Senior AML Regulator

Department of Internal Affairs; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand is seeking a Senior AML Regulator to lead complex, high‑risk supervision, investigations and enforcement. You will shape NZ’s AML/CFT regime and partner with senior stakeholders to improve outcomes as this regulatory transition unfolds.

You will analyse information, identify emerging risks and apply risk-based judgment, ensuring decisions are legally defensible while coaching teams to enhance tools and practices.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in regulation, compliance, investigations, fraud, audit, financial crime or law, with ability to lead complex work and influence without formal people-management responsibility.
• AML/CFT knowledge is highly desirable, with strategic judgement, clear writing and trusted relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex regulatory assessments, investigations and interventions with confidence and sound judgement.
• Analyse complex or incomplete information to make clear, evidence-based and proportionate decisions.
• Identify emerging and system-level risks and translate them into practical action.
• Use education, engagement, influence and enforcement to achieve outcomes.
• Communicate credibly, interpret legislation and handle challenging senior-level conversations.
• Coach colleagues and improve regulatory tools, methodologies and practice.

Skills

Regulation

Compliance

Investigations

Fraud

Financial crime

Law

Job description

Type: Permanent Hours: Full timeLocation: Auckland/WellingtonBusiness Group: Regulatory ServicesBranch: Regulation and Identity ServicesSalary: $100,359 - $124,891 (Midpoint of the band is $111,509)

Senior AML Regulator | Lead complex regulatory work and help shape the future of AML/CFT regulation in Aotearoa

New Zealand's AML/CFT system is changing - and we are looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. Join Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs and help shape a modern regulator that protects our financial system from money laundering and terrorism financing. We are building a sophisticated, risk-based regulator that uses data, technology and sound judgement to focus effort where it will have the greatest impact. We need senior regulators who can lead complex work, understand risk and influence better regulatory outcomes whilst being able to manage key stakeholder engagement with businesses to help achieve better regulatory outcomes. As a Senior AML Regulator, you will lead complex, sensitive and high-risk supervision, investigation and enforcement work. Using intelligence and evidence, you will identify emerging risks, determine proportionate responses, lead regulatory interventions, engage senior stakeholders and provide trusted advice on legally defensible decisions. You will also strengthen team capability through coaching, peer review and better regulatory tools and practice. If you want to change behaviour, disrupt financial crime and make compliance simpler for those trying to do the right thing, we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for a senior regulator who:

• leads complex regulatory assessments, investigations and interventions with confidence and sound judgement
• analyses complex or incomplete information to make clear, evidence-based and proportionate decisions
• identifies emerging and system-level risks and translates them into practical action
• uses education, engagement, influence and enforcement to achieve outcomes
• communicates credibly, interprets legislation and handles challenging senior-level conversations
• coach's colleagues and improves regulatory tools, methodologies and practice.

You will bring substantial experience in regulation, compliance, investigations, fraud, audit, financial crime or law, and the ability to lead complex work and influence without formal people-management responsibility. AML/CFT knowledge is highly desirable, along with strategic judgement, clear writing and trusted relationship-building.

Why now?

DIA has moved to become New Zealand's sole AML/CFT regulator, creating an opportunity to strengthen regulatory capability and build a highly effective, responsive and risk-based regulator. 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/.

In return, we offer:

• Meaningful work with national impact.
• Opportunities to deepen your regulatory, investigative and AML/CFT expertise.
• Exposure to complex compliance and enforcement activity.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A supportive team culture and ongoing professional development.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.

Applications for this role close 5pm, Sunday 25 October 2026.