AVP, AML

Our banking client is seeking an experienced and self-driven compliance professional to join their Hong Kong Compliance team as Assistant Vice President. In this key role, you will support the ongoing development, implementation, and oversight of our Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Sanctions compliance framework. You will act as a trusted advisor to business units and control functions, ensuring that our operations remain fully aligned with local and regional regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy & System Governance Support the continuous enhancement and periodic review of AML/CFT and Sanctions systems, policies, and procedures to ensure they remain current, effective, and compliant with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as Head Office and Regional Office guidelines.

• Advisory & Risk Assessment Provide timely and practical compliance advice to business stakeholders and key control functions on daily AML/CFT and Sanctions matters, including but not limited to:

• High-risk client and transaction reviews

• Suspicious activity / alert assessments

• Transaction filtering (TF) and transaction monitoring (TM) escalations

• Sanctions-related enquiries and risk mitigation strategies

• Suspicious Activity Reporting Assist in identifying and investigating potentially suspicious business relationships or transactions. Prepare and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other regulatory disclosures as required, ensuring all internal exception reports are thoroughly reviewed and appropriately escalated.

• Testing, Monitoring & Gap Analysis Conduct periodic testing and monitoring of AML/CFT/Sanctions controls, processes, and systems. Perform gap analyses and risk assessments in line with Head Office, Regional, and Hong Kong office requirements, and prepare comprehensive reports for management review.

• Regulatory Engagement & Initiatives Support regulatory reporting and respond to regulatory initiatives related to AML/CFT/Sanctions systems and matters. Monitor the implementation of Sanctions programmes and ensure timely remediation of any identified exceptions.

• Training & Culture Promote a strong compliance culture by delivering regular AML/CFT/Sanctions training to employees across the Hong Kong office. Reinforce the importance of adherence to internal policies and regulatory obligations.

• Project & Ad Hoc Support Undertake special projects, system enhancements, or other initiatives as assigned by Compliance management or supervisors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education University degree holder, preferably in Law, Accounting, Audit, Banking, Finance, or a related discipline. Professional certifications in AML or Sanctions (e.g., CAMS, AAMLCP, CAMLP) are highly preferred.
• Experience Minimum 4-6 years of relevant experience in AML/CFT/Sanctions, financial crime compliance, or related roles within financial institutions, or equivalent experience gained in investigative or financial crime risk management functions within law enforcement or regulatory bodies.
• Industry Knowledge Strong familiarity with Hong Kong and international AML/CFT/Sanctions laws, regulations, and control measures. Experience in commercial or corporate banking is an advantage.
• Technical & Analytical Skills Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and experienced in using or analysing data from AML-related systems and tools. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Personal Attributes Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. A collaborative team player who thrives under pressure and can manage competing priorities within tight deadlines.
• Language Excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin).