Director Financial Crimes Compliance

Oliver James Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Group is seeking a Director of Financial Crimes Compliance & Regulatory Operations in New York. You will lead AML/KYC programs, oversee sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and investigations, and partner across business lines to ensure regulatory alignment.

You will build a high-performing team, drive governance, and advise senior leadership on evolving AML/KYC risks and regulatory developments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive compliance experience in financial services or regulated industry.
• 5+ years in a leadership role developing managers and teams.
• Deep AML/KYC knowledge and experience with regulatory requirements and controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s AML/KYC program and regulatory operations functions.
• Oversee customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, sanctions screening, and investigations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and scale processes.
• Build and develop a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, and analysts.
• Lead regulatory examinations, audits, remediation efforts, and related responses.

Skills

AML/KYC Expertise

Leadership

Regulatory Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree or certification preferred

Job description

# Director, Financial Crimes Compliance & Regulatory Operations## SummaryA growing organization in the financial services industry is seeking a **Director of Financial Crimes Compliance & Regulatory Operations** to provide leadership and strategic oversight of its AML/KYC and regulatory operations functions. Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, this role requires deep expertise in AML/KYC, strong people leadership, and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into scalable programs, processes, and operating strategies.The Director will be responsible for the ongoing effectiveness and development of the AML/KYC program and related regulatory operations, while building and developing a strong compliance team to support continued business growth. This leader will combine hands-on subject matter expertise with sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate increasingly complex regulatory and operational demands.## Key Responsibilities**AML/KYC & Regulatory Operations*** Lead the organization’s AML/KYC program and regulatory operations functions.* Ensure programs, controls, and procedures meet applicable regulatory requirements and evolve alongside business needs.* Oversee customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and investigations.* Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, and increase operational scalability.**Team Leadership & Development*** Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, and analysts.* Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability across the function.* Coach and develop team leaders and individual contributors while addressing capability and resource needs.* Support succession planning and the long-term development of the team.**Regulatory & Risk Oversight*** Lead regulatory examinations, audits, remediation efforts, and related responses within areas of responsibility.* Advise the Chief Compliance Officer on AML/KYC risks, regulatory developments, and emerging issues.* Establish effective escalation, reporting, and governance practices.* Ensure policies, documentation, and controls remain current and audit-ready.**Cross-Functional Partnership*** Partner with Operations, Legal, Risk, Technology, and Internal Audit on compliance matters.* Provide AML/KYC guidance for systems, distribution relationships, and strategic business initiatives.* Balance regulatory requirements with practical business and operational considerations.## Qualifications* Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred.* 10+ years of progressive compliance experience within insurance, annuities, financial services, or another highly regulated industry.* Significant AML/KYC experience and a strong understanding of related regulatory requirements, frameworks, and controls.* 5+ years of leadership experience, including responsibility for developing managers and leading teams.* Demonstrated experience strengthening, enhancing, or scaling AML/KYC programs, processes, and controls.* Experience managing regulatory examinations, audits, and remediation initiatives.* Strong judgment and strategic thinking, with the ability to communicate complex risks to senior leadership.* Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership skills.