Head Of Anti-Money Laundering

Summary

Join Tether and lead our compliance initiatives as the Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML). This senior management role requires extensive experience in AML, CFT, CP, and sanctions compliance, particularly within the cryptocurrency industry. You will develop and implement AML/CFT/CP and sanctions programs, manage a team of compliance professionals, and interact with executive leaders, regulators, and auditors. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of global regulations, investigative methodologies, and cryptocurrency compliance. This position reports directly to the Chief Compliance Officer and involves overseeing various aspects of AML compliance, including investigations, reporting, and technological solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, criminal justice, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in AML, CFT, CP, and sanctions compliance, with experience in a cryptocurrency company or traditional financial institution
• Strong understanding of KYC, CIP, CDD, and EDD processes and best practices
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and training staff in AML risk management
• Proven ability to conduct AML investigations and write clear, comprehensive SAR narratives
• Deep knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC sanctions, and FinCEN requirements
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues, regulators, and other stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the AML/CFT/CP and Sanctions compliance program, ensuring alignment with international regulatory requirements and industry best practices
• Manage the EDD Lead and the Payments and Data Lead, facilitating consultations on risk assessments related to customer onboarding, internal investigations, and suspicious activity reporting (SARs)
• Supervise the team in the execution of tasks such as demarketing customers, freezing accounts and transfers, and managing ongoing monitoring of accounts
• Train and develop team members on AML risk management, compliance obligations, and best practices in enhanced due diligence
• Serve as a senior management representative in discussions with executive leaders, presenting data-driven insights and strategies to enhance the AML program
• Help compile and analyze data for internal and external reporting, ensuring accurate and timely communication of compliance metrics to executive leadership
• Interface with regulators during regulatory examinations, facilitating communication and ensuring compliance with requests for information
• Collaborate with first-line defense managers overseeing onboarding processes to ensure effective risk management and compliance with AML policies
• Interface with the Head of RegTech to identify and implement technological solutions for case management, know your transaction (KYT), internal investigations, secondary market analysis, and travel rule compliance, among other areas
• Oversee the Enhanced Due Diligence Lead, who is responsible for EDD processes, investigations, Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR), and periodic reviews of customers
• Supervise the Data and Payments Lead, who handles payment processing and data retrieval for regulators, banking partners, auditors, and other third parties
• Provide oversight and guidance on anti-financial crime investigations, advising on suspicious activity reporting conducted by AML analysts
• Engage with global regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies to ensure effective communication and compliance with evolving regulations
• Monitor and analyze changes in global cryptocurrency regulations with the Regulatory and Licensing Team, adjusting policies and procedures accordingly to mitigate compliance risks
• Oversee enhanced due diligence (EDD) processes for high-risk customers, ensuring thorough assessments and appropriate risk mitigation strategies are in place
• Develop and implement effective customer onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with know your customer (KYC), customer due diligence (CDD) and AML regulations
• Oversee the EDD team’s use of blockchain analysis tools to identify and investigate suspicious transactions, enhancing the organization’s ability to detect and prevent financial crime
• Procuse training and awareness programs for staff on AML/CFT compliance and best practices in the cryptocurrency space
• Strategize and recommend improvements to the AML program based on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks
• Oversee AML investigations, ensuring comprehensive SAR narratives are drafted and submitted in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Oversee responses to global law enforcement requests and subpoenas

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degrees or relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS) are preferred