Manager, Compliance

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. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this 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.

How will you make an impact in this role?

It is essential the candidate has an excellent understanding of European and Spanish Anti-Money Laundering & Counter Terrorism Financing (AML & CTF) laws and regulations, regulatory trends/industry standards as well as working knowledge of Payment Services regulations and EU regulatory bodies.

As a member of the EMEA Regional Financial Crime Compliance/Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) organization, the candidate will manage a variety of AML compliance related matters on the European acquiring business operations, providing regulatory AML advice/guidance and overseeing implementation of Enterprise AML policies and procedures to achieve compliance with legal obligations and Company standards. As part of the Second-Line of Defense, the candidate will:

Identify and analyze AML legal requirements applicable to: (i) the merchant acquiring business activities performed in the EEA countries where American Express Payments Europe, S.L. (AEPE), is licensed to operate with other business models other than a permanent establishment; and (ii) the acquisition activity via Third Party Payments (TPP) Processors/Intermediaries in the EEA countries, monitoring changes in laws and regulations and advising on business impacts (horizon scanning and advisory)

Lead strong engagement and working relationships with the relevant Market Compliance Officers (MCOs) and Line of Business Compliance Officers (LOBCOs), as well as provide daily AML regulatory advice/guidance to the Global Merchant Services (GMS) business leaders and other key stakeholders (First-Line of Defense and Control Management teams, Compliance Regulatory, etc.)

Act as an AML Subject Matter Expert (SME) to meet all relevant external and internal applicable AML regulatory requirements

Ensure that regulatory financial crime compliance risks are adequately identified, assessed, monitored and controlled

Support the EMEA Regional Financial Crime Compliance organization and its MLRO in implementing and maintaining a robust AML Program

Perform Second-Line of Defense controls, highlighting weaknesses, issuing recommendations as appropriate, and ensuring effective challenge is being conducted as applicable

Execute proper AML oversight of the different AEPE acquisition models, including TPP Processors/Intermediaries, ensuring regulatory and internal policy requirements are being met

Ensure a robust AML control framework is in place, including policies and procedures, for all AEPE acquisition activity, including TPP Processors/Intermediaries’ direct and indirect transaction models

Manage AML regulatory interactions and reporting – support interactions with regulators, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring timely and accurate reporting

Perform AML risk assessments/evaluations of existing and new AEPE/GMS acquisition models/initiatives, identifying, assessing and mitigating associated AML risks

Represent the AEPE Financial Crime Compliance/MLRO team in projects/initiatives/governance forums where AML SME knowledge is needed and provide input to the legal entity governance structure when needed

Minimum Qualifications:

University Degree in Law/Business Management. Strong knowledge/understanding of Payment Services and AML/CTF regulations

7 + years of compliance related work experience in a regulated financial institution (e.g. bank, EMI, payment institution, etc.) or non-banking/non-regulated financial services industry (e.g. consultancy)

Proven experience in designing and implementing AML CTF regulatory compliance programs including analysis of regulations, risk assessments, design of policies & procedures and monitoring programs

Deep understanding of financial crime regulatory requirements and trends

Knowledge of company operating processes within a multinational company such as Amex is a plus, as well as prior experience in Amex merchant/acquisition businesses

CAMS and/or ICA Certifications is a plus

Excellent communication (verbal and written) and influencing skills – convey complex information clearly and concisely, translating AML CTF requirements into the business reality/environment

Proven experience as a point of contact/management during audits and regulatory inspections

Ability to build strong relationships with business partners, compliance stakeholders and other peers

Proven ability to work effectively across diverse markets, cultures, and regulatory environments and effectively engage and manage senior stakeholders as a trusted and independent advisor

Ability to work independently – a problem-solver who loves teamwork and gets things done

Decision-making skills with a risk-based mindset

Curiosity and proactivity – a drive to learn and take initiative

Analytical skills and attention to detail. Proficient on MS Office

Fluency in English, both verbal and written is a must

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in Spain is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

We 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.