AML Head

An AML leadership opportunity has become available within an organization known for its flexible working environment. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, fostering collaboration, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions.

HEAD OF ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMPLIANCE

Salary: Competitive and based on experience
Location: Philippines

Keywords: compliance, risk management, regulatory, fraud prevention, AML, FCC, leadership, investigations, sanctions screening, customer due diligence

A leading financial institution in the Philippines is seeking a Head of Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Compliance to champion its robust framework against money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other financial crimes. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the organisation’s compliance culture, working closely with regulators, senior management, and cross-functional teams to ensure full adherence to local and international standards. You will be empowered to drive strategic initiatives, influence policy development, and lead high-performing teams dedicated to safeguarding the bank’s integrity. The organisation values your expertise and commitment, providing a supportive environment where your leadership will make a tangible impact on both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

* Take ownership of the entire AML and FCC programme, ensuring comprehensive protection against financial crime risks while maintaining strict compliance with all regulatory requirements.
* Collaborate directly with senior executives, regulators, and business units to deliver strategic guidance on emerging risks and regulatory developments, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor within the organisation.
* Lead and nurture specialist teams across transaction monitoring, investigations, fraud management, and compliance training, fostering a strong culture of awareness and responsibility throughout the bank.

What you'll do:

As Head of Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Compliance you will play an instrumental role in protecting the institution from financial crime threats by designing comprehensive frameworks that address every aspect of AML/CFT compliance. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with regulators to maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal requirements while guiding internal teams through complex investigations into suspicious transactions. You will oversee transaction monitoring systems to ensure they are effective at detecting unusual activity while managing escalation processes for alerts. In addition to developing policies that safeguard against fraud and sanctions violations, you will conduct risk assessments across all business units—ensuring timely remediation of any gaps. Your expertise in customer due diligence will be crucial in maintaining rigorous onboarding standards for high-risk clients. By preparing detailed reports for senior management and Board committees you will provide strategic insights that inform decision-making at the highest levels. Ultimately your leadership will foster a culture of compliance awareness throughout the organisation.

* Serve as the designated AML Officer for the institution, acting as primary liaison with regulatory bodies such as BSP and AMLC to ensure seamless communication and compliance.
* Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the organisation’s AML/CFT and Financial Crime Compliance frameworks in line with evolving regulations and industry best practices.
* Provide strategic guidance to senior management and Board committees regarding emerging financial crime risks, regulatory changes, and compliance updates.
* Prepare detailed risk assessments, regulatory findings, and compliance reports for presentation to executive stakeholders.
* Lead the overall FCC programme covering anti-money laundering, sanctions compliance, anti-bribery and corruption measures, fraud prevention strategies, and other financial crime risks.
* Establish policies, procedures, and controls that identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor financial crime risks across all business units.
* Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments for financial crime exposure and ensure timely remediation of identified gaps or vulnerabilities.
* Oversee transaction monitoring systems to ensure effectiveness in identifying unusual or suspicious activities; manage escalation processes for alerts and investigations.
* Drive enhancement projects related to transaction monitoring rules, thresholds, detection scenarios, and reporting mechanisms.
* Establish robust KYC (Know Your Customer), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and customer risk-rating frameworks; oversee onboarding processes for high-risk customers including PEPs.

What you bring:

Your extensive background in banking or regulated financial institutions equips you with deep expertise in anti-money laundering protocols as well as broader financial crime compliance strategies. You bring proven experience leading large-scale AML/FCC operations—demonstrating your ability to develop frameworks that meet stringent regulatory requirements while adapting swiftly to new challenges. Your familiarity with BSP regulations ensures you can navigate local legal landscapes effectively while leveraging global best practices such as FATF standards. With hands-on experience managing transaction monitoring systems you excel at investigating suspicious activities thoroughly—ensuring timely reporting of STRs/CTRs. Your exposure to fraud risk management enables you to design preventative controls that protect both internal operations and customer assets. As a skilled communicator you present complex findings clearly whether addressing senior executives or external regulators—building trust through transparency. Your analytical mindset supports thorough risk assessments while your leadership fosters collaboration across diverse teams dedicated to maintaining compliance excellence.

* Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Law, Economics or related discipline is required; a Master’s degree or professional certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), CFCS (Certified Financial Crime Specialist), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), ICA (International Compliance Association), CRCM (Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager) are highly advantageous.
* Minimum 12-15 years’ experience in banking or regulated financial institutions with direct involvement in compliance, risk management, AML/FCC functions or financial crime prevention.
* At least 5 years’ proven track record in a senior leadership role overseeing AML or FCC operations within a bank or similar entity.
* Deep understanding of BSP regulations, AMLA legislation, AMLC requirements as well as FATF standards governing anti-money laundering practices.
* Extensive hands-on experience managing transaction monitoring systems including investigation of suspicious activities related to money laundering or terrorist financing.
* Strong exposure to fraud risk management frameworks including prevention strategies for internal/external fraud incidents.
* Demonstrated ability to handle regulatory examinations efficiently including remediation programmes arising from audits or compliance reviews.
* Experience presenting complex findings to senior management teams, Board committees or external regulators with clarity and professionalism.
* Exceptional stakeholder management skills combined with advanced analytical capabilities for investigative work.
* High level of integrity coupled with sound professional judgement when navigating sensitive issues.

What sets this company apart:

This respected financial institution is renowned for its unwavering commitment to integrity and operational excellence within the Philippine banking sector. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment where their contributions are valued at every level—from frontline staff through executive leadership. The organisation prioritises ongoing professional development by offering access to specialised training programmes focused on regulatory updates and industry best practices. Its inclusive approach ensures that every team member feels supported when tackling complex challenges related to financial crime prevention. The company’s dedication to building a strong compliance culture is reflected in its investment in state-of-the-art technology solutions designed for transaction monitoring and fraud detection—empowering employees with tools that enhance their effectiveness. By joining this institution you become part of a network committed not only to regulatory adherence but also ethical stewardship—making it an ideal workplace for those who value responsibility alongside professional growth.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this influential role shaping the future of financial crime compliance within one of the country’s most respected banks—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.