About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Compliance Review, the Manager is responsible for executing risk-based AML/CFT Quality Assurance (QA) and Compliance Review (CR) activities across the bank, as well as supporting Shariah Review activities where necessary. QA activities are undertaken to assess and enhance the quality and effectiveness of AML/CFT processes i.e., transaction monitoring and suspicious transaction report (STR) assessment, while CR activities provide assurance on the bank's compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, such as consumer protection requirements (i.e., fair treatment and product transparency), as well as financial crime requirements (such as sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption and ongoing/ enhanced customer due diligence process) together with the corresponding internal policies and procedures.
The Manager supports the Head of Compliance Review in delivering the approved QA and CR plans by leading and executing assigned reviews from planning through to reporting. This includes, but is not limited to, engaging relevant stakeholders; developing clear, well-supported findings and recommendations; preparing reports and materials for management and relevant governance committees; and monitoring and validating the completion of agreed Management Action Plans.
What will you do:
- Execute risk-based QA reviews of transaction monitoring alerts and cases; and STR assessments.
- Assess the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of investigations, including the appropriateness of analysis, decisions, escalation, case closure and STR reporting, where applicable.
- Identify control gaps, recurring weaknesses and emerging trends, and communicate clear findings and practical recommendations to the relevant stakeholders.
- Complete QA reviews, workpapers and reporting in accordance with the approved QA methodology and agreed timelines.
- Assist in developing the risk-based scope, review approach and testing programme for each compliance review.
- Conduct walkthroughs, document reviews and sample testing in accordance with the Compliance Review Methodology and agreed timelines.
- Prepare clear, complete and evidence-based workpapers, reports and presentation materials.
- Draft concise findings that accurately explain the issue, risk and root cause, and recommend practical corrective action.
- Discuss findings with stakeholders and obtain agreed Management Action Plans with clear owners and target dates.
- Monitor remedial actions and assess the adequacy and timeliness of evidence submitted for closure.
- Support the development of the annual Compliance Review Plan and continuous enhancement of the review methodology, programmes and templates.
- Support the Head of Compliance Review in providing timely reports to Senior Management and the Board, including the Shariah Board, and in coordinating responses to BNM and other regulatory authorities, where required.
- Prepare periodic updates on review status, key findings and remediation, and escalate material issues to the relevant management and Board committees.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle privileged, sensitive and confidential information at all times.
- Support the Head of Compliance Review in recommending practical remedial actions arising from review findings.
- Engage with business and support departments to clarify findings and facilitate effective remediation while maintaining review independence.
- Cooperate with and assist officers of relevant regulatory authorities, as required.
- Contribute to ongoing Compliance and Bank-wide initiatives.
- Keep abreast of regulatory and industry developments and identify areas requiring attention or strengthening.
- Ensure all Compliance Review records are accurate, complete, secure and up to date.
- Use data analysis to identify trends, recurring issues and risk hotspots, and recommend practical improvements to processes and controls.
Skills, certifications and experience you possess:
- Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, business, law, risk management or any related discipline.
- Possess at least 5 years of Banking experience, of which a minimum of 5 years in Credit/ Market / Operational Risk Management with direct experience in MFRS 9 modelling and implementation.
- Experience in reviewing and testing processes and controls, documenting work performed, and preparing clear, evidence-based reports.
- Experience in banking or financial services and/or AML QA covering transaction monitoring, name screening or CDD/EDD.
- Sound working knowledge of AML/CFT and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Experience in reviewing and testing processes and controls, documenting work performed, and preparing clear, evidence-based reports.
