APAC AML Operation Head

Ant International; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Ant International in Kuala Lumpur seeks an experienced AML Operations Lead to drive the APAC region's EDD, TM and Screening workflows. You will standardize processes, improve response times and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

You will collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Technology, Legal and Business teams to implement automation, strengthen data governance and KPI reporting, and maintain high quality controls and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Finance, Law, Economics, Accounting, Risk Management; CAMS/CFE/CIA/CISA certifications preferred.
• Minimum 5 years AML/Compliance Operations with at least 3 years in a management/lead role, with proven experience leading EDD, TM or Screening workflows.
• Strong understanding of APAC AML regulatory frameworks with ability to implement localized compliance solutions.
• Experience in process optimization, data governance, KPI management, and cross-functional collaboration; automation experience is a plus.
• Excellent English communication; stakeholder management with senior management.
• Familiarity with leading AML systems and data tools; SQL and BI proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution and optimization of the AML operational framework in APAC, leading standardization of EDD, TM, and Screening.
• Coordinate AML data governance initiatives and maintain high-quality data standards for risk reporting.
• Lead operational efficiency projects through process re-engineering and automation; collaborate cross-functionally.
• Establish AML quality control mechanisms, including audits, KPI monitoring, and issue closure.
• Monitor APAC regulatory developments and guide internal process adjustments and staff training.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, Technology, Legal, and Business teams to align AML operations with Group strategy.

Skills

Communication in English

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Process optimization

Data governance

Automation tools

AML systems familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or above in Finance, Law, Economics, Accounting, Risk Management

CAMS, CFE, CIA, or CISA certifications (preferred)

Tools

Actimize

SAS

Quantexa

Socure

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• Establish and maintain AML operational quality control mechanisms, including periodic audits, KPI monitoring, and issue closure management, to ensure consistent achievement of quality benchmarks.


• 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.


• 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.

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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.