Manager - Compliance

CDD Governance Manager The American Express Global Financial Crimes 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-lien financial crime risk management (FCRM) activities, including all lines of businesses in the United States and both proprietary non-proprietary global markets. GFCC is part of the broader Global Risk & Compliance organization. The GFCC Client Risk Management Office within the GFCC Global AML Office is responsible for Client Risk and Customer Due Diligence by leading efforts to assess, index, monitor, and mitigate client introduced risk, using data analytics to create dynamic Client Risk Ratings (CRR) to drive Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, ensure regulatory compliance across all lines of business and jurisdictions where American Express operates, and provide relevant, reliable information to lines of business leadership and GFCC colleagues. Additionally, GFCC is standing up a team to administer end-to-end centralized oversight and ownership of the Enhanced Due Diligence Program (including development of policies / standards / procedures), as well as 2 nd line oversight of Know Your Customer Refresh (KYC-R), and implementing processes to execute centralized governance, oversight, analytics and monitoring. The Role As the expectations of our regulators across the globe continue to grow, we need to ensure that our Financial Crimes program continues to be effective and efficient globally, while also delivering to regulatory expectations at a market level. The successful candidate will report to the CDD Compliance Director and will be responsible for working with first- and second- line teams across markets and lines of business to drive enhancements to CDD processes and procedures by supporting strategic initiatives like- Guardian, KYC Standards gap assessment & implementation and Regulatory requests. The individual should have the proven ability to work collaboratively across markets and functions simultaneously and to thrive in a changing environment, as well as experience working on global initiatives. Lead key governance related projects in line with Guardian and Regulatory requests through strong stakeholder management and working with the businesses in order to deliver on time-bound objectives. Manage global initiatives like conducting Gap Assessment & Implementation of the KYC standards and drive alignment across markets and functions, ensuring key stakeholder engagement and timely risk mitigation. Develop subject matter expertise in end-to-end CDD program, including understanding of the technology that supports it. Ensure risks and issues are effectively identified, assessed, prioritised, and managed across teams. Review and assess existing KYC policies, procedures, and workflows against internal standards and external regulatory requirements. Define timelines, owners, and success metrics for remediation activities, and track them to closure. Audit and Regulatory Exam Preparedness by providing evidence of assessments, action plans, and remediation efforts. Monitor for changes in regulatory expectations and proactively assess potential impact on KYC programs. Lead a team of analysts to identify gaps or areas of concern and recommend corrective action plans. Prepare detailed assessment reports with findings, gap summaries, and risk implications. Stay updated on evolving regulations and industry standards 5+ years of proven experience and track record of success in program governance, project management, product management, strategy development and implementation, with at least three years of experience in any of the following: BSA-AML / financial crimes compliance, government agency / regulator, general compliance, risk management, or audit. Decisive self-starter with high degree of accountability, solution focused and able to successfully balance multiple priorities over both the short and long term in a deadline-intensive environment. Ability to assess and synthesize key insights from large amounts of information to determine strategic opportunities and drive implementation. Strong strategic thought leadership, and ability to navigate ambiguity and proactively anticipate and address challenges. Strong management, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills with ability to motivate and engage stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven ability to develop impactful communications and presentations to senior leadership, regulators, etc. Familiarity with KYC operations, customer lifecycle, management systems, and screening technologies is a plus Experienced people leader, capable of driving performance by coaching and motivating people for success, identifying their strengths and opportunities Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner Strong management, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and proven ability to motivate and engage stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of initiatives. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven ability to translate findings into impactful communications and presentations to senior leadership, regulators, etc. Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Strong decision-making skills, personal conviction, dependable, and adaptable with a proven ability to work independently or within a team environment as required. Bachelor’s degree required. Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.