Principal Advisor (Financial Institutions)

Candidate Experience Site - Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Internal Affairs seeks a Senior Principal Advisor for AML/CFT to lead and shape regulatory supervision across major financial institutions in New Zealand. You will drive on-site inspections, a relationship model with key entities, and thematic reviews, while delivering expert guidance on complex regulatory matters.

You will contribute to national regulatory strategy, identify emerging risks, and mentor colleagues in a fast‑paced, risk‑based regulator dedicated to integrity and

Qualifications

• Significant AML/CFT expertise within complex financial institutions and regulatory bodies.
• Experience assessing entities' AML/CFT compliance and providing senior-level guidance.
• Proven ability to lead complex supervisory activities and drive regulatory initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape on-site inspections and thematic/desk-based reviews.
• Drive the delivery of the supervisory approach and relationship model with institutions.
• Provide expert guidance on complex AML/CFT regulatory matters.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities to strengthen regulatory outcomes.
• Mentor and guide others, contributing to policy and legislative developments.

Skills

AML/CFT expertise

Regulatory experience

Operational regulatory leadership

Strategic and systems thinking

Credibility with senior stakeholders

Leadership and influence

Excellent judgement and communication

Job description

About Us | 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

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

We are looking for someone who brings:

• 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

We'recommitted to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is anysupport, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

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.