Head of AML/ATF and Sanctions, Manulife Bank

Manulife; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 126,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

A major financial institution in Toronto is seeking an experienced Head of AML/ATF and Sanctions to lead its compliance program. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing strategy, managing risk assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This senior role demands strong leadership, communication skills, and over 15 years of experience in compliance roles within financial services. The position offers a hybrid work model and competitive salary package.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

Flexible work environment

Retirement savings plans

Employee assistance programs

Qualifications

• 15+ years in senior compliance roles within financial services, with Canadian banking experience.
• Strong understanding of risks, detection technologies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership in AML/ATF and sanctions program management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of the Bank’s AML/ATF and Sanctions Program.
• Manage AML/ATF and sanctions compliance activities and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Represent the Bank in regulatory engagements and industry forums.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in business, finance, law, or criminal justice

Advanced certifications (e.g., CAMS, CGSS)

Tools

Microsoft Office

AML/ATF systems

Job description

Manulife Bank is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of AML/ATF and Sanctions to lead the Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF), and Sanctions Compliance program. This leadership role is critical to ensure the Bank’s AML/ATF and Sanctions program is robust, risk-based, and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations and broader enterprise standards.

Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer and CAMLO, you will serve as a key member of the Compliance leadership team and represent Manulife Bank on the Global Financial Crimes leadership team. You are a leader who maintains a matrixed relationship with the Global CAMLO, driving strategic alignment across jurisdictions.

As a subject matter expert in Canadian AML/ATF and Sanctions regulation and operational best practices, you will oversee the design, execution, and continuous enhancement of the Bank’s AML/ATF and Sanctions program. You will ensure the AML/ATF and Sanctions program is managed and evolves in response to changing business strategies, regulatory developments, and emerging risks. This includes managing the program, leading risk assessments, championing technology and analytics-driven solutions, and advocating for program investment and prioritization.

You will collaborate closely with partners across compliance, operations, technology, and other enterprise teams to ensure risks are effectively managed and regulatory obligations are met. You will also represent the Bank in regulatory and industry forums, lead responses to audits and examinations, and provide clear, actionable reporting to senior management and the Board.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, communication, and execution capabilities. You are committed to maintaining a high-performing team and driving continuous improvement across the AML/ATF and Sanctions landscape.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of the Bank’s AML/ATF and Sanctions Program.
• Provide expert guidance and advice on AML/ATF and sanctions risk management.
• Ensure program governance, regulatory reporting, and internal control effectiveness.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Represent the Bank in regulatory engagements and industry forums.
• Prepare reports and communicate on the status of the Bank’s AML/ATF and Sanctions program to senior leadership and the Board.
• Drive innovation through technology, data analytics, and process optimization.
• Ensure alignment of strategy with business and regulatory priorities.

Individual Accountabilities

• Strategic Insight: Shape and execute the Bank’s AML/ATF and Sanctions strategy. Provide insights on emerging risks, advocate for program investment, and foster a culture of compliance and ethical conduct.
• Program Management: Manage AML/ATF and sanctions compliance activities. Ensure regulatory compliance, maintain program documentation, lead risk assessments, and contribute to monitoring, testing, and control effectiveness.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Lead a high-performing team, including the Manager, AML Compliance. Provide coaching, development opportunities, and manage staffing and performance.
• Advocacy & Representation: Represent Manulife Bank in regulatory and industry forums. Advocate for the Bank’s interests and contribute to external working groups.
• Regulatory Engagement: Lead responses to regulatory inquiries, examinations, and internal audits. Ensure timely and accurate reporting to senior management and the Board.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Enhanced AML detection and prevention capabilities.
• Timely and accurate regulatory reporting and audit outcomes.
• Strategic alignment with enterprise risk and compliance objectives.
• High team engagement and development of direct reports.
• Implementation of technology and analytics to improve program efficiency.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in business, finance, law, or criminal justice and advanced certifications (e.g., CAMS, CGSS).
• 15+ years in senior compliance roles within financial services, with Canadian banking experience.
• Proven leadership in AML/ATF and sanctions program management.
• Strong understanding of risks, detection technologies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AML/ATF systems.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and ability to anticipate and respond to evolving risks.
• Deep knowledge of Canadian AML/ATF, Sanctions and banking regulations and industry practices.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team development capabilities.
• High ethical standards and commitment to compliance culture.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and functions.
• Adaptability and continuous learning mindset.

Key Leadership Behaviours

• Results Orientation & Attention to Detail: Delivers high-quality outcomes with precision and accountability.
• AML/ATF & Sanctions Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of regulations to guide program strategy and execution.
• Audit & Compliance Leadership: Understands the structure and responsibilities of compliance functions and drives effective oversight.
• Internal Controls: Designs and enhances control frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
• Problem Solving: Applies structured thinking and sound judgment to resolve complex compliance and operational challenges.

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.

Acerca de Manulife y John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation es un importante proveedor internacional de servicios financieros que ayuda a las personas a tomar decisiones de una manera más fácil y a vivir mejor. Para obtener más información acerca de nosotros, visite http://www.manulife.com .

Manulife es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades

En Manulife/John Hancock, valoramos nuestra diversidad. Nos esforzamos por atraer, formar y retener una fuerza laboral tan diversa como los clientes a los que prestamos servicios, y para fomentar un entorno laboral inclusivo en el que se aprovechen las fortalezas de las culturas y las personas. Estamos comprometidos con la equidad en las contrataciones, la retención de talento, el ascenso y la remuneración, y administramos todas nuestras prácticas y programas sin discriminación por motivos de raza, ascendencia, lugar de origen, color, origen étnico, ciudadanía, religión o creencias religiosas, credo, sexo (incluyendo el embarazo y las afecciones relacionadas con este), orientación sexual, características genéticas, condición de veterano, identidad de género, expresión de género, edad, estado civil, estatus familiar, discapacidad, o cualquier otro aspecto protegido por la ley vigente.

Nuestra prioridad es eliminar las barreras para garantizar la igualdad de acceso al empleo. Un representante de Recursos Humanos trabajará con los solicitantes que requieran una adaptación razonable durante el proceso de solicitud. Toda la información que se haya compartido durante el proceso de solicitud de adaptación se almacenará y utilizará de manera congruente con las leyes y las políticas de Manulife/John Hancock correspondientes. Para solicitar una adaptación razonable en el proceso de solicitud, envíenos un mensaje a [e-mail] .

Referenced Salary Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Modalidades de Trabajo

Híbrido

Salary range is expected to be between

$126,600.00 CAD - $235,300.00 CAD

Si se está postulando para este puesto fuera de la ubicación principal, póngase en contacto con [e-mail] para conocer el rango salarial de su ubicación. El salario real variará según las condiciones locales del mercado, la geografía y los factores relacionados con el trabajo pertinentes, como conocimiento, habilidades, calificaciones, experiencia y educación/capacitación. Los empleados también tienen la oportunidad de participar en programas de incentivos y obtener una compensación de incentivos vinculada al desempeño comercial e individual.

Manulife ofrece a los empleados aptos una amplia variedad de beneficios personalizables, entre ellos, beneficios de salud, odontológicos, de salud mental, oftalmológicos, por discapacidad a corto y a largo plazo, cobertura de seguro de vida y por muerte accidental y desmembramiento, adopción/subrogación y bienestar, y planes de asistencia al empleado/familiar. También ofrecemos a los empleados admisibles varios planes de ahorro para la jubilación (incluidos planes de pensiones y un plan mundial de propiedad de acciones con contribuciones equivalentes del empleador) y recursos de asesoramiento y educación financiera. Nuestro generoso programa de tiempo libre remunerado en Canadá incluye feriados, vacaciones, días personales y días por enfermedad, y ofrecemos la gama completa de ausencia laboral reglamentaria. Si se está postulando para este puesto en los EE. UU., póngase en contacto con [e-mail] para obtener más información sobre las disposiciones relativas al tiempo libre remunerado específicas de EE. UU.