The Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) organization serves as American Express’ independent risk management function. GRC maintains the enterprise risk framework, provides oversight and challenge, and monitors key risks. By embedding risk discipline into strategy and operations, GRC enables responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value creation while protecting customers and shareholders.
The Global Compliance & Ethics team plays a critical role in protecting American Express, our brand and our colleagues by providing practical, solution-focused guidance on regulatory and ethics-related matters. Within the Compliance organisation, the Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS) International Compliance team provides second-line oversight of the merchant acquiring and network businesses across International markets, supporting a robust and sustainable compliance risk management framework. Line of Business Compliance Officers in the team provide compliance advisory and effective challenge to the GMS business on strategic multi-country initiatives, regulatory change, compliance risks and core components of the American Express Compliance Program.
This position will be a key member of the GMS Compliance team for EMEA, providing independent compliance oversight and second-line effective challenge to support the business in building, enhancing and maintaining an effective framework for compliance with applicable internal policies, laws and regulations. Reporting to the Director, GMS Compliance (EMEA), the role will support the development, execution and ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive Compliance Program for the GMS business across EMEA, with a focus on Issue Risk Management, enhanced Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ) reviews and escalations, merchant and Indirect Intermediary onboarding processes, and financial crime-related compliance activities impacting the GMS business.
The successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders across the General Counsel’s Organization, Legal Entity Compliance Officers (LECOs), Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC), Privacy, Operational Excellence and GMS business teams. They will provide practical compliance guidance, support regulatory change implementation and enable strategic business initiatives while helping ensure adherence to enterprise policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
ResponsibilitiesSupport an effective Compliance Program for the GMS business across EMEA, including execution of core compliance activities, regulatory priorities and applicable enterprise requirements.
Provide independent compliance oversight and effective challenge to the GMS business to support adherence to applicable laws, regulations, enterprise policies and compliance standards.
Collaborate with LECOs to ensure local market requirements are appropriately considered, particularly when new or changed regulations are implemented.
Provide practical compliance guidance to Control Management and GMS teams on regulatory implementation, remediation activities, DDQ requirements and strategic business initiatives.
Review and evaluate business-owned policies, procedures and control frameworks to help ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and compliance requirements.
Support Compliance Risk Management activities, including Compliance Risk Assessments, Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), Issue Risk Management activities and monitoring of key compliance risks across the GMS business.
Coordinate with the global compliance program for GMS, enterprise-wide policies and programmes, and local market regulatory requirements.
Lead and support Issue Risk Management oversight activities, including evaluation of root cause analyses, effective challenge of proposed corrective actions, monitoring remediation plans and driving timely, sustainable resolution of compliance issues.
Assist in preparation for regulatory examinations, internal audit reviews, monitoring and testing activities, strategic programmes and other regulatory initiatives across the EMEA GMS business.
Perform and coordinate enhanced Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ) reviews and escalations, supporting timely resolution of high-priority requests and reduction of operational backlogs.
Partner with GFCC, business stakeholders and other control partners to support financial crime-related regulatory change, transformation programmes and compliance initiatives impacting the GMS business, while maintaining broader second-line compliance oversight for EMEA.
Qualifications
Experience working within a regulatory compliance function, with knowledge of consumer protection, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), sanctions, Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC), anti-bribery and corruption, data privacy and broader financial services regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of the merchant acquiring business and external payments landscape.
Understanding of global financial regulations, with a focus on Europe.
Proven ability to interpret legal and regulatory concepts and translate them into practical business requirements and compliance solutions.
Self-motivated, energetic team player with the ability to work effectively in a matrix organisation across international markets and with all levels of management.
Strong relationship, influencing and communication skills, with proven ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of the organisation.
Experience establishing metrics, analysing data and using a data-driven approach to track progress against key programme deliverables.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Project management skills, including the ability to create plans, manage delivery and oversee execution of compliance initiatives.
University degree and/or compliance, legal or equivalent professional qualification
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
About Us
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
About the TeamWe back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- Support for financial-well-being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
American Express London, England Office
London, United Kingdom
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