Manager – Global Financial Crime Program Enablement (EMEA)

The Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) organization serves as American Express’ independent risk management function. GRC maintains the enterprise risk framework, provides oversight and challenge, and monitors key risks. By embedding risk discipline into strategy and operations, GRC enables responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value creation while protecting customers and shareholders.

Reporting to the Director, GFCC EMEA Program Enablement, this role sits within the Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC) function and supports the design, enhancement, and execution of the EMEA financial crime control framework.

The role is focused on translating regulatory requirements into effective, scalable controls across AML, Sanctions, and Anti-Corruption, while driving consistency, quality, and continuous improvement across the region.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Financial Crime Subject Matter Expert, supporting the design and enhancement of key controls (e.g., Transaction Monitoring, Customer Risk Rating, Screening).

• Translate regulatory requirements and policy expectations into practical, well-designed and effective controls and processes.

• Drive implementation of control enhancements and program initiatives across EMEA in partnership with MCOs/MLROs and central GFCC teams.

• Support harmonisation and standardisation of policies, procedures, and alert management processes across the region.

• Lead and support remediation activities (audit findings, regulatory issues, MAP/RAP), ensuring sustainable control uplift.

• Provide credible challenge to 1LoD and 2LoD stakeholders on financial crime risk management practices.

• Use data and insights to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.

• Contribute to change management efforts, ensuring successful adoption of new processes and controls.

Qualifications

• Strong Financial Crime SME with deep knowledge of AML, Sanctions, and/or Anti-Corruption controls.

• Proven experience in interpreting regulation and implementing effective controls within a financial institution.

• Solid understanding of EU/UK regulatory landscape.

• Experience in driving change and delivering complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.

• Proactive, hands-on, and solution-oriented mindset with a “can-do” attitude.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in Financial Crime Compliance (preferably 2LoD)

• Relevant degree and/or certifications (e.g., ACAMS, ICA)

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