Analyst-Compliance AML Special Investigations at American Express | Apply at American Express | Jobs near New York

About the role

About American Express Culture

American Express is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values, and Leadership Behaviors. We are committed to backing our customers, communities, and colleagues. Our culture emphasizes a strong risk mindset, ensuring trust, security, and service. As part of Team Amex, you'll receive comprehensive support for your well-being and numerous opportunities for skill development, leadership growth, and career advancement. Your voice and ideas are valued, your work has impact, and together, we define the future of American Express.

Role Overview: US Investigations Unit (USIU)

The US Investigations Unit (USIU), part of Global Risk & Compliance and Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC), provides oversight and support for global financial crimes investigations. USIU develops and implements transaction monitoring rules and tools to detect potential criminal activity. They investigate suspicious financial behavior, file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN, and refer cases to internal compliance partners for global reporting. USIU is vital for ensuring compliance with key regulations like the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the USA PATRIOT Act. They also support law enforcement in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, credit card fraud, and identity theft.

Responsibilities of the Special Investigations Analyst

The Special Investigations Analyst will conduct complex financial investigations focusing on areas such as Human Trafficking, Arms Proliferation, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Wildlife Trafficking, Terrorist Financing, and Public Corruption. You will partner with various GFCC teams and company leaders to support investigations and interact with law enforcement. Key responsibilities include:

Conduct time-sensitive, meticulous investigations analyzing potential money laundering and/or suspicious financial activity across multiple jurisdictions.
Utilize a wide variety of research and analytical tools to support investigations.
Produce well-written reports detailing and analyzing suspicious activity, and file SARs with FinCEN as appropriate.
Demonstrate keen attention to detail in investigation, analysis, and writing.
Collaborate proactively with colleagues in a hybrid work environment to overcome investigative challenges.
Support and coach colleagues through peer reviews and quality evaluations of casework.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of three years of experience in BSA-AML compliance, investigations, law enforcement, the legal field, accounting or audit; OR a Bachelor's degree in Justice Studies, English, Journalism, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, or a related field with intensive research, writing, or data analysis.
Experience in conducting complex financial crime investigations.
Understanding of criminal typologies associated with various financial products and services.
Knowledge of global AML/CTF/ABC Regulations (BSA, US PATRIOT Act).
Proven ability to analyze large amounts of data from various sources and make logical, well-supported decisions.
Proficiency in internet research and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques.
Strong oral communication skills and ability to produce clear written summaries with recommendations and conclusions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, with a demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly.
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and professionally.

Preferred Qualifications

High level of professionalism, self-motivation, and sense of urgency.
Ability to work effectively with leaders, team members, and strategic partners across all levels and functional lines.
Knowledge of American Express products and systems.
Ability to leverage data for effective business decisions.
Experience delivering effective feedback for process improvement or enhanced proficiency.
Master’s Degree or other advanced degree.
Experience in SQL and statistical programming (SAS, Python, or R) is a plus.
CAMS and/or CFE certification or equivalent.

Key skills/competency

AML, BSA, Financial Crimes, Investigations, Compliance, SAR Filing, Risk Management, Data Analysis, Regulatory Knowledge, Law Enforcement Support

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in BSA-AML compliance, financial investigations, and regulatory knowledge. Quantify achievements in data analysis and report writing.
Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your understanding of financial crime typologies and your commitment to American Express's values. Mention your expertise in specific investigation areas like Human Trafficking or Terrorist Financing.
Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss complex investigations, handling sensitive data, and collaborating in a team environment. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
Showcase technical skills: Emphasize your proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and any experience with OSINT, SQL, SAS, Python, or R.
Research American Express: Understand their commitment to risk, security, and service. Familiarize yourself with their Global Financial Crimes Compliance initiatives.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Special Investigations Analyst at American Express do?

A Special Investigations Analyst at American Express conducts complex financial investigations into potential money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. They analyze data, write detailed reports, and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN, while also collaborating with internal teams and law enforcement.

What are the key regulatory requirements for this role at American Express?

This role requires a strong understanding of global AML/CTF/ABC Regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the USA PATRIOT Act. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with these critical regulations.

What kind of financial crimes does an Analyst-Compliance AML Special Investigations investigate?

The role involves investigating a range of serious financial crimes, including Human Trafficking, Arms Proliferation, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Wildlife Trafficking, Terrorist Financing, and Public Corruption.

What technical skills are most important for this American Express role?

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is essential. Experience with internet research, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques, and ideally SQL or statistical programming like SAS, Python, or R, is highly valued.

How does American Express support its employees in this role?

American Express offers comprehensive benefits for holistic well-being, including competitive salaries, bonuses, retirement matching, health insurance, financial coaching, and extensive career development opportunities, all within a supportive 'Team Amex' culture.

Is this role remote, hybrid, or on-site at American Express?

The job description mentions a 'hybrid work environment' and 'Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues'. This suggests a hybrid arrangement is most likely, though the specific arrangement can depend on role and business needs.

What is the typical career path for an Analyst-Compliance AML Special Investigations at Amex?

With experience, an analyst can progress to senior investigator roles, team lead positions, or specialize in areas like fraud detection, policy development, or broader risk management within American Express's Global Financial Crimes Compliance organization.

What is the importance of the US Investigations Unit (USIU) at American Express?

The USIU plays a critical role in detecting and investigating financial crimes, ensuring compliance with regulations like BSA and USA PATRIOT Act, and supporting law enforcement efforts to combat illicit financial activities globally.

Analyst-Compliance AML Special Investigations

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