the AML/ATF team within Global Compliance & AML. You will develop AI/ML models for AML tasks, engineer features, and refine agentic AI solutions while collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring regulatory alignment.

The role emphasizes strong Python skills, familiarity with ML libraries, and experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes). A STEM master’s/PhD is preferred. Ontario-based position in Toronto.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD (preferred) in a STEM field with modelling projects and code development.
• Bachelor's degree in STEM with modelling projects and code development may suffice.
• 3–5 years of data science experience, ideally in financial services.
• Strong Python skills and experience with common data science libraries.
• Familiarity with LLM fundamentals and AI frameworks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Explore data and engineer features for model development, building supervised and unsupervised models.
• Develop and refine LLM/agentic AI solutions using agile practices.
• Evaluate model outputs critically and support AML/compliance inquiries with AI insights.
• Stay current with AI/ML research and apply to processes and automation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align model objectives and deliver clear insights.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

Statistical Modeling

Data Visualization

SQL

Education

Master's or PhD in STEM

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Spark

Job description

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Title: Data Scientist, AML/ATF - Global Compliance & AML

Requisition ID: 272474

Join a purpose driven winning team, committed to results, in an inclusive and high-performing culture.

The Data Scientist contributes to the overall success of the Anti-Money Laundering Models & Analytics (AMA) team within Global Compliance & AML in Canada, ensuring specific individual goals, plans and initiatives are executed and delivered in support of the team’s business strategies and objectives. The Data Scientist supports the AML and Compliance program by exploring advanced data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, focusing on the development and optimization of AI/ML models for a variety of tasks related to AML and compliance — including feature engineering for model development, developing supervised and unsupervised models, refining LLM and agentic AI solutions, visualizing data and creating new analytics. The Data Scientist ensures all activities conducted are in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

Is this role right for you? In this role, you will:

• Explore data and engineer features for model development, and create supervised and unsupervised models
• Create, test and iteratively refine LLM and agentic AI solutions using agile development practices
• Analyze model outputs with a critical view toward model purpose and stakeholder feedback, and provide technical expertise and support in the investigation and resolution of AML- and compliance-related issues, emphasizing AI model outputs
• Stay up to date on emerging topics in AI and machine learning, and apply them to team workflows and automation projects
• Work closely with stakeholders to understand model objectives and seek out opportunities to improve processes; communicate ideas and insights to peers, managers and stakeholders.
• 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 their respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank’s Values, its Code of Conduct and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions and conduct risk.
• Champion a high-performance environment and contribute to an inclusive work environment.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed? We’d love to work with you if you have experience with:

• A master’s or PhD (preferred) degree in a STEM field, with experience on modelling projects and code development, OR
• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, with experience on modelling projects and code development.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in data science or a related field (PhD projects included), preferably within the financial services industry.
• A strong understanding of advanced modelling techniques and underlying mathematical fundamentals
• Strong Python skills, with familiarity in core data science libraries such as pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow
• A strong understanding of LLM fundamentals, limitations, and refinement techniques; familiarity with LLM and agentic AI frameworks is a strong asset
• Working knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD workflows is an asset
• Ability to read, digest, and publish modern research papers is a strong asset
• Linux, Spark and HDFS experience are strong assets
• Knowledge of money laundering, banking, trading and crime is a strong asset
• Familiarity with anomaly detection is an asset
• Spanish as a language is an asset.

What's in it for you?

• Champion a high-performance environment and contribute to an inclusive work environment.
• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization where you are surrounded by a collaborative team of innovative thinkers.
• A competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits plan.
• An organization committed to making a difference in our communities - for you and our customers.
• You can expect to be recognized and rewarded for high-performance; you will be supported by leadership through meaningful development conversations that enable faster advancement and internal training to support your growth and development.

Location(s): Canada : Ontario : Toronto

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.

At Scotiabank, we value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Bank, and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternate format documents, ASL Interpreter, or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our Recruitment team know. If you require technical assistance, please click here . Candidates must apply directly online to be considered for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at Scotiabank; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

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