Manager, AML Data Scientist

Mastercard; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastercard in Johannesburg is seeking a Manager, AML Data Scientist to lead analytics across customer types and products, ensuring compliance with AML standards and regional programs. You will design and supervise data-driven approaches to monitor activity and mitigate risk while supporting business objectives.

You will work with cross-functional teams, support regulatory audits, and develop data-driven processes, reporting to regional directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degrees desirable.
• Experience in regulatory compliance and AML programs.
• Fluent in English; multilingual capabilities beneficial.
• Experience with risk management and data analytics.
• Familiarity with USA PATRIOT Act, FATF, and related international standards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business teams to reduce money laundering risk while enabling growth.
• Help establish regional AML compliance standards and regulatory obligations.
• Manage data requests from law enforcement and stakeholders.
• Provide regional AML program risk assessment input to leadership.
• Coordinate regional FIU alerts and investigations.

Skills

AML Analytics

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Excel Pivot Tables

Data Visualization

Problem Solving

Communication

Multilingual English

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree desirable

Tools

Excel

Job description

Our Purpose

_Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Manager, AML Data Scientist

Manager, AML Data Scientist

The role covers all Customer types as well as products and services. The role will work cross functionally at all levels within the organizational hierarchy, providing subject matter expertise advise to senior leadership in managing, controlling, and limiting risk to the organization.

The role aims to ensure that Activity on the Network remains in compliance with Mastercard AML Standards, through Customer reviews, product evaluations, in depth data analytics, management of unusual activity as well as through the development of customized region-specific processes and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with key business teams to develop solutions for meeting customer business needs and advancing Mastercard strategic initiatives while minimizing potential money laundering risk to Mastercard and other network participants
• Support in the establishment of regional AML Compliance standards relating to AML and Sanctions Systems, as may be necessary to support local compliance requirements such as that which relates to our regulatory obligations
• Support in managing data requests from law enforcement and internal stakeholders
• Support in providing input to periodic AML Program Risk Assessment
• Support in establishing and maintain AML Compliance Program tracking and metrics to identify trends and establish action items for program preservation and enhancements; provide regular reporting to regional directors and VPs
• Support in coordinating regional FIU alerts, escalations, and investigative inquiries
• Provide AML and sanctions regional support to business lines and internal stakeholders
• Support in resolving the outcome of the regional onsite reviews of network customers and service providers
• Provide AML and sanctions expertise, guidance and approvals in regional products and services initiatives (One Trust and Studio Processes)
• Support management reporting, presentations, and metrics processes
• Support, elevate and manage Customers to the risk working groups by presenting elevated AML and sanctions risks
• Recommend process, procedure, governance and technology improvements
• Develop and provide regional AML and sanctions training to Customers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure AML policies, procedures, and controls are documented, current, and effective.
• Management of high-risk customers enhanced due diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring activities.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators, auditors, and law enforcement on AML-related matters.
• Participate in internal audits, regulatory exams, and remediation efforts.
• Promote a strong compliance culture across the organization.

Education and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree required, JD or advanced degree desirable. 5- 10 years of risk management and/or global AML compliance experience in banking/financial operations preferred
• Must have experience supporting a regulatory compliance program/ suspicious activity monitoring program
• Must be fluent in using excel, pivot tables
• Must have experience managing a regulatory compliance program/ suspicious activity monitoring program
• Intermediate skills with BSA/AML compliance program requirements and experience with program/project management and familiarity with the USA PATRIOT Act, FATF, FSA international standards, and practices and knowledge of banking/financial operations, transaction processing and/or payments-related industry experience is preferred
• Sound judgment with ability to build rapport at all levels, and in all business units; proven ability to persuade and drive results
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced matrix environment or as a team player and function effectively in a dynamic, fast paced environment while handling multiple projects and consistently meeting deadlines
• Practical problem solver with demonstrated ability to partner effectively with others in handling complex and/or sensitive issues
• Confident and seasoned leader with strong interpersonal skills and sound business judgment
• Demonstrated effectiveness operating in complex organizational structure
• Superior attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations and tight deadlines effectively.
• Experience supporting regulatory audits, supervisory reviews, and compliance examinations, including coordinating information requests, preparing audit-ready evidence, and tracking remediation actions through to closure.
• Ability to assess audit findings, identify control gaps, document management responses, and support the implementation of corrective action plans in line with regulatory expectations and internal governance requirements.
• Multilingual skills are necessary and must include English

List desirable or additional capabilities:

• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills
• Knowledge of banking/financial operations, transaction processing and/or payments-related industry experience is a plus
• ACAMs certification(s) preferred

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.