Description Role Summary In accordance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and USA PATRIOT Act, the AML Investigations Team Lead is responsible for ensuring departmental standards related to alert, case, and SAR quality and timeliness are consistently met. This includes performing detailed reviews of investigative case work and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) prepared by assigned AML Investigators to ensure completeness, accuracy, and quality. The Team Lead works closely with the Director of AML Investigations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of departmental processes and procedures, including the automated AML system. The role is also responsible for independently investigating the most complex cases involving potential money laundering, terrorist financing, and BSA/AML violations across the entire CFG footprint, filing SARs as required. Tools and resources include the internal AML platform, business-line referrals, and open‑source intelligence such as negative media, internet research, peer-bank collaboration, and law-enforcement information. In partnership with business units, the Team Lead coordinates and conducts complex due‑diligence inquiries involving individuals, firms, and organizations suspected of money‑laundering or BSA/AML violations. The role also maintains ongoing interaction with law enforcement—IRS‑CI, Secret Service, Homeland Security, ICE, and the FBI—providing documentation and support as needed. Special projects may be assigned. Business Practice Responsibilities + Perform validation activities related to the Transaction Monitoring Model and related reporting. + Assist in defining requirements and implementing a case management and transaction monitoring system. + Identify, develop, and support automation opportunities that improve business‑line efficiency. + Participate in financial forensic investigations involving complex transactional patterns, multiple entities, and multi‑jurisdictional activity, leveraging internal systems, business‑line referrals, law‑enforcement input, and open‑source intelligence. + Conduct detailed assessments of customer‑related risk and associated activity. + Apply strong critical‑thinking and decision‑making skills to determine when additional investigative or analytical work is required. Qualifications, Education, Certifications, and Credentials Required Qualifications + 2–4 years of experience in financial services + 2–4 years of AML investigations experience + Bachelor’s degree required—relevant majors may include Forensic Accounting, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Philosophy, Communications, Chemistry, and others + Strong knowledge of AML regulations and industry best practices + Excellent written and verbal communication skills + Strong investigative, analytical, and research capabilities + Ability to prioritize and manage a complex caseload + Strong understanding of retail banking, lending, and bank operations + Demonstrated ability to provide high‑quality service to business partners while adhering to Quality Standards and Corporate Values + Experience with commercial and proprietary systems + Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to learn new applications quickly Preferred Qualifications + Experience managing or leading a team of professionals + CAMS certification (Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialist) + Experience with AML transaction monitoring in securities/brokerage + Experience with transaction monitoring related to third‑party payment processing/embedded finance + Academic or professional research/writing experience Hours & Work Schedule + Hours per Week: 40 + Schedule: Monday–Friday #LI-Citizens6 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. Why Work for Us At Citizens, you'll find a customer-centric culture built around helping our customers and giving back to our local communities. When you join our team, you are part of a supportive and collaborative workforce, with access to training and tools to accelerate your potential and maximize your career growth Background Check Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.