BSA/AML Independent Review Testing Lead

Highwater Bound Capital and Compliance; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Remote; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sales commissions

Profit sharing

Remote work with equipment

Time off & holidays

401(k) with company match

Health and wellness reimbursement

Certification reimbursement

Job summary

Highwater Bound Capital and Compliance is seeking an experienced BSA/AML/OFAC Independent Testing Lead to oversee independent reviews of AML programs for MSBs, FinTechs, and crypto offerings. You will design risk-based testing plans, evaluate transaction monitoring, CIP/CDD/EDD, and sanctions screening, and deliver clear audit reports while staying current on regulatory guidance.

The role requires strong communication, project-management skills, and the ability to manage multiple engagements in

Qualifications

• 5+ years in BSA/AML/Sanctions compliance or independent testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of independent BSA/AML/OFAC testing plans.
• Audit transaction monitoring and blockchain analytics effectiveness.
• Review CIP, CDD, EDD, and Beneficial Ownership processes.
• Evaluate OFAC sanctions screening and geolocation controls.
• Review Travel Rule and other recordkeeping requirements.
• Draft comprehensive audit reports with findings and recommendations.
• Stay updated on MSB regulations and FATF guidance.

Skills

BSA/AML compliance

Independent testing

Audit management

Blockchain analytics

KYC/CIP & onboarding

Sanctions screening

Recordkeeping review

Regulatory tracking

Cross-functional communication

Multi-project management

Tools

Chainalysis

Elliptic

TRM Labs

Merkle Science

NMLS

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced BSA/AML/OFAC Independent Testing Lead to oversee and execute independent BSA/AML/OFAC reviews of the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Programs of FinTechs and financial institutions. These reviews are conducted for clients across money services businesses (MSBs), FinTech, and digital asset/cryptocurrency offerings.

In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating the implementation and operating effectiveness of our clients’ Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), sanctions (OFAC), and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) compliance programs to determine whether the programs are adequate, effective, and operating in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit & Testing Program Leadership: Design, execute, and deliver risk-based independent testing plans evaluating BSA/AML/OFAC compliance across all MSB and FinTech product lines.
• Suspicious Activity Monitoring Testing: Audit the effectiveness of transaction monitoring tools and blockchain analytics platforms
• KYC/CIP & Onboarding Review: Evaluate Customer Identification Programs (CIP), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and Beneficial Ownership verification processes.
• Sanctions & Screening Evaluation: Test real-time sanctions screening (OFAC), geographic IP/geofencing controls preventing access from sanctioned jurisdictions or unhosted wallet risks.
• Recordkeeping Review: Assess compliance with FinCEN's Travel Rule and other applicable recordkeeping requirements.
• Reporting & Escalation: Draft comprehensive, high-quality audit reports detailing observations, findings, and recommendations.
• Regulatory & Industry Tracking: Stay abreast of changing state MSB regulations, FinCEN advisories, FATF guidance on Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), and global FinTech compliance standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct experience in BSA/AML/Sanctions compliance, independent testing, internal audit, or regulatory examination.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience auditing or managing compliance within MSBs, FinTechs, or Crypto/Digital Asset companies.
• Deep operational knowledge of BSA/AML regulations, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC sanctions programs, state Money Transmitter Licensing (MTL) requirements, and FATF VASP guidelines.
• Direct working knowledge of blockchain intelligence tools (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs, Merkle Science).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with licensing systems (e.g., NMLS) is a plus
• Bi‑lingual is a plus

Certifications (One or more strongly preferred):

• CAMS (Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist)
• CCAS (Certified Cryptocurrency AML Specialist) or equivalent crypto compliance certification
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

Skills & Attributes:

• Bilingual fluency (English / Spanish) is a plus, particularly for evaluating cross‑border compliance, and international customer onboarding.
• Strong analytical mindset capable of reviewing complex transactional data, and API‑driven FinTech integrations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience presenting audit findings to C‑suite executives, boards, and regulatory examiners.
• Ability to work independently with high autonomy while remaining impartial and objective.

What We Offer

• Eligibility for sales commissions and semi‑annual profit sharing, subject to company policy and performance.
• Remote work environment with company‑provided equipment and reimbursement for approved business expenses.
• Paid time off, paid sick time, paid holidays, half‑day holidays, bereavement leave, parental leave, volunteer time off, and loyalty appreciation sabbatical eligibility.
• 401(k) plan with company match, life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, telecommunications reimbursement, and health and wellness reimbursement.
• Professional certification reimbursement and opportunities to attend approved industry conferences.