Director, GWAM Financial Crime Compliance, North America Lead

Manulife; Toronto; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Toronto is seeking a Director for Financial Crime Compliance. The role involves overseeing AML programs, conducting risk assessments, and engaging with regulators. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in asset management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. This position offers a hybrid working arrangement and competitive compensation.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

Mental health support

Flexible working environment

Retirement savings plans

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in asset management or financial services.
• Prior experience in preparation and presentation of executive reporting.
• Ability to influence and resolve conflicts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the AML/CTF/ABC Risk Management Framework.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to evaluate potential financial crime risks.
• Serve as the primary contact with local authorities and regulators.

Skills

Self-starter

Excellent communication skills

Time-management skills

Project management

Ability to interpret laws and regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Manulife is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance in financial crime prevention globally. Our Global Wealth and Asset Management (GWAM) division plays a crucial role in this mission. We are seeking a Director for Financial Crime Compliance to oversee and enhance our compliance programs primarily in North America while supporting our global efforts and peers in GWAM FCC.

Primary Responsibilities

• Program Oversight and Reporting:

  • Provide comprehensive quarterly management information reporting to Local Board of Directors and the Head of Global Financial Crime Compliance, ensuring timely and accurate analysis of compliance performance and risk exposure in North America.

  • Oversee the implementation and management of the AML/CTF/ABC Risk Management Framework, including:

    • Annual Management Company AML Policy and Annual Maintenance Gap Analysis.
    • Annual Business Risk Assessment.
    • Annual Fund Director AML Training Program and Records Management.
    • Annual AML Delegate Due Diligence Oversight.
    • Ongoing Monitoring and Registers of High-Risk Investors and Annual Monitoring Programs.
    • Registration with GoAML/FIU/National Competent Authorities.
    • Responsibility for Sanctions Compliance and Submission Appointment as MLRO.

• Risk Management and Training:

  • Conduct regular risk assessments to evaluate potential GWAM financial crime risks within North America, ensuring implementation of appropriate controls and mitigation strategies.
  • Develop and deliver a comprehensive AML training program for key personnel, ensuring alignment with the latest regulatory changes and compliance obligations.

• Delegate Oversight and Sanctions Compliance:

  • Oversee all GWAM AML delegates for the funds under management of the management companies, ensuring compliance with Manulife's standards and regulatory expectations.
  • Consistently review AML/CTF policies and desk procedures to comply with relevant regulations.

• Regulatory Engagement and Compliance:

  • Serve as the primary contact with local authorities and regulators in North America, ensuring open communication and timely responses to inquiries and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct annual reviews and horizon scanning of local regulatory AML programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Analyze rules affecting the Management Company/AIFM business and monitor regulatory and financial crime‑related legislative changes.

• Program Management and Issue Escalation:

  • Oversee the North America GWAM AML Program activities, acting as the first point of escalation for any AML‑related issues from administrators, the Board, the company’s investment manager, and distributors.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key industry participants and stakeholders to stay informed of best practices and industry developments.

• Policy Compliance and Investigations:

  • Review and update AML/CTF policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and alignment with Manulife's global standards.
  • Review key performance indicators received from administrators, distributors, and investment managers.
  • Engage with Business Unit Compliance Officers to identify and assess suspicious transactions, conduct thorough investigations, and recommend appropriate remediation actions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Self‑starter with clarity of analysis and expression, both written and oral.
• 5–10 years of experience in asset management, fund administration, or relevant areas of financial services.
• Excellent personal time‑management skills, with the ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively to meet global organizational goals.
• Ability to project manage a portfolio of appointments, such as Collective Investment Schemes, ManCo, or group appointments.
• Prior experience in preparation and presentation of C‑Suite executive reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate precisely with senior executives.
• Ability to exert influence, arbitrate, and resolve conflicts between internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and interpret relevant law and regulations and assess their interdependence.
• Knowledge of complex distribution structures would be an advantage.
• Strong project and time‑management skills with the ability to multitask and work well under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• AML‑related qualification (e.g., ACAMS, ACOI/CI, QFA, ICA, CFCS, FIS).

When you join our team

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well‑being and inclusion are more than just words.
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [e-mail].

Referenced Salary Location

Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between

$105,750.00 CAD - $190,350.00 CAD

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [e-mail] for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job‑related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short‑and long‑term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact [e-mail] for more information about U.S.–specific paid time off provisions.