Director-Compliance - Financial Crimes Training

The Financial Crimes Compliance Training Lead (Band 40) is responsible for defining and executing the training strategy for Financial Crimes Compliance (FCC), including Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Sanctions and Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABAC). This role ensures that colleagues across the enterprise are equipped with the knowledge and capabilities required to meet regulatory obligations and effectively manage financial crime risks.

Operating at a strategic leadership level, this role partners with Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Business stakeholders to design scalable, risk-based training programs that drive a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct.

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the enterprise-wide FCC training strategy aligned with regulatory expectations and business priorities
• Translate evolving regulatory requirements (e.g., AML, OFAC, BSA) into an effective training program
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on compliance learning, risk awareness, and capability building
• Drive a risk-based approach to training, prioritizing high-impact areas and emerging threats
• Lead the execution of the Enterprise Financial Crimes Training Needs Analysis
• Oversee training governance, controls, and processes to ensure consistency and compliance
• Manage budgets, vendors, and external training partners
• Ensure efficient and scalable delivery across global teams

Program Design & Execution:

• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of FCC training programs, including:
  • Mandatory compliance training (AML, Sanctions, ABAC)
  • Role-based and advanced risk training for high-risk Business Units
  • Onboarding and continuous education programs
• Ensure training content is current, engaging, and aligned with regulatory guidance and internal policies
• Leverage modern learning approaches (e.g., digital learning, simulations, scenario-based training)

Regulatory & Risk Alignment:

• Ensure all training programs meet regulatory expectations and stand up to internal/external audits and regulatory scrutiny
• Partner with Financial Crimes Risk areas, Testing, and Audit teams to address findings and enhance training effectiveness
• Maintain strong documentation and governance of training Programs

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with FCC leaders, business units, HR, and global partners to identify training needs and deliver tailored solutions
• Influence and align with senior stakeholders across a matrixed organization
• Represent training initiatives in regulatory discussions, audits, and governance forums

Measurement & Reporting:

• Define KPIs and metrics to assess training effectiveness, completion, and risk reduction
• Use data and analytics to continuously improve training programs and demonstrate impact
• Deliver insights and reporting to senior leadership and regulators as needed

People Leadership:

• Lead and develop a team of training professionals and subject matter experts
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Build succession and capability within the training organization

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in Financial Crimes Compliance and Learning & Development
• Deep expertise in AML, Sanctions, and broader FCC regulatory frameworks (e.g., BSA/AML, OFAC, FATF)
• Proven experience designing and leading enterprise-wide compliance training programs
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate in a highly matrixed organization

Preferred:

• Experience in a global financial institution or highly regulated environment
• Degree in Business, Compliance, or related field
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS)
• Familiarity with learning technologies and data analytics tools

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.