Our client is seeking an experienced financial crime professional to serve as Director of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for their Dublin entity. This individual will report to the European Head of Compliance on a functional basis and to the CEO on a local basis.
As a key member of the organization, this person will drive and lead a dynamic technology-driven AML compliance function at both a local and European level, contributing to global AML initiatives. They will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Firm's compliance with the Criminal Justice Act, European AML Directives, and enterprise-wide policies.
Key responsibilities include overseeing AML and Sanctions programs, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and enhanced due diligence requirements, training, policies and procedures, management reporting, two Lines of Defence testing and monitoring, transaction surveillance, investigations, and a process for filing suspicious activity reports.
The Director of AML/MLRO will make strategic risk-based decisions to ensure the AML compliance program meets regulatory requirements and evolving business strategy. They will manage and develop AML resources effectively, ensuring staff have clear objectives and performance expectations are communicated and measured.
This role requires a point of contact regarding AML matters with internal and external partners, such as Enterprise Risk Management, Model Governance, Audit, Client Onboarding, the Central Bank of Ireland, Revenue, and Law Enforcement. The successful candidate will also be a member of the executive management body and client acceptance committee, reporting into the board, audit, and risk committees on the effective design and execution of the AML compliance program.
Additionally, this person will anticipate and evaluate potential fraud and financial crime risks at a strategic level, including organizational structures, business processes, product design, delivery channels, and third-party system providers. They will develop and oversee initiatives to implement measures needed to address new requirements and emerging financial crimes typologies into clear business-focused processes.
Requirements:
* At least 15 years of experience in a similar AML position as head or deputy head of AML or MLRO, preferably at a financial institution with a European customer base or an EU regulator.
* A proven track record in building, leading, and managing a high-performing team.
* A Bachelor's degree in law, business, finance, or accounting preferred.
* Ideally be a PCF-12 or PCF-52 holder or similarly registered with an equivalent regulatory body.
* Strong knowledge of the 4th and 5th Money Laundering Directive, EU sanction regimes, and, preferably, the regulations of the CBI.
* Experience with open-source intelligence gathering, payment systems, and money laundering red flags, particularly in the capital markets.
* Experience of working within a global organization, and with matrix reporting lines.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, as this role will require interaction with the CBI, the board of directors, and global senior management.
* High degree of comfort with computers and technology and understanding of how technology is applied to business and regulatory problems.
* Strong analytical skills with an ability to develop compliance solutions that satisfy relevant regulations while executing sound business judgment.