Global Merchant & Network Services brings together American Express' merchant and network-related businesses. This includes the management of our relationships across the globe with both the millions of merchants who accept American Express, as well as our partners in countries and territories that deliver card acceptance, issuance and innovation.
GMNS is looking for an experienced Sr. Manager– Financial Crimes to lead a diverse team of high-performing professionals focused on ensuring risk and control management is embedded in the day-to-day operations of our organization. This first-line role will involve extensive collaboration with partners across business units, functional areas, and geographies. This role will lead the execution of financial crime risk management within the business unit and is accountable for ensuring the business maintains a strong control environment to prevent, detect, and respond to financial crimes—including anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions, fraud, and anti-bribery and corruption (ABC). The ideal candidate brings deep subject matter expertise and a pragmatic, partnership-driven approach to risk management.
The Senior Manager–Financial Crimes will:
Consult on the design and implementation of controls tailored to specialized risk areas including Financial Crime and Compliance, with input in broader areas of operational risk
Ensure all activities & guidance provided to BU are in alignment with standards set by centralized specialist risk-stripe teams
Comply with enterprise policies and programs pertaining to specific risk types (e.g., Conduct Risk Management policy), and support with design/ enhancement of BU procedures /standards
Maintain awareness and understanding of emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory updates relevant to operational risks and share this with BU process owners
Support with the design and dissemination of targeted training and awareness programs to increase understanding and management of specific risk topics within GMNS
- Develop and maintain financial crimes risk assessments and controls aligned with enterprise policy and regulatory expectations.
- Partner with business leadership to embed financial crime risk management into day-to-day operations, new product development, and client onboarding.
- Lead or support investigations of suspicious activity, coordinating with AML and fraud investigation teams.
- Monitor and report on financial crimes risk indicators, emerging threats, and control effectiveness to business and risk leadership.
- Escalate and remediate control issues or potential violations in partnership with compliance, legal, and audit functions.
- Support internal and regulatory exams, audits, and inquiries related to financial crimes.
- Coordinate financial crimes training and awareness programs for front-line staff.
- Maintain detailed documentation and records to demonstrate compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in AML, financial crimes compliance, fraud risk, or business risk roles within a financial institution.
- Strong understanding of BSA/AML, OFAC, and anti-bribery and corruption regulations.
- Proven ability to assess risk, implement controls, and collaborate across functions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, criminal justice, business administration, or a related field.
- CAMS, CFE, or similar professional certification.
- Experience working in a first line of defense or business control function.
Familiarity with customer risk rating, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting processes.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure.
- Ability to influence and educate business partners on risk concepts.
- Skilled in project management and working in a matrixed organization.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
About UsAt 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
