Financial Crimes Investigation - Senior Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Associate to join the financial crime investigations team in Asia Pacific for a leading financial institution. This role is ideal for a professional with 6-10 years of experience in financial crime compliance, particularly in investigations, suspicious transaction reporting, and regulatory engagement. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing complex investigations, supporting regulatory obligations, and driving process enhancements across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct end-to-end investigations into potentially suspicious activity, including transaction monitoring alerts, negative news, sanctions screening, and trade surveillance escalations.
• Draft and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to relevant Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Act as a point of escalation for business units on red flags related to client behavior and transactional activity.
• Collaborate with global and regional stakeholders across Compliance, Legal, Operations, and Technology to address financial crime risks.
• Support regulatory inspections, internal audits, and law enforcement inquiries by preparing responses, walkthroughs, and documentation.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training programs for both compliance and front-office staff.
• Participate in thematic reviews and deep dives into emerging financial crime risks across the APAC region.
• Assist in the review and enhancement of policies and procedures to ensure alignment with evolving regulatory expectations.
• Drive or support technology and process improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the investigations function.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 6-10 years of experience in financial crime compliance, preferably within a global financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of AML/CFT regulations and regulatory expectations in APAC jurisdictions.
• Proven experience in conducting complex investigations and preparing STRs.
• Familiarity with transaction monitoring systems, case management tools, and data analytics is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to senior stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Criminology, or a related field; CAMS or equivalent certification preferred.