Head of AML & Sanctions Compliance

A financial services firm is seeking an experienced Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) to lead its financial crimes compliance program across securities trading and derivatives activities. This senior leadership position will oversee AML governance, sanctions compliance, transaction monitoring, regulatory examinations, and financial crimes risk management. The ideal candidate brings strong broker-dealer compliance expertise, knowledge of securities and commodities regulations, and experience managing enterprise-wide AML programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

AML Program Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the firm's designated AML Compliance Officer, responsible for the overall effectiveness of its AML and sanctions framework.
• Develop, implement, and enhance policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with the Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Oversee customer identification, beneficial ownership verification, enhanced due diligence, and ongoing customer monitoring.
• Conduct enterprise-wide AML risk assessments and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior management on financial crimes compliance risks and regulatory expectations.

Transaction Monitoring & Investigations

• Oversee transaction monitoring systems, suspicious activity investigations, and alert resolution processes.
• Supervise the preparation and submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), where applicable.
• Evaluate transaction monitoring effectiveness and recommend improvements to detection methodologies and controls.
• Ensure appropriate escalation and investigation of potentially suspicious transactions or sanctions-related concerns.

Regulatory Compliance & Examinations

• Maintain compliance with applicable SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, and OFAC requirements.
• Oversee AML obligations related to broker-dealer, futures, and derivatives activities.
• Ensure alignment with applicable commodities regulations, including NFA Rule 2-9(c) and CFTC Regulation 42.2.
• Coordinate regulatory examinations, inquiries, audits, and requests for information.
• Monitor regulatory developments and implement necessary program enhancements.

Testing, Training & Program Enhancement

• Coordinate independent AML testing and oversee remediation of identified deficiencies.
• Develop and deliver AML and sanctions training for employees, registered representatives, and management.
• Evaluate existing compliance controls and recommend enhancements to policies, systems, and procedures.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to strengthen financial crimes risk management and promote regulatory accountability.
• Provide ongoing reporting and recommendations to senior leadership regarding program effectiveness and emerging risks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant experience in BSA/AML and sanctions compliance within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong background in broker-dealer AML compliance, with knowledge of futures, commodities, or derivatives businesses.
• Demonstrated experience managing or providing senior oversight of AML compliance programs.
• Comprehensive understanding of BSA/AML, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, and NFA requirements.
• Hands-on knowledge of CIP, CDD/EDD, beneficial ownership, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.
• Experience managing regulatory examinations, AML risk assessments, and compliance remediation initiatives.
• Strong leadership, analytical, regulatory interpretation, and communication skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate financial crimes risks and implement effective compliance controls.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience serving as a designated AML Officer, BSA Officer, or senior financial crimes compliance leader.
• Experience within a broker-dealer, futures commission merchant (FCM), introducing broker (IB), or swap dealer.
• Familiarity with NFA AML requirements and CFTC regulations governing commodities businesses.
• Experience overseeing AML transaction monitoring systems and independent compliance testing.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFCS, or comparable financial crimes credentials.
• Experience communicating directly with securities or commodities regulators.