Senior Director of Financial Crime Operations for EU at Visa

15+ years of experience in Financial Crime (AML/CTF, sanctions, fraud, KYC, screening) within regulated financial service environments.
Comprehensive experience in the payments sector, encompassing operational processes and risk management in digital payments, money transfers, or PSP/e-money institutions.
Extensive background in managing large, multi-tiered teams, preferably within global or regional operational structures.
Thorough understanding of EU/UK and international regulatory frameworks (e.g., BSA, AMLD, PSD2, sanctions regimes, FIU obligations).
Demonstrated success in scaling operations, optimizing processes, and managing data-driven workflows effectively.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing abilities, with a background in engaging regulators and banking partners.
Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in rapidly growing fintech or digital payment platforms.
Expertise in automation and compliance technology, including case management systems, alerting tools, and operational automation.
Possession of an advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, CFCS, ICA).

Oversee the complete Financial Crime Operations function across regulated entities, guaranteeing operational excellence and adherence to regulations.
Lead strategic planning, capacity modeling, and optimization of workflows within Transaction Monitoring, Screening, KYC/Client Onboarding, and Live Monitoring operations.
Serve as the primary escalation authority for financial crime issues and complex investigations.
Collaborate with second-line teams, including Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) and Financial Crime Policy, regarding escalations, alignment, and approval of exceptions.
Develop and expand operational programs in alignment with organizational growth, new product introductions, and geographic expansion.
Guarantee prompt and high-quality execution of alerts, reviews, escalations, and investigations.
Supervise processes related to:
- Transaction Monitoring (AML and fraud)
- Sanctions and PEP/Adverse Media Screening
- KYC/Client and Banking Partner Onboarding and periodic reviews
- Real-time/live monitoring of transactions
- Client and bank partner inquiry responses
Promote continuous improvement via automation, tooling upgrades, and enhanced workflow efficiency.
Work in collaboration with various stakeholders (e.g., Risk, Legal, Regulatory Compliance, Product, and Engineering) to ensure operational preparedness for regulatory changes.
Cooperate with Compliance Technology Operations (CTO) and Model Risk Management (MRM) teams to address critical MRM-related issues.
Assist during regulatory examinations, audits, and inquiries by providing thorough documentation and operational insights.
Engage with banking partners and external stakeholders to sustain trust, transparency, and effective communication.
Lead, mentor, and cultivate large, diverse teams across various functions in multiple locations.
Develop leadership capabilities, mentor managers and senior managers, and promote a high-performance culture.
Encourage a culture of accountability, high performance, and ongoing learning.
This role allows for hybrid work. The number of required days in the office will be determined by your Hiring Manager.