Principal AML Advisor

The role:

The Principal Anti-Money Laundering Advisory will provide services to the entire SoFi enterprise, including SoFi Bank, N.A., SoFi Securities, LLC, and the technology platform. Your role will be to support the business in its efforts to identify and mitigate risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing, as well as to improve its ability to meet regulatory requirements, expectations, and guidance in support of developing and maintaining sound AML and sanctions programs and controls. 

What you’ll do: 

• Act as AML subject matter expert for the SoFi Enterprise, advising Compliance, product managers, engineers, and SoFi’s business units. 

• Lead AML/sanctions compliance advisory through the end-to-end KYC customer lifecycle, including CIP verification, CDD and EDD controls

• Continuously engage with leaders in the AML department and across SoFi’s cross-functional leadership to identify changes impacting AML-related processes and prepare guidance as applicable. 

• Support the AML Governance team with the annual AML risk assessment and identify strategies to implement effective strategies to mitigate risks identified. 

• Provide proactive guidance to reduce exposure to financial crime.

• Support with the development and review of AML policies, procedures, and controls for the SoFi Enterprise, ensuring that they align with both regulatory requirements and business objectives. Ensure policies are properly implemented throughout the product lifecycle.

• Partner closely with compliance, business, and engineering teams to identify, assess, and advise on AML issues and controls.

• Stay informed of the latest developments in AML regulations, industry trends, and best practices. Recommend product updates, policies, and processes to enhance compliance and reduce financial crime risks.

• Assist in regulatory exams, internal audits, and third-party risk management reviews.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in a related field.

• 10-15+ years of experience in AML with a focus on retail banking and recent experience developing Commercial Payment Services (“CPS”) / Banking as a Service (“BaaS”) AML controls/processes or AML third-party risk management controls.

• Comprehensive understanding of CPS/BaaS products including payments processing, card issuance, credit and lending and other traditional retail banking services.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and across different business lines.

• Demonstrate strong leadership and management skills that build solid working relationships within the organization.

• Excellent working knowledge of BSA/AML laws and regulations in both retail banking, and commercial payments. 

• Experience in providing anti-money laundering guidance/advice to Compliance, Business and Engineering leaders.

• Excellent organizational, verbal, written and interpersonal skills are required.

• Must be able to multitask, adapt well to changing priorities, and effectively prioritize responsibilities to meet critical deadlines.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding, and changing environment; must work well under pressure.

• Excellent analytical skills required.

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently while managing projects and assignments.

Nice to have:

• CAMS/CFE certification