Chief AML Officer

Job Description: Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer (Chief AML Officer / CAMLO)

Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Board Compliance Committee

Job Summary

The Chief AML Officer (CAMLO) is responsible for leading the organization's Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and financial crime prevention programs. This role ensures compliance with all applicable AML/CFT regulations and protects the organization from financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and sanctions violations.

• The CAMLO serves as the primary authority on AML matters, overseeing policies, systems, investigations, and regulatory engagement to maintain a strong compliance and risk management framework.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. AML/CFT Strategy & Program Management
• Develop and implement enterprise-wide AML/CFT strategies and frameworks
• Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and international standards (e.g., FATF guidelines)
• Continuously enhance AML programs to address emerging risks
• Promote a strong financial crime compliance culture
• 2. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with AML/CFT laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations
• Oversee timely and accurate regulatory reporting (e.g., suspicious transaction reports – STRs)
• Act as the primary liaison with regulators and financial intelligence units (FIUs)
• Manage regulatory inspections, audits, and reviews
• 3. Customer Due Diligence (CDD/KYC)
• Oversee KYC, CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes
• Ensure proper onboarding and monitoring of customers
• Implement risk-based customer profiling and segmentation
• Monitor high-risk customers and politically exposed persons (PEPs)
• 4. Transaction Monitoring & Investigations
• Oversee transaction monitoring systems and suspicious activity detection
• Lead investigations into suspicious transactions and financial crime risks
• Ensure timely escalation and reporting of suspicious activities
• Collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory bodies when required
• 5. Sanctions & Financial Crime Risk Management
• Manage sanctions screening and compliance programs
• Ensure adherence to international sanctions regimes
• Identify and mitigate financial crime risks across the organization
• Implement controls to prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption
• 6. Policies, Controls & Governance
• Develop and maintain AML policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure audit readiness and documentation standards
• Conduct regular AML risk assessments
• Align AML programs with enterprise risk and compliance frameworks
• 7. Training & Awareness
• Develop AML training programs for employees
• Promote awareness of AML/CFT obligations and risks
• Ensure staff understand policies and reporting requirements
• Foster a culture of vigilance and compliance
• 8. Leadership & Team Management
• Lead and develop AML and financial crime compliance teams
• Establish performance standards and accountability
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in AML practices
• Support talent development and succession planning

Key Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or related field
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly preferred

Experience

• 12–18+ years of experience in AML, compliance, financial crime, or risk roles
• Proven experience in senior AML leadership roles (e.g., Chief AML Officer, Head of AML, Financial Crime Leader)
• Strong background in banking, financial services, insurance, or investment sectors

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and frameworks (e.g., FATF, local regulations)
• Expertise in KYC, transaction monitoring, and investigations
• Strong analytical and risk assessment skills

Leadership and team management

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• High ethical standards and attention to detail
• Ability to manage complex regulatory environments
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Compliance with AML/CFT regulations

• Timeliness and accuracy of STR/SAR filings
• Effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems
• Reduction in financial crime risks and incidents
• Audit and regulatory inspection outcomes
• Employee AML training completion and awareness

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in multinational or highly regulated financial institutions
• Strong relationships with regulators and FIUs
• Exposure to regtech and AML technology solutions
• Ability to manage complex financial crime risks

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based incentives

Executive benefits and allowances

Originally posted on Himalayas