Morgan Stanley

Vice President - Financial Crimes Risk Intelligence & Assessment Office

Morgan Stanley$115K — $205K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience with BSA/AML regulations in financial services or as a regulator
  • Strong financial crimes investigative background, including complex EDD
  • Experience conducting financial crimes risk assessments
  • Ability to implement financial crimes program requirements and controls
  • Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field; Master's degree preferred
  • ACAMS (CAMS) or equivalent AML certification/license
  • Familiarity with AI applications in financial crimes risk management.

Responsibilities

  • Support the execution of the First Line Financial Crimes program for Wealth Management and U.S. Banks
  • Conduct and synthesize program-wide financial crimes risk assessments
  • Utilize analytics and financial crime tools to identify risks and control gaps
  • Translate financial crime risk drivers into operational controls and procedures
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to enhance compliance and controls
  • Document risk acceptance rationale and escalate financial risk concerns
  • Promote innovative risk identification approaches within a controlled framework.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance initiatives.
Full Job Description
Department Profile:

The Financial Crimes Policy Engagement and Risk Intelligence & Assessment Office supports the firm's ability to make risk-based financial crimes decisions and execute Financial Crimes Policies consistently by delivering risk intelligence, policy engagement and guidance, and strategic solutions that strengthen controls and reduce operational inefficiencies across Wealth Management, E*TRADE, U.S. Banks, and Investment Management business lines.

A core component of the function is program-wide financial crimes risk identification & assessment team that leverage tools, analytics, and risk intelligence to evaluate large-scale datasets (e.g., customer populations, due diligence attributes, screening, transactions, product/channel exposure, and geographic risk), identify emerging trends and typologies, and translate insights into actionable control enhancements, risk mitigation, and governance reporting aligned to a risk-based approach

Responsibilities:

The Financial Crimes Risk Intelligence & Assessment Officer VP is responsible for supporting and executing the Firm's First Line Financial Crimes program for WM and U.S. Banks. The role will be responsible for executing the strategic direction of the Financial Crimes programs and performing advisory, governance and other oversight responsibilities, with a primary emphasis on tool-enabled, portfolio/program-level risk assessment and the ability to convert data signals into defensible risk decisions and control actions consistent with a risk-based framework. This position will work closely with the business, the second- and third-line stakeholders, to ensure the business is compliant with all relevant Financial Crimes standards, policies, procedures and applicable laws and regulations.

The role partners with Business, Technology, Compliance, Legal, Operations, and Risk Management teams to translate financial crime risk drivers, typologies and regulatory expectations into actionable control requirements (e.g., due diligence standards, escalation thresholds, documentation requirements, customer risk rating logic, and monitoring triggers) and embed them into operational workflows, tooling, and governance.

The Financial Crimes risk officer VP will:

Assess Financial Crimes risks from new and existing clients to recommend, agree, and communicate risk mitigation action plans, supported by clear documentation, investigative logic, and appropriate escalation narratives.

Execute program-wide financial crimes risk assessments (portfolio/thematic) across customer types, products/services, delivery channels, and geographies; synthesize results into prioritized insights and measurable mitigation actions and manage risk through thematic coverage (latent & emerging risk), heightened risk and high-risk portfolio reviews, and targeted deep dives to test hypotheses derived from trend/typology indicators and external risk intelligence.

Utilize financial crimes tools and analytical outputs at scale (e.g., KYC/EDD tooling, case management, adverse media/negative news platforms, screening outputs, transaction monitoring alerts, customer risk rating models, and MI dashboards) to identify patterns, anomalies, control gaps, and shifts in exposure; convert analytics outputs into risk decisions, client-level action plans, control enhancements, and credible escalation narratives for senior management and/or governance and oversight forums.

Apply a financial crimes investigative background (e.g., investigations, intelligence-led reviews, complex EDD) to identify, articulate, and operationalize trends and typologies, using tools directly and/or partnering with analytics/data teams that perform large-scale analysis; incorporate external typology and red-flag intelligence (e.g., FinCEN advisories/alerts and other public risk intelligence) into monitoring hypotheses, thematic reviews, training content, and escalation criteria.

Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. AML/CFT and BSA/AML supervisory expectations, including application of a risk-based approach to KYC, customer risk assessment, and financial crimes control design; enhance the Firm's Financial Crimes program requirements and controls by developing guidance and strengthening first-line procedures designed to operate consistently at scale across high-volume populations, and ensure First Line compliance with all relevant Financial Crimes regulations, standards, and policies.

Design, engage with, and report metrics for First Line Financial Crimes activities, including portfolio risk indicators, trend reporting, typology-based insights, and control performance measures.

Conduct cross-border financial crime risk analysis by evaluating international legal and regulatory expectations affecting foreign and internationally connected clients, products, and transactions; assess how jurisdiction-specific risks and typologies (e.g., corruption exposure, sanctions touchpoints, transparency/beneficial ownership limitations, complex ownership structures, high-risk industries) influence U.S. AML/KYC requirements and control calibration.

Promote innovative, "multiple-lens" risk identification and "outside-the-box" thinking within a controlled risk framework-triangulating typology intelligence, tool outputs, portfolio analytics, process walkthroughs, control testing observations, and frontline feedback, challenging assumptions and testing alternative hypotheses to detect financial crimes risk earlier and more consistently across the portfolio.

Apply an investigative mindset to convert analytics outputs into risk decisions, client-level action plans, control enhancements, and promote innovative and "multiple-lens" risk identification-triangulating typology intelligence, tool outputs, portfolio analytics, process walkthroughs, control testing observations, and frontline feedback to identify non-obvious vulnerabilities and emerging threats.

In addition, other Key responsibilities include:

Collaborate closely with critical internal stakeholders (Senior Business Leaders, Second Line, Technology, and Internal Audit) and with cross-functional partners (Compliance, Legal, Operations, and data/analytics teams) to align interpretation, drive requirements, and deliver scalable control enhancements across business lines.

Assist in decision-making over transactions and activities that may pose Financial Crimes risk to the First Line, including defining escalation pathways, documenting risk acceptance rationale, and identifying compensating controls.

Map international risk considerations to U.S. AML/KYC requirements, including designing risk mitigants and compensating controls where foreign documentation practices, registries, or legal constraints create gaps relative to U.S. expectations (e.g., enhanced verification steps, additional documentary requirements, tailored escalation/approval pathways).

Demonstrate knowledge of beneficial ownership requirements and ownership/control structure analysis, including processes reasonably designed to obtain, document, and maintain beneficial ownership information for legal entity customers consistent with U.S. requirements and evolving regulatory direction.

Support responsible adoption of approved AI-enabled capabilities for financial crimes risk identification and decision support by helping define use cases, requirements, controls, validation considerations, and documentation standards consistent with model risk management expectations.

Drive "outside-the-box" thinking within a controlled risk framework-challenging assumptions, testing alternative hypotheses, and using multiple approaches (data-driven and investigative) to detect financial crimes risk earlier and more consistently across the portfolio.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

7+ years of relevant experience with BSA/AML regulations within the financial services industry and/or at a financial services regulator (e.g., FINRA, SEC, OCC, Federal Reserve Bank, etc.).

Required: Financial crimes investigative background (e.g., investigations, intelligence-led reviews, complex EDD, suspicious activity typology development) with demonstrated ability to identify and communicate trends/typologies using financial crimes tools and/or by partnering with analytics/data teams conducting large-scale assessments.

Experience performing Financial Crimes risk assessments for client relationships and thematic reviews, including portfolio/program-wide approaches aligned to a risk-based framework.

Experience implementing and executing Financial Crimes Program requirements, translating regulatory expectations and typology insights into operationally executable first-line controls, procedures, and governance routines.

Knowledge of Financial Crimes laws/regulations and best-practice First Line procedures, including risk-based customer due diligence consistent with supervisory expectations.

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field.

Master's degree in business, finance, law, or related field (plus).

ACAMS (CAMS) or equivalent AML certification/license.

Desired: experience working with model/tool risk, governance, or validation partners for AML/BSA-supporting systems, including documentation and control expectations for tool-enabled decisioning.

Ability to:

Operate effectively in a high-paced, high-profile environment.

Analyze, synthesize, and communicate clearly (verbal and written), including explaining typologies, data signals, and investigative rationale to non-technical stakeholders.

Translate complex concepts into actionable outcomes (e.g., turning tool outputs/portfolio analytics into control enhancements, escalation thresholds, and operating guidance).

Identify issues, investigate root causes, and deliver comprehensive solutions that improve scalability, reduce operational friction, and strengthen risk coverage.

Demonstrate leadership, manage teams, and influence without direct authority.

Maintain strong work ethic, integrity, and professionalism, handle highly confidential information with discretion.

Think innovatively within a risk-based framework-formulate hypotheses, test typology signals, and use multiple methods (investigations, analytics, and process/control analysis) to identify financial crimes risk in more than one way.

Additional Skills:

Strong time management and planning skills.

High proficiency in MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Word/Access).

Comfort working with large datasets and analytical outputs (dashboards/MI, segmentation, trending) and translating analytics into clear risk actions; able to partner effectively with data/analytics teams to turn insights into action.

Exposure to AI applications/concepts for financial crimes is desirable, including understanding limitations/risks (data quality, bias, explainability) and the need for governance, validation, and controls for AI/model-supported risk identification and decision support.

Innovative thinking and continuous improvement mindset-identify opportunities to enhance tool usage, streamline investigative decisioning, and strengthen risk detection coverage using traditional and emerging analytical methods.

Familiarity with external typology and red-flag publications (e.g., public advisories/alerts) and the ability to operationalize them into monitoring hypotheses, training, and risk assessments.

Comfort working with large datasets and analytical outputs (e.g., dashboards/MI, segmentation, trending) and partnering effectively with data/analytics teams to turn insights into action.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley Investment Management are active managers of capital, working to outperform the market and deliver results for their clients. Morgan Stanley Investment Management's long-tenured professionals apply their experience and expertise across public and private markets, in single-sector, multi-asset and custom solutions.

Morgan Stanley Careers

Joining Morgan Stanley today means becoming part of a global team dedicated to strengthening communities, pioneering innovation, and fostering diversity. As a leading global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley offers unparalleled job opportunities, career growth, and a culture of leadership that together create an exceptional employment experience. Work You’ll Do At Morgan Stanley, you will collaborate with knowledgeable professionals to drive innovation and deliver solutions in financial services. Our team is composed of diverse, talented individuals who bring their unique skills and perspectives to work every day, setting the standard for leadership in the global market. Morgan Stanley is not just a company; it's a place where ambitious, creative, and skilled individuals can build a rewarding career. Here, you can experience the benefits of a vibrant culture dedicated to professional growth and diversity training. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with Morgan Stanley’s internship programs. These positions offer invaluable industry insights and professional experience to students and recent graduates. Interns at Morgan Stanley gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned experts in a dynamic, supportive environment. Innovation and Professional Growth We believe in the power of innovation to solve complex problems and encourage our team to think differently and act boldly. Morgan Stanley supports your career development through comprehensive training, development programs, and leadership workshops, ensuring that every employee has the tools they need to succeed. Join Our Team Explore the various job opportunities at Morgan Stanley, from entry-level positions to executive roles. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about finance and eager to contribute to a team that values integrity, excellence, and a forward-thinking mindset. Enhance your skills through our networking events, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing professional development. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest from Morgan Stanley Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your preferences to receive updates about new postings, career tips, and exclusive insights from our team leaders. Apply Now Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the Morgan Stanley Jobs portal. Prepare your resume, refine your interview techniques, and join a company that values innovation and leadership. At Morgan Stanley, we’re not just building careers—we’re developing leaders. Discover how far your talents can take you by joining our team today.
Learn more about Morgan Stanley
Size
77,000 employees
Market Cap
$144.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.9 billion
Founded
1935
5 Year Trend
+10%
Revenue
$52 billion
NASDAQ

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