Principal Advisor (Financial Institutions)

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs, Regulatory Services Group, invites applications for a senior Principal Advisor - Financial Institutions. You will provide expert AML/CFT leadership, shape supervisory approaches and guide complex regulatory work across domestic and international partners.

You will drive on-site inspections, thematic reviews and regulatory initiatives, mentoring colleagues and ensuring alignment with international best practice and NZ obligations.

Qualifications

• Significant AML/CFT experience within complex financial institutions.
• Senior-level guidance on AML/CFT obligations within a regulatory system.
• Ability to lead complex supervisory activity including on-site inspections.
• Strategic, systems thinking with evidence-informed regulatory advice.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders across government, industry and regulators.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to mentor others in regulatory settings.
• Excellent judgement and clear communication of complex risk issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership and specialist AML/CFT expertise across complex financial institutions.
• Drive delivery of on-site inspection programme, thematic reviews, and desk-based assessments.
• Shape supervisory approach and contribute to regulatory developments and international best practice.
• Lead priority initiatives and mentor team members across DIA and partners.

Skills

AML/CFT expertise

Regulatory leadership

On-site inspection leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder influence

Mentoring & leadership

Clear communication

Job description

About Us | Mō mātou

Mō mātou The Regulatory and Identity Services Taituarā branch shapes systems and services that touch almost every New Zealander. Within this, the Regulatory Services Group has oversight of three significant regulatory systems - Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Gambling, and Charities. We are a responsive, risk-based regulator focused on prevention and reducing harm. Our work helps ensure New Zealand businesses are not exploited by organised crime and that the integrity of the financial system is protected.

The role | Te tūnga

Te tūnga This is a senior and influential role providing thought leadership and specialist AML/CFT expertise across a range of complex financial institutions, including deposit takers. As Principal Advisor - Financial Institutions, you will play a critical role in shaping and strengthening our supervisory approach, while remaining closely involved in its operational delivery. You will drive the delivery of our on-site inspection programme, relationship model with key institutions, undertake thematic and desk-based reviews, and provide expert guidance on complex AML/CFT regulatory and supervisory matters. The role combines deep technical expertise, strategic thinking and hands-on regulatory leadership. You will take a whole-of-system view, helping identify emerging risks, gaps and opportunities for improvement and ensuring our supervisory approach reflects international best practice and New Zealand's obligations as a risk-based regulator. You will work closely with senior leaders across financial institutions, government agencies and domestic and international partners. You will also provide guidance and mentoring to others, lead priority initiatives and contribute to legislative, policy and regulatory developments that strengthen the effectiveness of New Zealand's AML/CFT system.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• Deep AML/CFT expertise - significant AML/CFT experience working within or with complex financial institutions, supported by expert knowledge of AML/CFT requirements, the wider regulatory system and FATF methodology, principles and recommendations.
• Strong regulatory experience - experience assessing reporting entities' compliance with AML/CFT obligations and providing senior-level thought leadership, guidance and advice within a regulatory system.
• Operational regulatory leadership - the ability to lead complex supervisory activity, including on-site inspections, thematic and desk-based reviews, and priority regulatory initiatives.
• Strategic and systems thinking - the ability to look beyond immediate issues, understand wider system implications and provide high-quality, evidence-informed advice on complex or sensitive matters.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders - proven experience engaging with executive leaders within financial institutions and building strong relationships across government, industry and the wider AML/CFT system.
• Leadership and influence - the ability to provide technical leadership and mentoring, influence thinking and drive changes in approach that improve regulatory outcomes.
• Excellent judgement and communication - strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and communicate complex regulatory and risk issues clearly and credibly.

For you | Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

Applications for this role close 5pm Sunday 15th November 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.