Manager-Compliance

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries 
• Bonus incentives 
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location) 
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need 
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location) 
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location) 
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program 
• Career development and training opportunities

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviours, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. 

Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express. 

How will you make an impact in this role?

The American Express Global Financial Crime Compliance (GFCC) function provides second-line policy, framework, oversight and control solutions to meet the Company's legal, regulatory and risk management mandates in connection with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF), Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption. The GFCC portfolio comprises all aspects of the Company's first and second-line financial crime risk management (FCRM) activities, including all lines of businesses in the Region and both proprietary and non-proprietary global markets.

As a member of the EMEA Regional Financial Crime Compliance/Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) organization, the candidate will serve as the primary financial crime compliance point of contact for any Region Joint Ventures (JVs) and Global Network Partners (GNPs). This individual will work closely with Market Compliance Officers (MCOs) and Line of Business Compliance Officers (LOBCOs) and will assess both enterprise and local financial crime risks and regulatory environment to effectively monitor compliance with the American Express FCRM policy and other related policies and standards. Submission of regular reports, escalations to relevant governance committees and participation in oversight meetings with American Express partners (where applicable) will be also part of the role/responsibilities.

As part of the Second-Line of Defense, the candidate will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for financial crime compliance activities across the Regions' partnerships and joint ventures, ensuring a globally consistent, risk-based approach to FCRM that meets compliance requirements
• Monitor and assess emerging risks, identifying trends and developing mitigation strategies
• Lead strong engagement and working relationships with the relevant MCOs, LOBCOs, First-Line teams and JVs/GNPs
• Provide financial crime compliance subject matter expertise support to key stakeholders including compliance colleagues and First-Line teams
• Ensure that regulatory financial crime compliance risks are adequately identified, assessed, monitored and controlled
• Perform AML risk assessments/evaluations of existing and new JVs and GNPs, as well as other partnerships and other business initiatives, identifying, assessing and mitigating associated AML risks
• Support MCOs and LOBCOs in the effective challenge of partner customer due diligence responses, ongoing monitoring metrics as well as reviewing all relevant policies, procedures and risk assessments
• Support the establishment of referral request processes to ensure the effective ongoing facilitation of responses from our partners to enable the investigative SAR and sanctions processes handled by the Global Financial Crime Surveillance Unit
• Support the management of supervisory and regulatory examinations and audits, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring timely and accurate reporting

The incumbent will supervise a team of 1 analyst and will directly report to the Acquiring & Third-Party Payments (TPP) Processors/Intermediaries oversight Director, within the EMEA Regional Financial Crime organization. Expect challenges, collaboration, and the freedom to bring your ideas to life. Be ready to adapt, take initiative and ownership, and shape your role as we grow.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:

• University Degree in Law/Business Management. Strong knowledge/understanding of Payment Services and AML/CTF regulations
• 7 + years of compliance related work experience in a regulated financial institution (e.g. bank, EMI, payment institution, etc.) or non-banking/non-regulated financial services industry (e.g. consultancy)
• Proven experience in designing and implementing AML CTF regulatory compliance programs including analysis of regulations, risk assessments, design of policies & procedures and monitoring programs
• Deep understanding of financial crime regulatory requirements and trends
• Knowledge of company operating processes within a multinational company such as Amex is a plus, as well as prior experience in Amex merchant/acquisition businesses
• CAMS and/or ICA Certifications is a plus
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and influencing skills – convey complex information clearly and concisely, translating AML CTF requirements into the business reality/environment
• Proven experience as a point of contact/management during audits and regulatory inspections
• Ability to build strong relationships with business partners, compliance stakeholders and other peers
• Proven ability to work effectively across diverse markets, cultures, and regulatory environments and effectively engage and manage senior stakeholders as a trusted and independent advisor
• Ability to work independently – a problem-solver who loves teamwork and gets things done
• Decision-making skills with a risk-based mindset
• Curiosity and proactivity – a drive to learn and take initiative
• Analytical skills and attention to detail. Proficient on MS Office
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written is a must

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in Spain is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.