Description

As required by the Bank Secrecy Act and US Patriot Act, the purpose of the AML Investigations Team Lead is to ensure that department policies for alert, case, and SAR quality and timeliness are met.  This is accomplished through the review of investigative case work and Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) prepared by assigned AML Investigators for accuracy and quality. The Team Lead works closely with the Director of AML Investigations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of department processes and procedures, including the automated AML solution.  The Team Lead will be assigned to investigate the most highly complex cases for both potential money laundering/terrorist financing crimes and BSA/AML violations throughout the entire CFG footprint and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARS) as required by BSA Regulations as needed.  Tools utilized include an internal AML application, referrals from business lines, and open source intelligence (negative media, internet research, information from peer banks, and information from law enforcement). Working directly with the business lines, the Team Leads will coordinate and conduct complex due diligence inquiries on individuals, firms and organizations suspected of money laundering crimes or AML/BSA violations.  Regularly interact with and provide supporting documentation and information to law enforcement representatives, including IRS-CI, Secret Service, Homeland Security, ICE, and the FBI.  Perform special projects as requested. 

Business Practice

Perform validation activities related to the Transaction Monitoring Model and associated reporting. Assist in the development of requirements for, and implementation of, a case management and transaction monitoring application.Assist in the identification of potential uses, and development of, automations to facilitate business line efficiencies.Assist in financial forensic investigations on the most complex and sensitive AML cases involving complex patterns of transactions and multiple entities and geographies, using an internal application, referrals from business lines and external sources (law enforcement), open source information, and department intelligence.Perform a detailed assessment of the risk represented by the customer and/or the activity in which the customer has engaged.Exercise critical thinking and critical decision making skills to efficiently and effectively determine whether or not further investigative and analytical activity is required.                  Produce robust and comprehensive SAR narrative that clearly explains the details of the case for a law enforcement audience.

Colleague Management

Supervise a team of AML Investigators and Senior AML Investigators, as assignedReview and critique the Investigators’ decision making process for each caseReview and approve the content and quality of cases and SARs prepared by assigned team memberProvide performance coachingLeverage proven AML subject matter expertise to act as a resource for the development and training of new and existing team members.

Compliance Management

Ensure that SARs are completed within the required regulatory time frame and Service Level Agreements.Demonstrate an excellent understanding of BSA/AML regulations, and the ability to apply that knowledge to the analysis/review of customers and activity in order to identify and report suspicious activity.Organize and prioritize work tasks to ensure that a large volume of work is completed in a risk based and efficient manner.Make recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of department processes and procedures, including the automated AML solution.

Relationship Management

Develop and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement by providing information and documentation to law enforcement as requested.Support Branch and business line colleagues on BSA/AML matters

Qualifications, Education, Certifications and/or Other Professional Credentials

Required Qualifications

Financial Services 2-4 years

AML Investigations 2-4 years

Bachelor’s Degree Required – All relevant majors considered including Forensic Accounting, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Philosophy, Communications, Chemistry, etc. 

Knowledge of AML regulations and industry best practices

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Strong investigative and research skills

Ability to prioritize a complex workload

Excellent knowledge of retail banking, lending and bank operations processes

Ability to provide high quality service to all business units across CFG and adhere to Quality Standards and Corporate Values

Track record of practical experience with various commercial and proprietary computer systems

Excellent Microsoft Word and Excel skills along with general proficiency in adapting to new software applications

Preferred QualificationsExperience, or demonstrated ability, to manage a team of professionalsCAMS certification (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist).

Experience with AML transaction monitoring for securities/brokerage a plus

Experience with AML transaction monitoring for third-party payments processing/Embedded 

Professional or academic research and writing a plus

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours per Week:  40Work Schedule:  M-F

Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.