Senior Manager, Business Financial Crime Surveillance – ()
Description
Equity Bank is one of the region’s leading banks whose purpose is to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa socially and economically by availing them modern and inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities. With a strong footprint in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC Congo, Equity Bank is now home to over 12 million customers – the largest customer base in Africa. Currently the Bank is seeking additional talent to serve in the role outlined below:
Job Purpose:
The role supervises the Financial Crime Surveillance Unit in the Business Compliance Department to conduct surveillance, analyze and investigate customers activity and transactions with respect to potential Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing & Proliferation Financing (ML/TF/PF), related to bribery & corruption, market abuse, other predicate offences and other suspicious activity. The role is a critical element of the Bank’s defense against ML/TF/PF and other predicate offences.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure timely and quality Name Screening, Transactions Monitoring and Payment screening hits dispensation.
- The prompt identification, investigation, and an in-depth analysis (if necessary) of alerts generated from the highest risk Transactions Monitoring (TM) detection scenarios.
- Lead efforts to conduct in-depth investigations into money laundering and terrorist financing activities, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), Politically Influential Persons (PIPs) or Tip-Offs in order to identify potential risks for the Bank
- Escalate all high-risk, complex and/or significant issues to the line management to ensure these matters are dealt with timeously and as per the standards set out it in the Financial Crime framework
- Continuously maintain an understanding of policies, processes, procedures and systems with the view to find better ways to execute tasks, improve systems, improve training material, improve money laundering surveillance performance.
- Ensure timely preparation and circulation of required periodic compliance and financial crime reports to Regulators, Management and Executive Committees, the Board and the Board Audit and Risk Committee (BRAC)
- Collaborate with the Banks 2LOD compliance to address large scale or sensitive financial crimes, as they relate to specific requests issued by the FRC and any other regulators.
- Regular review of systems scenarios and rules within AML monitoring solution to reduce the number of positive alerts and ensure optimal system functionalities.
- Take lead in FCC Analysis and Post Investigation Actions, including escalation of STRs to MLRO
- Financial Crime Deep Dives & Complex Investigations
- Maintain pro-active awareness of potential high-risk persons or entities through monitoring of open-source information (e.g. press releases).
Qualifications
Qualifications, Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Professional certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or a Diploma in AML Compliance will be an added advantage.
- At least six (8) years’ experience in risk management and compliance with a minimum of three (3) years at management level.
- Strong understanding of Kenyan banking laws and regulations, including POCAMLA, CBK guidelines, and international standards like FATF.
- Demonstrated knowledge in conducting in-depth reviews and CFCC risk assessments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of developing, reviewing and updating CFCC related frameworks, Policies and Procedures.
- Knowledge in managing risks related to Financial Crimes, Regulatory compliance, and Conduct.
- A good understanding of Sanctions Compliance and Controls.
- Strong understanding of Financial Crimes automated solutions
Key Competencies & Skills
- Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to analyze complex customer data and transaction patterns to assess risk effectively.
- Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy in reviewing and validating customer information to prevent errors or regulatory breaches.
- Knowledge of Regulations: In-depth understanding of local and international AML/KYC regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them effectively.
- Report Writing and Documentation Skills: Ability to write clear, concise, and comprehensive reports on suspicious activities or compliance reviews.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with senior management, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement when necessary.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to make decisions based on data analysis, investigation results, and in line with legal requirements
- Confidentiality and Integrity: High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive customer data.
