About the role
Job Description: Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer (Chief AML Officer / CAMLO)
Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment
Job Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Board Compliance Committee
Job Summary
The Chief AML Officer (CAMLO) is responsible for leading the organization's Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and financial crime prevention programs. This role ensures compliance with all applicable AML/CFT regulations and protects the organization from financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and sanctions violations.
The CAMLO serves as the primary authority on AML matters, overseeing policies, systems, investigations, and regulatory engagement to maintain a strong compliance and risk management framework.
Key Responsibilities
1. AML/CFT Strategy & Program Management
Develop and implement enterprise-wide AML/CFT strategies and frameworks
Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and international standards (e.g., FATF guidelines)
Continuously enhance AML programs to address emerging risks
Promote a strong financial crime compliance culture
2. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
Ensure compliance with AML/CFT laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations
Oversee timely and accurate regulatory reporting (e.g., suspicious transaction reports – STRs)
Act as the primary liaison with regulators and financial intelligence units (FIUs)
Manage regulatory inspections, audits, and reviews
3. Customer Due Diligence (CDD/KYC)
Oversee KYC, CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) processes
Ensure proper onboarding and monitoring of customers
Implement risk-based customer profiling and segmentation
Monitor high-risk customers and politically exposed persons (PEPs)
4. Transaction Monitoring & Investigations
Oversee transaction monitoring systems and suspicious activity detection
Lead investigations into suspicious transactions and financial crime risks
Ensure timely escalation and reporting of suspicious activities
Collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory bodies when required
5. Sanctions & Financial Crime Risk Management
Manage sanctions screening and compliance programs
Ensure adherence to international sanctions regimes
Identify and mitigate financial crime risks across the organization
Implement controls to prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption
6. Policies, Controls & Governance
Develop and maintain AML policies, procedures, and internal controls
Ensure audit readiness and documentation standards
Conduct regular AML risk assessments
Align AML programs with enterprise risk and compliance frameworks
7. Training & Awareness
Develop AML training programs for employees
Promote awareness of AML/CFT obligations and risks
Ensure staff understand policies and reporting requirements
Foster a culture of vigilance and compliance
8. Leadership & Team Management
Lead and develop AML and financial crime compliance teams
Establish performance standards and accountability
Drive continuous improvement and innovation in AML practices
Support talent development and succession planning
Key Requirements
Education
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or related field
Professional certifications such as CAMS, ICA, or equivalent are highly preferred
Experience
12–18+ years of experience in AML, compliance, financial crime, or risk roles
Proven experience in senior AML leadership roles (e.g., Chief AML Officer, Head of AML, Financial Crime Leader)
Strong background in banking, financial services, insurance, or investment sectors
Skills & Competencies
Deep knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and frameworks (e.g., FATF, local regulations)
Expertise in KYC, transaction monitoring, and investigations
Strong analytical and risk assessment skills
Leadership and team management
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
High ethical standards and attention to detail
Ability to manage complex regulatory environments
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Compliance with AML/CFT regulations
Timeliness and accuracy of STR/SAR filings
Effectiveness of transaction monitoring systems
Reduction in financial crime risks and incidents
Audit and regulatory inspection outcomes
Employee AML training completion and awareness
Preferred Attributes
Experience in multinational or highly regulated financial institutions
Strong relationships with regulators and FIUs
Exposure to regtech and AML technology solutions
Ability to manage complex financial crime risks
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive executive salary
Performance-based incentives
Executive benefits and allowances
Originally posted on Himalayas