Director, KYC Operations

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. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this 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.

How will you make an impact in this role?

The Director, KYC Operations and AML Standards is part of the Global Merchant Operations team within the Global Merchant & Network Services (GMNS) business unit. The Global Merchant Operations team drives a resilient and efficient operational core for critical merchant experiences and leads initiatives in operational excellence. The Director, KYC Operations and AML Standards will build a global team of high-performing professionals to strengthen our global KYC and AML capabilities, collaborate across business units and geographies, and establish best-in-class practices.

The Director, KYC Operations and AML Standards will:

• Lead and develop a team, driving effective KYC operations.
• Oversee remediation activities, escalations, and the operationalization of global KYC standards.
• Enhance monitoring processes and drive improvements in KYC Refresh workflows to drive higher refresh rates with greater efficiency.
• Provide market-level support and advance program alignment across geographies.
• Partner with global teams across compliance, risk, control management, servicing and technology teams to strengthen KYC/AML frameworks.
• Implement global and market level reporting to track progress.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Extensive relevant experience with a deep understanding of KYC / AML operations, financial crime compliance, and operational risk management within financial services.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, Business, Risk Management, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing teams
• Strong knowledge of global regulatory requirements (US, UK, EU, APAC) related to KYC and AML.
• Experience leading remediation programs, handling escalations, and improving operational processes.
• Proven ability to oversee implementation of KYC standards and smart monitoring solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven project management success.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on operational execution.
• Advanced degree or professional certification (CAMS, ICA, or equivalent) strongly preferred.

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

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries 
• Bonus incentives 
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location) 
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need 
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location) 
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location) 
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program 
• Career development and training opportunities

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.