Senior Lead of Financial Crime Operations, Wise

• The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in AML and financial crime compliance, with proven operational leadership and strong communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills
• The ideal candidate will excel in all three areas and be excited by the challenges
• Minimum of 5 years in AML or fincrime compliance, with at least 3 years in a senior managerial role, ideally overseeing investigations and SAR reporting operations
• In-depth understanding of key regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and USA Patriot Act, and a strong grasp of the regulatory framework governing financial services
• Proven knowledge of money laundering techniques, financial crime trends, and regulatory requirements specific to the US market
• Demonstrated ability to identify gaps in policies and processes, and take ownership to drive and implement necessary changes
• A proactive and solutions-driven approach to managing operational compliance and risk in financial crime
• Proven track record of building and scaling high-performing compliance teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Strong problem-solving abilities, using regulations and data to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational success
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and a keen eye for detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively to various stakeholders
• Independent, punctual, and proactive with a strong commitment to driving results

Desirable

• We are seeking a seasoned leader to oversee Wise’s financial crime compliance operations in the US market, ensuring strong operations and a deep understanding of local regulations
• As Senior Lead of Financial Crime Operations, you will manage and develop teams specializing in AML investigations and SAR reporting, ensuring alignment with Wise’s strategic goals and US regulatory standards
• You’ll drive top-tier performance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the teams
• In this role, you will act as a key liaison between your operational team and senior leadership, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans
• Your leadership will focus on process optimization, adherence to US-specific requirements, and improving operational efficiency
• This position combines leadership, subject matter expertise, and project management
• Lead high-performing operational teams across AML investigations and SAR reporting functions, with a strong focus on a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Develop initiatives to grow the team’s skills, behaviors, and competencies relevant to US financial crime prevention
• Formulate Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align initiatives with organizational goals, driving focus and measurable outcomes
• Maintain strong relationships with different Compliance functions and key business lines
• Represent Operations in different committees and audits, and collaborate with stakeholders to address findings
• Prepare detailed reports on investigation findings, track metrics related to alert reviews and SAR submissions, and present findings to senior management and regulatory bodies as required
• Ensure KPIs and SLAs delivery and report on them consistently to drive high performing functions with a focus on meeting regulatory standards
• Lead and manage complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Develop and execute strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of AML investigation and SAR reporting processes, ensuring full alignment with local regulations and industry best practices
• Refine end-to-end processes to ensure they are fit for purpose and defensible with the aim to strengthen the operating model and enhance scalability
• Conduct quality reviews of key processes and assess discounted alerts
• Set clear strategic priorities, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring timely delivery of critical initiatives
• Ensure that Wise's US AML operations consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our regulatory bodies and strategic partners, maintaining the highest standards of compliance
• Continuously monitor and assess evolving AML laws and regulations, guaranteeing that all investigative activities and reporting remain fully aligned with current regulatory requirements
• Lead regular horizon scanning efforts to identify emerging trends, regulatory shifts, best practices, and typologies within the AML landscape, positioning the organization to proactively address new challenges
• Ensure that key insights, trends, and best practices are effectively communicated to all relevant teams within the organization
• Take full accountability for the quality outcomes within the US framework, ensuring alignment with global standards