Lead Financial Crime Investigator

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus potential

Health and wellness benefits

Remote work flexibility

Professional development

Equipment provided

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Financial Crime Investigator for a fully remote position within a global bank. You will oversee investigations into fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing, directing a team of investigators and refining prevention strategies.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in financial crime, supervisory experience, and strong regulatory knowledge, with excellent reporting and leadership skills. Remote work offers flexibility while contributing to global compliance initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, Finance, or related field.
• Certifications such as CFE/CAMS are desirable.
• Minimum 6 years in financial crime investigation, fraud detection, or AML, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of financial crime typologies, investigation techniques, and relevant legislation (e.g., FICA, POCA).
• Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and identify suspicious patterns.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of financial crime investigators.
• Oversee complex investigations into fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.
• Analyze transaction data, customer information, and evidence to identify suspicious activities.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports and SAR filings.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and regulators as required.
• Develop and implement best practices for financial crime investigations.
• Conduct risk assessments related to financial crime threats and vulnerabilities.
• Stay updated on evolving typologies, trends, and regulatory changes.
• Train junior investigators on techniques and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to strategic development of the bank's financial crime framework.

Skills

Leadership

Investigations

AML compliance

SARs filings

Data analysis

Report writing

Regulatory knowledge

Team management

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFE/CAMS

Tools

Case management

Investigative tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international bank with a significant presence in South Africa, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Financial Crime Investigator for a fully remote position. This critical role involves overseeing investigations into complex financial crime activities, including fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing. You will lead a team of investigators, ensuring thorough and timely resolution of cases, and contributing to the enhancement of the bank's financial crime prevention strategies. This remote role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere while maintaining a pivotal position within the bank's global Financial Crime Compliance unit. We are looking for a seasoned professional with exceptional investigative skills, a deep understanding of financial crime typologies, and strong leadership capabilities. Your dedication to upholding the integrity of the financial system will be paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of financial crime investigators, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Oversee complex investigations into potential financial crime, including fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.
• Analyze transaction data, customer information, and other relevant evidence to identify suspicious activities.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports and recommend appropriate actions, including filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies as required.
• Develop and implement best practices and procedures for financial crime investigations.
• Conduct risk assessments related to financial crime threats and vulnerabilities.
• Stay updated on evolving financial crime typologies, trends, and regulatory changes.
• Train and mentor junior investigators on investigative techniques and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the bank's financial crime prevention framework.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CFE, CAMS) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in financial crime investigation, fraud detection, or AML compliance, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Extensive knowledge of financial crime typologies, investigation techniques, and relevant legislation (e.g., FICA, Prevention of Organised Crime Act).
• Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and identify suspicious patterns.
• Strong report writing and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate findings.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage caseloads effectively in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in investigative tools and case management systems.
• Strong understanding of banking operations and products.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Significant annual bonus potential based on performance.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Flexible work-from-home arrangement, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in financial crime.
• A key role in combating financial crime at a leading financial institution.
• Supportive and collaborative virtual team environment.
• Company-provided equipment and resources for remote work.
• Retirement savings plan.