Ant International-APAC AML Operation Head-Malaysia

Ant International; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Ant International in Kuala Lumpur is seeking an APAC AML Operation Head to oversee the regulatory-aligned AML framework across the region. You will standardize EDD, transaction monitoring, and screening processes while steering data governance and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen controls.

The role requires senior leadership experience in AML/compliance and a proven track record in process optimization, automation, and regulatory engagement across APAC markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Finance, Law, Economics, Accounting, Risk Management, or related disciplines.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFE, CIA, or CISA are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the AML operational framework in APAC, leading the standardization and efficient implementation of EDD, TM, and Screening processes.
• Coordinate AML-related data governance initiatives to improve data quality, traceability, and regulatory reporting.
• Lead operational efficiency improvement projects through process re-engineering and automation, across cross-functional teams.
• Establish and maintain AML operational quality control mechanisms, including audits and KPI monitoring.
• Monitor APAC regulatory developments and lead internal process adjustments and staff training to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Technology, Legal and Business teams to align AML operations with Group strategy and risk appetite.

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge APAC

Process optimization

Data governance

KPI management

Automation tooling

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance/Law/Economics/Accounting/Risk Management

CAM S/CFE/CIA/CISA certifications preferred

Tools

Actimize

SAS

Quantexa

Socure

SQL

Advanced Excel

Power BI/Tableau

Job description

Ant International-APAC AML Operation Head-Malaysia

• 1. Oversee the execution and optimization of the AML operational framework in the APAC Region, leading the standardization and efficient implementation of Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), Transaction Monitoring (TM), and Screening processes to ensure both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• 2. Coordinate with AML - related data governance initiatives, establish and maintain high-quality data standards to enhance data accuracy, completeness, and traceability, supporting risk identification and regulatory reporting.
• 3. Lead operational efficiency improvement projects through process re-engineering, adoption of automation tools, and cross-functional collaboration to continuously optimize AML workflows, reduce operational risk, and accelerate response times.
• 4. Establish and maintain AML operational quality control mechanisms, including periodic audits, KPI monitoring, and issue closure management, to ensure consistent achievement of quality benchmarks.
• 5. Closely monitor regulatory developments in APAC region national levels, proactively assess their operational impact, and lead internal process adjustments and staff training to ensure ongoing compliance.
• 6. Collaborate closely with Compliance, Risk, Technology, Legal, and Business teams to foster cross-functional alignment and ensure AML operations are consistent with Group strategy and risk appetite.
• 1. Bachelor's degree or above in Finance, Law, Economics, Accounting, Risk Management, or related disciplines; professional certifications such as CAMS, CFE, CIA, or CISA are preferred.
• 2. Minimum 5 years of experience in AML/Compliance Operations, including at least 3 years in a management or team lead role, with proven experience leading EDD, TM, or Screening workflows within international financial institutions, banks or FinTech/PayTech firms.
• 3. In-depth understanding of APAC AML regulatory frameworks (e.g., Singapore MAS Notice 626 / Payment Services Act, Malaysia AMLA 2001, Hong Kong SFO/AMLO and HKMA requirements), with proven ability to implement localized compliance solutions; local team collaboration or regulatory engagement experience in Singapore/Malaysia/Hong Kong is highly desirable.
• 4. Demonstrated capability in process optimization, data governance, KPI management, and cross-functional collaboration; experience leading operational efficiency initiatives and implementing automation tools; prior experience building or restructuring operational frameworks from scratch is a plus.
• 5. Excellent communication in English both written & spoken, cross-cultural collaboration, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to articulate risk and operational insights clearly to senior management.
• 6. Familiarity with leading AML systems (e.g., Actimize, SAS, Quantexa, Socure) and data tools (e.g., SQL, advanced Excel, Power BI/Tableau); basic data analytics skills to guide teams in leveraging systems for operational efficiency.