AML Operations Team Lead (1 year Contract)

We are seeking an experienced Team Lead – AML Operations to oversee and manage a local team of AML analysts. The role involves ensuring the team adheres to established SLAs (Service Level Agreements), maintains high-quality standards and operates in compliance with regulatory and internal policies. The successful candidate will be responsible for team performance management, quality control, process optimization, and stakeholder coordination within the AML framework.

Team Management & Performance Oversight

• Lead and manage a local team of AML analysts, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to internal policies and procedures.

• Oversee daily workflow allocation and prioritize tasks based on business needs and risk levels.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching, training, and development opportunities for team members.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture while ensuring staff engagement and retention.

Service Delivery & SLA Adherence

• Ensure that all AML operational activities meet or exceed SLAs for case processing, investigations, and escalations.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions as needed to maintain operational effectiveness.

• Identify and address any backlog issues to ensure timely completion of AML reviews and investigations.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Implement quality assurance measures to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry best practices.

• Conduct regular quality checks and ensure all escalations, reviews, and filings (e.g., SARs/STRs) meet expected standards.

• Stay updated on changes in financial crime regulations and ensure the team remains compliant with local and global AML policies.

Process Improvement & Risk Mitigation

• Continuously evaluate and improve existing AML processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk mitigation.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders (Compliance, Risk, Legal, Technology, etc.) to refine AML workflows.

• Identify and escalate emerging risks, trends, and operational challenges to senior management.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Serve as the primary point of contact for AML Ops-related queries, escalations, and audits from internal and external stakeholders.

• Prepare and present regular operational reports on team performance, quality metrics, and risk trends.

• Collaborate with global AML teams to ensure alignment on best practices and procedural updates.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in AML operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of AML frameworks, transaction monitoring, enhanced due diligence (EDD), and SAR reporting.

• Experience in managing SLA-driven AML processes and ensuring quality control.

• Familiarity with AML technology, case management systems, and data analytics tools is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Law, or a related field; ACAMS, ICA, or equivalent certification is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop teams.

• Operational Excellence: Strong understanding of SLA management, KPI tracking, and continuous process improvement.

• Risk & Compliance Awareness: Deep knowledge of AML regulations, risk assessment, and compliance best practices.

• Stakeholder Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with senior management, regulators, and cross-functional teams.

• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to assess risks, identify gaps, and drive resolution.

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in reviewing AML investigations and documentation

We are seeking an experienced Team Lead – AML Operations to oversee and manage a local team of AML analysts. The role involves ensuring the team adheres to established SLAs (Service Level Agreements), maintains high-quality standards and operates in compliance with regulatory and internal policies. The successful candidate will be responsible for team performance management, quality control, process optimization, and stakeholder coordination within the AML framework.

Team Management & Performance Oversight

• Lead and manage a local team of AML analysts, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to internal policies and procedures.

• Oversee daily workflow allocation and prioritize tasks based on business needs and risk levels.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching, training, and development opportunities for team members.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture while ensuring staff engagement and retention.

Service Delivery & SLA Adherence

• Ensure that all AML operational activities meet or exceed SLAs for case processing, investigations, and escalations.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions as needed to maintain operational effectiveness.

• Identify and address any backlog issues to ensure timely completion of AML reviews and investigations.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Implement quality assurance measures to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry best practices.

• Conduct regular quality checks and ensure all escalations, reviews, and filings (e.g., SARs/STRs) meet expected standards.

• Stay updated on changes in financial crime regulations and ensure the team remains compliant with local and global AML policies.

Process Improvement & Risk Mitigation

• Continuously evaluate and improve existing AML processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk mitigation.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders (Compliance, Risk, Legal, Technology, etc.) to refine AML workflows.

• Identify and escalate emerging risks, trends, and operational challenges to senior management.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Serve as the primary point of contact for AML Ops-related queries, escalations, and audits from internal and external stakeholders.

• Prepare and present regular operational reports on team performance, quality metrics, and risk trends.

• Collaborate with global AML teams to ensure alignment on best practices and procedural updates.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in AML operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of AML frameworks, transaction monitoring, enhanced due diligence (EDD), and SAR reporting.

• Experience in managing SLA-driven AML processes and ensuring quality control.

• Familiarity with AML technology, case management systems, and data analytics tools is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Law, or a related field; ACAMS, ICA, or equivalent certification is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop teams.

• Operational Excellence: Strong understanding of SLA management, KPI tracking, and continuous process improvement.

• Risk & Compliance Awareness: Deep knowledge of AML regulations, risk assessment, and compliance best practices.

• Stakeholder Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with senior management, regulators, and cross-functional teams.

• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to assess risks, identify gaps, and drive resolution.

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in reviewing AML investigations and documentation