Anti-Money Laundering Officer

Smith Arnold Partners; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Equity opportunities

Excellent benefits

Work-life perks

Job summary

Smith Arnold Partners in Chicago seeks a Chief AML Officer to lead an enterprise AML program across the organization. You will guide strategy, collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Operations, and senior leadership, and shape technology investments to strengthen controls and regulatory alignment.

The role offers executive visibility, leading a 200-person team, and driving automation while balancing regulatory obligations with business goals in a dynamic financial services environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years AML compliance experience in broker-dealer or financial institution.
• Experience leading an AML function and team of ~200 professionals.
• Deep knowledge of AML regulations (BSA, FinCEN, SEC, FINRA, CFTC).
• CAMS certification required.
• Experience with AML transaction monitoring and case management systems.
• Strong knowledge of KYC, CDD, and EDD frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the firm’s enterprise-wide AML compliance program.
• Serve as the primary contact for regulators and financial crime inquiries.
• Manage and develop a large AML team.
• Ensure AML policies align with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Partner with technology teams to enhance monitoring and automation capabilities.
• Oversee customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and KYC programs.
• Develop and deliver AML compliance training initiatives.
• Support regulatory examinations, investigations, and audit remediation efforts.
• Drive operational efficiency while maintaining strong risk management standards.

Skills

AML compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

KYC/CDD/EDD

Transaction monitoring

Regulatory exams

Communication

Education

CAMS certification

Series 24 registration (preferred)

Job description

Join a globally respected financial services and fintech organization that operates at the intersection of capital markets, technology, and innovation. Serving institutional and individual investors across international markets, the firm is recognized for its technology-driven approach, commitment to operational excellence, and ability to deliver sophisticated trading and investment solutions on a global scale. With a culture that values intelligent problem-solving, continuous improvement, and regulatory integrity, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a highly visible leadership role.

What Employees Are Saying

• “Fast-paced environment where leadership is trusted to make meaningful impact.”
• “Strong focus on innovation and using technology to solve complex regulatory challenges.”
• “Exceptional benefits, collaborative teams, and opportunities to influence enterprise-wide strategy.”

Title: Chief AML Officer

Location: Chicago, IL

Compensation: $200,000 - $300,000 Base +Bonus +Equity Potential

Why This Opportunity?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a sophisticated, enterprise-wide Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program for a globally recognized financial services organization serving millions of clients worldwide.

You\'ll have executive-level visibility and the ability to shape AML strategy, influence technology investments, and lead a large compliance organization while partnering directly with Legal, Compliance, Operations, and senior leadership teams.

What Makes This Role Stand Out?

• Executive leadership position with significant influence across the organization
• Lead a large AML function and team of approximately 200 professionals
• Drive innovation through automation, surveillance enhancements, and advanced compliance technologies
• Competitive compensation, bonus potential, and equity opportunities
• Outstanding benefits, professional development support, and work-life perks

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the firm\'s enterprise-wide AML compliance program.
• Serve as the primary contact for regulators, law enforcement agencies, and financial crime-related inquiries.
• Manage and develop a large team of AML professionals.
• Ensure AML policies and procedures remain aligned with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Partner with technology teams to enhance monitoring, surveillance, and automation capabilities.
• Oversee customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and KYC programs.
• Develop and deliver AML compliance training initiatives.
• Support regulatory examinations, investigations, and audit remediation efforts.
• Drive operational efficiency while maintaining strong risk management standards.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 7+ years of AML compliance experience within a broker-dealer, financial institution, or similar regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing AML teams and compliance operations.
• Deep knowledge of AML regulations, including BSA, FinCEN, SEC, FINRA, and CFTC requirements.
• CAMS certification (or equivalent) required.
• Experience with AML transaction monitoring and case management systems.
• Strong understanding of KYC, CDD, and EDD frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Series 24 registration or ability to obtain shortly after hire.
• Experience leading AML programs supporting international clients and complex financial products.
• Proven ability to balance regulatory obligations with business objectives.
• Strong technology aptitude with experience leveraging automation and data-driven compliance solutions.

Success Profile

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong executive presence and communication abilities.
• Highly organized with excellent time-management skills.
• Self-starter capable of operating independently in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative leader who can influence stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Equity/stock award opportunities
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Quarterly fitness reimbursement
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Telehealth and wellness programs
• Backup childcare and eldercare support
• Daily meal allowance and complimentary snacks