AML Team Lead

Direct Report: AML Analysts; Role Purpose - To lead and manage a team responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and investigating suspicious financial transactions to ensure compliance with AML regulations, internal policies, and global regulatory standards. The role focuses on driving operational efficiency, quality, risk mitigation, and team performance.

Job Description:

1. Team Management & Leadership

Manage a team of AML analysts working on transaction monitoring alerts.

Allocate workload effectively to meet SLAs, productivity, and quality targets.

Conduct regular team huddles, performance reviews, and feedback sessions.

Coach, mentor, and develop team members for skill enhancement and career growth.

Drive engagement and maintain team morale.

2. Transaction Monitoring & Case Review

Oversee daily alert reviews generated from transaction monitoring systems.

Ensure accurate and timely investigation of suspicious activities.

Review escalations and complex cases before submission to Compliance or MLRO.

Ensure proper documentation of investigations as per regulatory standards.

Identify potential suspicious activity and ensure SAR/STR recommendations.

3. Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure adherence to AML/KYC regulations (FATF, OFAC, EU, local regulations, etc.).

Maintain high-quality standards and minimize errors in alert investigations.

Conduct quality checks and implement corrective actions.

Stay updated with regulatory changes and ensure team compliance.

4. Stakeholder Management

Act as the primary point of contact for clients, compliance teams, and auditors.

Provide regular updates on performance, risks, and issues.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (KYC, Sanctions, Fraud, etc.).

5. Performance & Reporting

Track and report key metrics (SLA, TAT, productivity, quality scores).

Analyze trends and identify areas for process improvement.

Prepare MIS reports and dashboards for leadership review.

6. Process Improvement & Risk Management

Identify process gaps and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Drive automation and efficiency initiatives where applicable.

Mitigate operational risks and ensure adherence to internal control frameworks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Functional Skills

1. Strong knowledge of AML Transaction Monitoring processes

2. Familiarity with tools such as Actimize, Mantas, Verafin, or similar

3. Understanding of financial crime typologies (money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud)

4. Ability to conduct logical investigations

5. Good understanding of banking or financial operations and systems

Leadership Skills

1. Team management and people development

2. Decision-making and problem-solving

3. Conflict resolution and stakeholder management

4. Experience in making quick, high quality decisions on complex issues

5. Ability to work with concepts and with minimal assistance

6. Ability to work equally well independently and within a team

Analytical Skills

1. Ability to investigate complex transactional patterns

2. Risk assessment and judgment capabilities

Communication Skills

1. Excellent verbal and written communication

2. Reporting expertise

Additional Competencies

1. Excellent time management skills

2. Experience working on discrete, time sensitive projects

3. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Person Specification:-

Highly motivated, driven, and dynamic

Excellent presentation & communication skills

Strong domain focus

Should be comfortable in managing client visits

Ensuring Information security for sensitive data

Should be passionate in managing and testing for controls

Knowledge/Experience (Preferred):

5–8 years of experience in AML/KYC/Transaction Monitoring

Minimum 1–2 years of Team Handling experience in a BPS/Shared Services environment

Experience in global banking processes

Exposure to regulatory audits and compliance requirements

Ability to work in shifts and fast-paced environments

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Commerce, Business, or related field

Certifications preferred: ACAMS / CAMS / ICA