Introduction to blithequark
At blithequark, we pride ourselves on a legacy of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings, we have evolved into a trusted financial partner, combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions. Our story is one of integrity, trust, and excellence, and we are now seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Director of Customer Risk Management to join our team in a remote capacity.
About the Role
The FIU Director/Customer Risk will play a pivotal role in supporting blithequark's enterprise-wide BSA/AML Program, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met related to compliance with the onboarding, initial, and ongoing monitoring and review of high and higher-risk customer relationships. This position requires a deep understanding of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), USA PATRIOT Act, and the requirements of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as other related anti-money laundering/anti-terrorist financing initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement BSA/AML-related customer risk program elements to support the identification and oversight of higher-risk activities throughout the company.
- Maintain expertise in all industry segments, product types, and services generally considered high risk from a BSA/AML perspective.
- Manage the unit workflow and ensure duties of staff are performed as expected; conduct periodic quality control reviews to ensure high-risk reviews are properly documented and unusual activity referrals are generated as warranted.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the company, including the FIU management team, to protect blithequark's interests and advise the business lines on BSA/AML risk mitigation strategies.
- Maintain a working knowledge of correspondent banking, including Wolfsberg and FATF oversight and monitoring requirements as applicable; manage the monitoring of downstream bank customer activity to ensure appropriate risk classification, oversight, and the identification of unusual activity.
- Monitor the regulatory environment and industry trends to stay abreast of emerging risks.
- Responsible for the identification, tracking, risk classification, and review of all relationships/accounts designated by the bank as high or potentially higher risk, as defined by regulatory guidance, the bank's risk assessment, and/or policy.
- Maintain records related to all higher-risk groups for use in assessing risk and required regulatory reporting.
- Perform upfront due diligence and continued oversight of complex high-risk relationships.
- Ensure performance of risk-based periodic reviews of high-risk relationships.
- Develop, implement, and maintain written procedures to support the functions performed in the Customer Risk unit.
- Manage, in collaboration with the FIU Systems and Technology unit, the Customer Risk elements of the bank's transaction monitoring platform.
- Process requests for information related to audits and examinations.
- Prepare and deliver training materials to impacted staff as needed or assigned.
- Assist in projects as may be assigned related to BSA/AML and OFAC.
- Act as a technical resource for the various business lines for matters pertaining to higher-risk activities, industries, customers, and relationships.
- Escalate activity that meets the established criteria for investigating suspected fraudulent or problem accounts.
- Maintain proficiency in all aspects of BSA/AML compliance.
- Adhere to all provisions of blithequark's policies and procedures, including the confidentiality policy, code of ethics, and BSA/AML/OFAC policies and procedures.
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum 7-10 years of related senior-level BSA/AML experience in the financial services industry; preference given to experience in a mid-size tier or larger financial institution.
- Experience managing people and projects.
- Experience conducting investigations and enhanced due diligence at an advanced level.
- Extensive experience with complex commercial structures.
- Experience with private capital, payments, trade finance, international banking a plus.
- Experience monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing account activity in order to identify unusual or suspicious activity.
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and/or other professional BSA/AML-related certification preferred.
- In-depth knowledge of BSA/AML regulations related to monitoring of higher-risk customer relationships.
- Strong understanding of bank operations, including but not limited to navigating banking systems, understanding teller transactions, and interpreting customer transactions.
- In-depth knowledge of and expertise in all industry segments, products, and services classified as higher risk by any regulatory agency or prudential regulator; proficiency in the requirements of CIP, IDV, CDD, EDD, and beneficial ownership to ensure compliance under the regulations as they pertain to the Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act, and other relevant statutes, regulations, or guidance.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively manage and oversee FIU employees.
- Ability to draft reports, prepare documents, and compose letters, memorandums, and business correspondence.
- Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand, and deadline-driven environment.
- Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency by responding immediately to escalated issues and rapidly changing priorities.
- Ability to provide exemplary customer service towards both internal and external parties.
- Ability to handle and accomplish multiple tasks and resolve competing priorities effectively.
- Advanced computer skills (spreadsheet and word processing); knowledge of and ability to use internal bank systems, a plus.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret Federal and State banking regulations related to the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering.
Career Growth and Learning Benefits
At blithequark, we are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships, and pursuing excellence. As a member of our team, you will have access to:
- Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in BSA/AML and compliance.
- A collaborative and dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth within the company.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Work Environment and Company Culture
At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and inclusive company culture. As a remote employee, you will be expected to:
- Have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions.
- Have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot); cable or fiber connections are preferred.
- Be willing to function as a team member and collaborate with colleagues across the company.
- Be willing to demonstrate commitment to blithequark's mission and goals.
Compensation and Benefits
The compensation for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the applicant's skills, experience, and education. The anticipated salary range for this position is between $113,320.00 - $181,018.00. In addition to a competitive salary, blithequark offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Conclusion
If you are a motivated and experienced BSA/AML professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join blithequark as a FIU Director of Customer Risk Management. With your expertise and our commitment to excellence, together we can make a difference in the financial services industry. Apply now to take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career with blithequark.
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