Lead Financial Crime Investigator

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development support

Certification assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Financial Crime Investigator for a fully remote role, supporting an international financial institution operating from Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead investigations into complex financial crime activity, mentor a team, and ensure AML/CTF compliance from a remote work environment.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree and 7+ years in financial crime, with strong leadership, analytical, and reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in financial crime investigation, AML/CTF compliance, or fraud detection within the financial services sector.
• Proven experience leading investigative teams and managing case pipelines.
• In-depth knowledge of AML/CTF laws, regulations, and investigative techniques.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex investigations into suspected financial crimes, such as money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing.
• Supervise and mentor a team of financial crime investigators, providing guidance on case strategy and resolution.
• Develop and implement advanced investigative methodologies and analytical tools.
• Ensure investigations are conducted in compliance with all applicable AML/CTF regulations and internal policies.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and external partners on investigations.
• Identify emerging trends and typologies in financial crime and recommend proactive measures.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of investigation work product.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices in financial crime prevention.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the financial crime compliance program.

Skills

Leadership

AML/CTF

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminology/Law/Finance/Accounting

Tools

Transaction monitoring systems

Investigative databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global financial institution, is seeking an experienced Lead Financial Crime Investigator to join their fully remote investigation unit. This critical role, impacting operations originating from Paarl, Western Cape, ZA , will be responsible for leading investigations into complex financial crime activities, including fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing. As a remote-first role, we empower our investigators with the flexibility and tools to conduct thorough examinations from any location. The Lead Investigator will guide a team of investigators, develop advanced investigative techniques, and ensure compliance with all relevant anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant contribution to safeguarding the integrity of the financial system, working within a dynamic and collaborative virtual environment. Embrace a career where your expertise directly combats illicit financial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex investigations into suspected financial crimes, such as money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing.


• Supervise and mentor a team of financial crime investigators, providing guidance on case strategy and resolution.


• Develop and implement advanced investigative methodologies and analytical tools.


• Ensure investigations are conducted in compliance with all applicable AML/CTF regulations and internal policies.


• Prepare detailed investigation reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.


• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and external partners on investigations.


• Identify emerging trends and typologies in financial crime and recommend proactive measures.


• Conduct quality assurance reviews of investigation work product.


• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices in financial crime prevention.


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the financial crime compliance program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in financial crime investigation, AML/CTF compliance, or fraud detection within the financial services sector.


• Proven experience leading investigative teams and managing case pipelines.


• In-depth knowledge of AML/CTF laws, regulations, and investigative techniques.


• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.


• Experience with transaction monitoring systems and investigative databases.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex cases in a remote setting.


• Professional certifications such as CFE, CAMS, or equivalent are highly desirable.


• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and investigative integrity.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.


• Fully remote work arrangement, offering exceptional flexibility.


• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.


• Professional development opportunities and support for certifications.


• Chance to work on high-impact investigations.


• Collaborative virtual team environment.


• Contribution to the global fight against financial crime.