AML Review Team Lead – Second Line Compliance

Role Overview

The AML Review Team Lead Second Line Compliance provides oversight of first-line AML sanctions and transaction monitoring activities with a particular focus on sanctions compliance and digital assetrelated risk. This role operates as a key control within the Firms Second Line of Defense ensuring that alert reviews escalations and risk assessments are conducted in accordance with applicable laws regulatory expectations and internal policies.

The Team Lead serves as a subject-matter expert and escalation point overseeing the quality and consistency of Level 1 reviews and supporting the ongoing development of first-line teams. The role also contributes to the continuous enhancement of the Firms financial crimes compliance framework.

In addition the Team Lead supports the management and execution of sanctions oversight function including performing sanctions alert reviews across the Firms businesses and global affiliates. The role works closely with senior leadership to provide feedback on workflow design system enhancements and implementation initiatives related to sanctions screening and monitoring.

The position supports the OFAC Officer and Sanctions Compliance team in building enhancing and executing the Firms Sanctions Oversight Program across multiple products and services ensuring sanctions requirements are applied consistently as business activities evolve. The Team Lead is also responsible for conducting detailed Quality Assurance and Quality Control reviews of Level 1 sanctions alert dispositions and providing clear constructive feedback to improve accuracy consistency and documentation standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide second-line oversight of AML transaction monitoring sanctions screening and unusual activity reviews including activity involving crypto and digital assets to ensure consistency accuracy and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Review and challenge Level 1 alert dispositions ensuring that escalation decisions are appropriate well-supported and documented in accordance with internal policies and regulatory expectations.
• Prepare monthly management reporting for sanctions metrics for the OFAC Officer and BS
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on sanctions compliance including OFAC and other global sanctions regimes and provide guidance on complex alerts sanctions exposure and crypto-related risk indicators.
• Oversee and support Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes by reviewing KYC documentation ownership structures adverse media PEP exposure and jurisdictional risk factors.
• Prepare and review escalation summaries and risk assessments for AML Investigations Sanctions Compliance and senior Compliance leadership including matters requiring committee-level review.
• Identify and escalate emerging financial crime risks including sanctions evasion misuse of digital assets and activity involving high-risk jurisdictions or sectors.
• Support quality assurance governance and control enhancement efforts by identifying gaps or weaknesses in first-line processes and recommending remediation or process improvements.
• Contribute to training and guidance for Level 1 teams promoting consistent application of AML and sanctions standards and reinforcing regulatory expectations.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelors degree in Finance Economics Criminal Justice Legal Studies or a related field.
• 8 years experience in AML sanctions or financial crime compliance within a regulated financial institution.
• Strong working knowledge of OFAC and global sanctions frameworks with experience assessing sanctions risk in complex transactions.
• Experience working at a cryptocurrency exchange or other crypto project/company
• Proven experience in multiple blockchain analytics platform
• Excellent analytical judgment and written communication skills.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a second-line compliance or oversight role.
• Familiarity with blockchain analytics tools and digital asset risk typologies.
• Professional certifications such as CAMS or equivalent.

Core Competencies

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and provide effective challenge as part of a second-line control function.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to guide and influence first-line teams.
• High level of integrity discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced highly regulated environment.
• Proactive approach to staying current on evolving regulatory expectations particularly in sanctions and digital assets.