AVP, Financial Crime Investigator - Anti Financial Crime Wholesale Banking

United Overseas Bank; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Kuala Lumpur seeks a Financial Crime Investigator. In this role, you will conduct thorough investigations into customer activities to identify potential money laundering and terrorism financing risks. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in financial crime investigation, with strong analytical and decision-making skills. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and AML/CFT certifications are preferred. The position offers a dynamic work environment with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial crime investigation or AML/CFT.
• Experience in post-STR reviews or adverse media screening preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct reviews to assess ongoing customer activity and risk.
• Investigate trigger events such as significant changes in customer behavior.
• Document findings and maintain audit-ready case files.
• Analyze customer account activity to identify unusual patterns.
• Identify money laundering and terrorism financing typologies.

Skills

Strong investigative skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Financial analysis skills

Understanding of AML/CFT regulations

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Excellent written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Law, Criminology, Business or related fields

Professional AML/CFT certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA Diploma/Certificate in AML)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 branches and offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. In Asia, we operate through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as branches and offices. Our history spans more than 80 years. Over this time, we have been guided by our values - Honorable, Enterprising, United and Committed. This means we always strive to do what is right, build for the future, work as one team and pursue long‑term success. It is how we work, consistently, be it towards the company, our colleagues or our customers.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct reviews following the filing of STRs to assess ongoing customer activity and risk
• Investigate trigger events such as significant changes in customer behavior, high‑risk activity patterns or risk reclassifications
• Document findings and maintain audit‑ready case files
• Analyze customer account activity, transaction flows and behavioral trends to identify unusual or suspicious patterns
• Assess whether activities align with the customer's known profile and business nature
• Identify money laundering and terrorism financing typologies relevant to the bank's operations
• Review and assess negative media and public domain information related to customers and beneficial owners
• Determine the credibility and relevance of adverse information and its impact on the customer's risk profile
• Escalate significant findings for decision‑making and potential regulatory reporting
• Make recommendations on whether to maintain, restrict, or exit customer relationships based on investigation outcomes
• Liaise with Relationship Managers and relevant stakeholders to communicate risk concerns and final decisions
• Prepare periodic internal reports on key risk indicators, investigation outcomes and financial crime trends
• Support management reporting to highlight emerging risks and case statistics
• Work closely with Compliance, Risk and Front‑line teams to gather information for reviews
• Provide guidance to business units on risk indicators and AML/CFT requirements
• Contribute to the refinement of investigation and review procedures
• Share insights on emerging risks and typologies with colleagues to enhance the bank's AFC framework

Key Requirements

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Law, Criminology, Business or related fields
• Professional AML/CFT certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA Diploma/Certificate in AML) preferred

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial crime investigation, AML/CFT, or compliance, or related financial services role
• Experience in post‑STR reviews, trigger event investigations, or adverse media screening preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong investigative, analytical and decision‑making skills
• Financial analysis or financial auditing skills to assess complex transaction patterns
• Good understanding of AML/CFT regulations, FATF recommendations, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) guidelines and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint; familiarity with AML tools is an advantage
• Excellent written and verbal communication for stakeholder engagement and case documentation
• Ability to handle sensitive cases discreetly and meet tight deadlines

UOB is an equal opportunity employer. UOB does not discriminate on the basis of a candidate's age, race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other non‑merit factors. All employment decisions at UOB are based on business needs, job requirements and qualifications. If you require any assistance or accommodations to be made for the recruitment process, please inform us when you submit your online application.