American Express’s US Investigations Unit (USIU) is part of the broader Global Risk & Compliance organization, operating within Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC). USIU provides oversight and support for global financial crimes investigations. In partnership with teams across the financial crimes’ organization, USIU develops and implements transaction monitoring rules, reports, and other tools to detect potential criminal activity. They investigate suspicious financial behavior and, when necessary, file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or refer cases to internal compliance partners for global reporting. USIU plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with key regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the USA PATRIOT Act. They also support law enforcement by providing critical information to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, credit card fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes.
The Special Investigations Analyst will be responsible for conducting complex financial investigations involving matters such as Human Trafficking, Arms Proliferation, Trade Based Money laundering, Wildlife Trafficking, Terrorist Financing, and Public Corruption. In addition, they will partner with various teams and leaders within GFCC and across the company to support their investigations, and interact with law enforcement. The successful candidate must have excellent investigative, communication, and time management skills, the ability to effectively manage change and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities:
- Conduct time-sensitive, meticulous investigations, analyzing each instance of potential money laundering activity and/or suspicious financial activity across multiple jurisdictions and countries, utilizing a wide variety of research and analytical tools.
- Produce well-written reports detailing and analyzing potentially suspicious activity and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN as appropriate.
- Demonstrate a keen attention to detail in investigation, analysis, and writing.
- Collaborate proactively with colleagues in a hybrid work environment to work through investigative roadblocks.
- Support coaching colleagues through peer reviews and quality evaluations of casework as appropriate based on individual capabilities and expertise.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A minimum of three years of experience in BSA-AML compliance, investigations, law enforcement, the legal field, accounting or audit, or Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields of study: Justice Studies, English, Journalism, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, or other fields involving intensive research, writing, or data analysis.
- Experience in conducting complex financial crime investigations.
- Understanding of criminal typologies associated with a wide array of financial products and services.
- Knowledge of global AML/CTF/ABC Regulations (BSA, US PATRIOT Act).
- Proven ability to analyze large amounts of data from various sources and make logical and well-supported decisions to report critical information.
- Proficiency in researching information via the internet and using Open Source Intelligence techniques.
- Strong oral communication skills and ability to produce written summaries which clearly consolidate recommendations and conclusions.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, with demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly.
- Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner.
Preferred Qualifications:
- High level of professionalism, self-motivation and sense of urgency.
- Demonstrated ability to work with leaders, team members, and strategic partners at all levels and across functional lines.
- Knowledge of American Express products and systems.
- Ability to leverage data to make effective business decisions.
- Experience delivering effective feedback to support process improvement(s) and/or enhanced proficiency
- Master’s Degree or other advanced degree
- Experience in SQL and statistical programming (SAS, Python or R) is a plus
- CAMS and/or CFE certified or equivalent
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
About UsAt American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our 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.
About the TeamWe 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
- 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
- Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
- 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
For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.
Skills Required
- Minimum of three years of experience in BSA-AML compliance, investigations, law enforcement, the legal field, accounting or audit
- Experience in conducting complex financial crime investigations
- Knowledge of global AML/CTF/ABC Regulations (BSA, US PATRIOT Act)
- Strong oral communication skills and ability to produce written summaries clearly
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
- Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially
- Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies, English, Journalism, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, or related fields
- CAMS or CFE certification or equivalent
American Express Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Express and has not been reviewed or approved by American Express.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay is often viewed as attractive when combined with comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage that supports day-to-day needs. The benefits package is also framed as especially helpful for those supporting dependents.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards through a 401(k) plan with company matching. Financial wellness services and coaching are also highlighted as strengthening longer-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is repeatedly characterized as generous and a valued component of the overall package. Time off and flexibility are presented as helping the total rewards feel more complete beyond base salary.
American Express Insights
What We Do
At American Express, we know that with the right backing, people and businesses have the power to progress in incredible ways. Whether we’re supporting our customers’ financial confidence to move ahead, taking commerce to new heights, or encouraging people to explore the world, our colleagues are constantly striving to uphold our powerful backing promise to our customers and each other every day. These beliefs have been our North Star for 170 years as our business transformed – from helping evacuate travelers during World Wars, to ensuring the safety of our customers’ funds during the Great Depression in the U.S., to creating the Shop Small® movement to help small businesses recover from the Financial Crisis, to providing aid to communities impacted by many natural disasters and so much more. For generations, the key to our success has been the determination and resilience of our American Express colleagues. Now, as a globally integrated payments company, we work together to provide customers with access to products, insights and world-class experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Join us and let’s lead the way together.
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