Manager, AML Investigations (LCC)

We are currently seeking a Manager, AML Investigations to join our team.

The Manager, AML Investigations, oversees a team that conducts investigations, and ensures the timely and accurate reporting of suspicious activities in accordance with regulatory requirements. This role includes managing the De-Risking Strategies (WOS) to ensure First West is actively de-risking members that fall beyond the risk appetite. In addition to daily team leadership and coaching, the Manager supports regulatory reporting, contributes to monthly and quarterly management reports, and participates in strategic initiatives such as quality assurance, risk assessments, and audit remediation. This role will also be a key contact for FINTRAC inquiries and regulatory examinations.

Here’s what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Leadership: Leads and oversees a team of AML investigators including coaching, performance managing activities, training and career development. Manages all investigations, including those completed by third parties, and ensures they are completed thoroughly and within procedure timelines. Reviews and approves Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) prior to submission to FINTRAC. Leads and coordinates investigative activities triggered by transaction monitoring alerts, unusual transaction reports, and internal referrals. Prepares monthly and quarterly reporting for the CAMLO, Senior Management and the Board. 
2. Investigation: Conducts complex investigations on suspicious activity that may be related to money laundering and/or terrorist financing activities, including preparing investigative reports with findings and recommendations gathered from the analysis of account history and source documents, liaising with branch staff as appropriate. Evaluates suspicious or unusual activity; recognizes and evaluates high risk accounts and actively makes recommendations regarding account retention. Escalates and obtains management approval as appropriate. As needed, provides guidance and coaching to business units during AML-related member conversations and soliciting information from members to mitigate AML risk.
3. Proactive Measures: Identifies and analyzes trends, escalates risk and makes related recommendations to the Manager to mitigate financial crime exposure. Identifies learning needs for employees across FW in the application of statutory compliance and provides assistance with ensuring content of learning initiatives matches corporate requirements. Leads the development of, and conducts training sessions on Anti-Money Laundering. Exercises a significant degree of judgment, intuition and discretion in managing investigations and evidence. Deploys best practices and established investigative techniques and meets service standards for quality and timeliness.
4. AML Monitoring: Identifies trends in AML investigations and collaborates with the AML monitoring team to revise and optimize AML monitoring practices. Contributes to the development and maintenance of the parameters and thresholds within the AML transaction monitoring system.
5. De-Risking: Identifies and leads the management of de-risking strategies to mitigate exposure to financial crime and regulatory risk. This includes overseeing the withdrawal of services in cases where member relationships pose unacceptable risk, ensuring that such actions are justified, documented, and aligned with internal policies and procedures. Collaborates closely with branch teams and other key stakeholders to gather necessary information, assess client risk profiles, and ensure consistent application of de-risking protocols. Manages requests for information from branches with a focus on clarity, timeliness, and operational efficiency.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in a related discipline required
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist certification required
• 5-6 years’ experience in the financial industry; including 5 years’ experience in money laundering compliance and experience in a leadership role required or an equivalent combination of experience and education required.
• Experience with federal financial regulatory bodies (including OSFI, FINTRAC) is considered an asset
• Comprehensive understanding of the PCMLTFA/FINTRAC regulations is preferred
• Comprehensive understanding of related laws and statutes is preferred
• Experience with developing and implementing procedures and conducting investigations is an asset
• Demonstrated leadership skills (communication, coaching and change management) with the ability to influence others within the organization
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and build long-term relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, auditors, industry peers and law enforcement agencies
• Take responsibility for self-development and continuous learning
• Experience with AML software e.g. Verafin/Navaera 
• Proficient with computer software programs, i.e. MS Office
• In-depth knowledge of banking processes
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.