AML & Financial Crime Assistant Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA?

We're looking for an AML & Financial Crime Advisory Specialist (AVP) for our Anti-Financial Crime Department to join our team.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key role in protecting the Bank from financial crime risks while partnering closely with business, Compliance, and control function stakeholders across SMBC EU and its supervised branches. As part of the Financial Crime Advisory team, you will provide expert guidance on AML and broader financial crime matters, support Customer Lifecycle Management activities from a second line perspective, and contribute to the continued enhancement of the Bank's Anti-Financial Crime framework.

About this role

The Financial Crime Advisory team supports SMBC EU's compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime regulatory requirements by providing independent oversight, advisory support, and risk-based challenge to business activities. The team works closely with Front Office, Compliance, Risk, and Head Office stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of AFC policies, controls, and regulatory obligations across the organisation.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Providing day-to-day advisory support to business units on AML, KYC/CDD, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, and broader Financial Crime matters
• Supporting Customer Lifecycle Management activities, including onboarding, periodic reviews, trigger event assessments, and ongoing monitoring from a second line perspective
• Reviewing customer information, ownership structures, transactions, and business activities to identify and assess Financial Crime risks
• Supporting financial crime investigations, suspicious activity assessments, and regulatory reporting obligations, including SAR-related activities where applicable
• Assessing the permissibility of transactions and business activities in line with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and the Bank's risk appetite
• Supporting the development and maintenance of the AML framework, including policies, procedures, and the implementation of regulatory changes
• Preparing management reporting, governance materials, and documentation for local, regional, and Head Office stakeholders, while supporting audits and regulatory reviews

The anticipated salary range for this role is €66,000 - €99,000, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Profile Description

For you to succeed in this role

• Proven experience within AML Compliance, Financial Crime Compliance, KYC/CDD, Customer Lifecycle Management, or a related Anti-Financial Crime function in the financial services sector
• Strong knowledge of German and European AML regulations, financial crime compliance requirements, and banking regulatory frameworks
• Experience assessing customer risk, conducting AML reviews, supporting investigations, and advising on Financial Crime matters
• University degree in Law, Business, Economics, Banking, or an equivalent qualification
• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken

What will you bring to the role

• Strong analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and apply risk-based judgement
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, particularly when partnering with Front Office and First Line of Defence teams
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• A proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently when required
• Integrity, professional scepticism, and the confidence to challenge, escalate, and influence stakeholders appropriately

Desirable

• Experience within an AML Advisory, Financial Crime Advisory, Customer Lifecycle Management, or Financial Crime Investigations function
• Knowledge of Anti-Bribery & Corruption, sanctions compliance, adverse media reviews, and jurisdictional financial crime risks
• Experience supporting regulatory reviews, audit activities, remediation programmes, or suspicious activity reporting processes
• Professional certifications in AML, Financial Crime Compliance, Compliance, or Risk Management (e.g. ACAMS, ICA, or equivalent) would be advantageous

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!