Chief AML Officer

Job Description: Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer (Chief AML Officer / CAMLO)

Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Board Compliance Committee

Job Summary

The Chief AML Officer (CAMLO) is responsible for leading the organization's Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and financial crime prevention programs. This role ensures compliance with all applicable AML/CFT regulations and protects the organization from financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and sanctions violations.

The CAMLO serves as the primary authority on AML matters, overseeing policies, systems, investigations, and regulatory engagement to maintain a strong compliance and risk management framework.

Key Responsibilities

1. AML/CFT Strategy & Program Management

Develop and implement enterprise-wide AML/CFT strategies and frameworks

Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and international standards (e.g., FATF guidelines)

Continuously enhance AML programs to address emerging risks

Promote a strong financial crime compliance culture

2. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Ensure compliance with AML/CFT laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations

Oversee timely and accurate regulatory reporting (e.g., suspicious transaction reports – STRs)

Act as the primary liaison with regulators and financial intelligence units (FIUs)

Manage regulatory inspections, audits, and reviews

3. Customer Due Diligence (CDD/KYC)

Oversee KYC, CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes

Ensure proper onboarding and monitoring of customers

Implement risk-based customer profiling and segmentation

Monitor high-risk customers and politically exposed persons (PEPs)

4. Transaction Monitoring & Investigations

Oversee transaction monitoring systems and suspicious activity detection

Lead investigations into suspicious transactions and financial crime risks

Ensure timely escalation and reporting of suspicious activities

Collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory bodies when required

5. Sanctions & Financial Crime Risk Management

Manage sanctions screening and compliance programs

Ensure adherence to international sanctions regimes

Identify and mitigate financial crime risks across the organization

Implement controls to prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption

6. Policies, Controls & Governance

Develop and maintain AML policies, procedures, and internal controls

Ensure audit readiness and documentation standards

Conduct regular AML risk assessments

Align AML programs with enterprise risk and compliance frameworks

7. Training & Awareness

Develop AML training programs for employees

Promote awareness of AML/CFT obligations and risks

Ensure staff understand policies and reporting requirements

Foster a culture of vigilance and compliance

8. Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop AML and financial crime compliance teams

Establish performance standards and accountability

Drive continuous improvement and innovation in AML practices

Support talent development and succession planning

Key Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or related field

Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly preferred

Experience

12–18+ years of experience in AML, compliance, financial crime, or risk roles

Proven experience in senior AML leadership roles (e.g., Chief AML Officer, Head of AML, Financial Crime Leader)

Strong background in banking, financial services, insurance, or investment sectors

Skills & Competencies

Deep knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and frameworks (e.g., FATF, local regulations)

Expertise in KYC, transaction monitoring, and investigations

Strong analytical and risk assessment skills

Leadership and team management

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement

High ethical standards and attention to detail

Ability to manage complex regulatory environments

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Compliance with AML/CFT regulations

Timeliness and accuracy of STR/SAR filings

Effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems

Reduction in financial crime risks and incidents

Audit and regulatory inspection outcomes

Employee AML training completion and awareness

Preferred Attributes

Experience in multinational or highly regulated financial institutions

Strong relationships with regulators and FIUs

Exposure to regtech and AML technology solutions

Ability to manage complex financial crime risks

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based incentives

Executive benefits and allowances