Executive Director - Head of AML

BBVA is a global company with more than 160 years of history that operates in more than 25 countries where we serve more than 80 million customers. We are more than 121,000 professionals working in multidisciplinary teams with profiles as diverse as financiers, legal experts, data scientists, developers, engineers and designers.

General Summary

The Executive Director – Head of AML is a senior leadership role within the Compliance Department, responsible for leading and overseeing the Bank’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program across the U.S. Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) footprint—including the New York Branch (NYB), BBVA Securities Inc. (BSI), and the Houston Representative Office (HRO). This position reports directly to the U.S. Head of BSA/AML and Sanctions Compliance for CIB.

This role provides strategic and operational leadership to the AML Program, with direct oversight of the AML Monitoring and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) teams. The ideal candidate will combine deep AML expertise with strong people leadership, operational excellence, and a forward-looking approach to compliance risk management.

The Head of AML will play a pivotal role in ensuring alignment of AML processes across all entities, driving the implementation of new processes and technology solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This leader will be instrumental in identifying and executing process efficiencies, particularly within monitoring and EDD, and in leveraging technology enhancements to improve program effectiveness.

The Head of AML will also work closely with CIB Compliance in Madrid and U.S.-based business and infrastructure partners, ensuring consistent communication, alignment, and adherence to global compliance standards. The role requires strong executive presence and demonstrated experience presenting to senior management both locally and globally, with the ability to clearly articulate complex regulatory matters and strategic program objectives.

Depending on the candidate’s broker-dealer experience and expertise, this individual may also be considered for appointment as the BSA Officer (BSAO) for BBVA Securities Inc. (BSI), a limited-purpose broker-dealer.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the AML program across U.S. CIB entities, with direct oversight of the AML Monitoring and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) teams.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and escalation point on AML issues, partnering with senior management to align compliance frameworks with business goals and risk appetite.
• Ensure alignment of AML processes, policies, and controls across entities, promoting a unified and consistent compliance approach.
• Drive the implementation of new processes and technology solutions to enhance program efficiency, monitoring capabilities, and reporting quality.
• Identify and implement efficiencies and technology enhancements within AML Monitoring and EDD to improve effectiveness and scalability.
• Oversee and assess the effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems (e.g., Oracle) and guide customer onboarding and ongoing due diligence.
• Provide advisory support to business partners, addressing AML-related considerations and emerging risks.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of key regulatory deliverables, including Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and FinCEN 314(a) responses.
• Identify and escalate compliance risks, propose mitigation strategies, and lead implementation of corrective actions.
• Represent the AML program to senior management (local and global), delivering clear updates on program performance, risk trends, and strategic initiatives.
• Present and respond to U.S. regulators (e.g., FRB, NY DFS, FINRA, SEC) and internal/external auditors regarding AML program activities.
• Contribute to risk assessments for new products, services, clients, and business lines.
• Collaborate closely with Madrid-based Compliance teams and cross-functional partners to ensure global regulatory alignment and operational consistency.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the AML organization.
• Lead and develop targeted training programs for Compliance and Client Onboarding personnel.
• Drive strategic projects and transformation initiatives, including those related to automation, analytics, and process improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA) strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive AML Compliance experience within a financial institution, with a focus on CIB or wholesale banking.
• CAMS certification required.
• Demonstrated experience leading AML Monitoring and EDD functions.
• Proven track record in implementing new processes, driving efficiencies, and leveraging technology to enhance AML program performance.
• Strong ability to interface with senior stakeholders, including local executive management and global leadership teams.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. AML laws and regulations (BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC) and KYC requirements.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and communication skills, including SAR drafting and escalation management.
• Experience interacting with regulators and auditors (FRB, NY DFS, FINRA, SEC).
• Fluency in Spanish and familiarity with Spanish, EU, and LatAm financial regulations preferred.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, results-driven leader with a deep understanding of AML regulatory expectations in a CIB context. They will demonstrate a strategic mindset, the ability to align and modernize AML processes across entities, and a passion for driving efficiency through innovation and technology.

This individual will bring a proactive approach to managing compliance risk in a dynamic business environment and be skilled in communicating complex topics to senior management, both in the U.S. and globally. The ability to influence across jurisdictions—particularly in partnership with Madrid-based stakeholders—is essential.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

With respect to this position in our New York Office, the expected base salary ranges from $220,000 to $260,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

*Employment eligibility to work with BBVA in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions

It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

Pay Transparency Policy Statement

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information (41 C.F.R. 60-1.35 (c)).

Individuals with Disabilities

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EEO Statement

BBVA USA, BBVA Securities Inc., and BBVA S.A. New York Branch have a firm and unwavering policy to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, nationality, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition, protected veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state or local law. This policy includes all job groups, classifications and organizational units. With regard to employment, this policy extends to applicants and covers our recruiting, hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, discipline, termination, benefits, compensation and training practices as well as social and recreational activities.

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