Analyst - Compliance AML Investigations

American Express’s Global Financial Crimes Surveillance Unit (GFCSU) and the US Investigations Unit (USIU) are part of the broader Global Risk & Compliance organization, operating within Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC). Together, they provide end-to-end oversight and support of global financial crimes investigations. In partnership with GFCC, GFCSU and USIU develop and implement transaction monitoring rules, reports, and other tools to detect potential criminal activity.

They investigate suspicious financial behavior and, when necessary, file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or refer cases to internal compliance partners for global reporting. These teams also manage risk related to politically exposed persons (PEPs) through sanctions screening and enhanced due diligence processes, as well as improper payments that may signal bribery, corruption, or other illicit conduct.

GFCSU and USIU play a vital role in ensuring compliance with key regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), USA PATRIOT Act, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. They also support law enforcement by providing critical information to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, credit card fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of experience in the legal field, audit, investigations or in the broader financial industry or bachelor's degree in one of the following fields of study: Justice Studies, English, Journalism, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, or other fields involving intensive research, writing, or data analysis
• Minimum of six months of experience conducting financial crime investigations at American Express, with demonstrated proficiency leveraging American Express data sources, tools, and internal systems to independently produce high-quality and well-supported investigative decisions.
• Proven ability to analyze large amounts of data from various sources and make logical and well-supported decisions to report critical information
• Strong oral communication skills and ability to produce written summaries which clearly consolidate recommendations and conclusions
• High level of professionalism, self-motivation and sense of urgency
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, with demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Demonstrated ability to work with leaders, team members, and strategic partners at all levels and across functional lines
• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of experience in Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance or law enforcement
• Proficiency in researching information for business related purposes.
• Knowledge of American Express products and systems
• Strong knowledge of banking industry and related regulations and laws
• Ability to leverage data to make effective business decisions
• Experience delivering effective feedback to support process improvement(s) and/or enhanced proficiency
• CAMS and/or CFE certification is preferred.
• Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct time-sensitive, meticulous initial investigations, analyzing each instance of potential money laundering activity and/or suspicious financial activity across multiple jurisdictions and countries, utilizing a wide variety of research and analytical tools.
• Produce well-written reports detailing and analyzing potentially suspicious activity for review by a secondary reviewer.
• Build strong relationships with strategic partners across the unit to ensure effective coordination of significant investigations.
• Demonstrate a keen attention to detail in investigation, analysis, and writing.
• Collaborate proactively with colleagues in a hybrid work environment to work through investigative roadblocks.
• Support coaching colleagues through peer reviews and quality evaluations of casework as appropriate based on individual capabilities and expertise.