Senior AML Regulator

Candidate Experience Site - Department of Internal Affairs; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand is seeking a Senior AML Regulator to lead complex regulatory work and shape AML/CFT regulation. You will supervise high-risk cases, analyse information, engage senior stakeholders and influence outcomes to strengthen the regulatory regime.

The role requires extensive experience in regulation, compliance and financial crime, with AML/CFT knowledge preferred. Join a mission-driven regulator focused on integrity and impact across national systems.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, sensitive and high-risk supervision, investigation and enforcement work.
• Identify emerging risks and propose proportionate regulatory responses using evidence.
• Coach colleagues and improve regulatory tools, methods and practice.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Risk analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Enforcement actions

Legislation interpretation

Coaching and tooling

Job description

Type: Permanent
Hours:Full time
Location: Auckland/Wellington
Business Group: Regulatory Services
Branch:Regulation and Identity Services
Salary:$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/

Benefits -About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - 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.