Senior Lead of Financial Crime Operations

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.
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Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.

As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money.
For everyone, everywhere.

More about our mission and what we offer.

We are seeking a seasoned leader to oversee Wise’s financial crime compliance operations in the US market, ensuring strong operations and a deep understanding of local regulations. As Senior Lead of Financial Crime Operations, you will manage and develop teams specializing in AML investigations and SAR reporting, ensuring alignment with Wise’s strategic goals and US regulatory standards. You’ll drive top-tier performance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the teams.

In this role, you will act as a key liaison between your operational team and senior leadership, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans. Your leadership will focus on process optimization, adherence to US-specific requirements, and improving operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in AML and financial crime compliance, with proven operational leadership and strong communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills.

This position combines leadership, subject matter expertise, and project management. The ideal candidate will excel in all three areas and be excited by the challenges.

Leading

• Lead high-performing operational teams across AML investigations and SAR reporting functions, with a strong focus on a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Develop initiatives to grow the team’s skills, behaviors, and competencies relevant to US financial crime prevention.

• Formulate Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align initiatives with organizational goals, driving focus and measurable outcomes.

• Maintain strong relationships with different Compliance functions and key business lines. 

• Represent Operations in different committees and audits, and collaborate with stakeholders to address findings.

• Prepare detailed reports on investigation findings, track metrics related to alert reviews and SAR submissions, and present findings to senior management and regulatory bodies as required.

• Ensure  KPIs and SLAs delivery and report on them consistently to drive high performing functions with a focus on meeting regulatory standards.

Processes / Project management

• Lead and manage complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders. 

• Develop and execute strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of AML investigation and SAR reporting processes, ensuring full alignment with local regulations and industry best practices.

• Refine end-to-end processes to ensure they are fit for purpose and defensible with the aim to strengthen the operating model and enhance scalability.

• Conduct quality reviews of key processes and assess discounted alerts.

• Set clear strategic priorities, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring timely delivery of critical initiatives.

Domain/SME expertise

• Ensure that Wise's US AML operations consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our regulatory bodies and strategic partners, maintaining the highest standards of compliance.

• Continuously monitor and assess evolving AML laws and regulations, guaranteeing that all investigative activities and reporting remain fully aligned with current regulatory requirements.

• Lead regular horizon scanning efforts to identify emerging trends, regulatory shifts, best practices, and typologies within the AML landscape, positioning the organization to proactively address new challenges.

• Ensure that key insights, trends, and best practices are effectively communicated to all relevant teams within the organization. 

• Take full accountability for the quality outcomes within the US framework, ensuring alignment with global standards.

• Minimum of 5 years in AML or fincrime compliance, with at least 3 years in a senior managerial role, ideally overseeing investigations and SAR reporting operations.

• In-depth understanding of key regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and USA Patriot Act, and a strong grasp of the regulatory framework governing financial services.

• Proven knowledge of money laundering techniques, financial crime trends, and regulatory requirements specific to the US market.

• Demonstrated ability to identify gaps in policies and processes, and take ownership to drive and implement necessary changes.

• A proactive and solutions-driven approach to managing operational compliance and risk in financial crime.

• Proven track record of building and scaling high-performing compliance teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Strong problem-solving abilities, using regulations and data to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational success.

• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and a keen eye for detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment.

• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.

• Independent, punctual, and proactive with a strong commitment to driving results.

Nice to Have: 

• Knowledge of and experience with Canada’s AML regulations.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, or related field.

• Certifications: CAMS, ICA, Financial Crime Risk Manager or equivalent certification (AML, fincrime or audit focused).

• Proficient in using BI tools (e.g., Looker) and interpreting key risk indicators (KRIs) to monitor and enhance performance.

What We Offer:

• RSU's in a rapidly growing company + 401k with up to a 4% match 

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance – including Life Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability, and an EAP program

• Flexible working model – a mix of working from home and from the office

• 25 days PTO, 15 sick days, 11 holidays, 5 compassionate leave days, 3 paid “Me” days and a paid volunteer day, annually

• A paid 6-week sabbatical leave after four years + 18-weeks of paid parental leave, after a year with us

• 2025 Austin BuiltIn Best Award winner for Best Places to Work and Best Large Places to Work

Click HERE for more info on our benefits (Austin)

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders  — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.
Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.

If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs.

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