Job Description

American Express’s US Investigations Unit (USIU) is part of the broader Global Risk & Compliance organization, operating within Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC). USIU provides oversight and support for global financial crimes investigations. In partnership with teams across the financial crimes’ organization, USIU develops and implements transaction monitoring rules, reports, and other tools to detect potential criminal activity. They investigate suspicious financial behavior and, when necessary, file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or refer cases to internal compliance partners for global reporting. USIU plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with key regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the USA PATRIOT Act. They also support law enforcement by providing critical information to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, credit card fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes.

The Special Investigations Analyst will be responsible for conducting complex financial investigations involving matters such as Human Trafficking, Arms Proliferation, Trade Based Money laundering, Wildlife Trafficking, Terrorist Financing, and Public Corruption. In addition, they will partner with various teams and leaders within GFCC and across the company to support their investigations, and interact with law enforcement. The successful candidate must have excellent investigative, communication, and time management skills, the ability to effectively manage change and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct time-sensitive, meticulous investigations, analyzing each instance of potential money laundering activity and/or suspicious financial activity across multiple jurisdictions and countries, utilizing a wide variety of research and analytical tools.
• Produce well-written reports detailing and analyzing potentially suspicious activity and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN as appropriate.
• Demonstrate a keen attention to detail in investigation, analysis, and writing.
• Collaborate proactively with colleagues in a hybrid work environment to work through investigative roadblocks.
• Support coaching colleagues through peer reviews and quality evaluations of casework as appropriate based on individual capabilities and expertise.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of experience in BSA-AML compliance, investigations, law enforcement, the legal field, accounting or audit, or Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields of study: Justice Studies, English, Journalism, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, or other fields involving intensive research, writing, or data analysis.
• Experience in conducting complex financial crime investigations.
• Understanding of criminal typologies associated with a wide array of financial products and services.
• Knowledge of global AML/CTF/ABC Regulations (BSA, US PATRIOT Act).
• Proven ability to analyze large amounts of data from various sources and make logical and well-supported decisions to report critical information.
• Proficiency in researching information via the internet and using Open Source Intelligence techniques.
• Strong oral communication skills and ability to produce written summaries which clearly consolidate recommendations and conclusions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, with demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High level of professionalism, self-motivation and sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to work with leaders, team members, and strategic partners at all levels and across functional lines.
• Knowledge of American Express products and systems.
• Ability to leverage data to make effective business decisions.
• Experience delivering effective feedback to support process improvement(s) and/or enhanced proficiency
• Master’s Degree or other advanced degree
• Experience in SQL and statistical programming (SAS, Python or R) is a plus
• CAMS and/or CFE certified or equivalent

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

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.