Head of Anti-Money Laundering - (EMI/PI Experience - Europe Remote/Hybrid)
Nizmara Consulting & Executive Search is seeking a seasoned professional to lead the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) function and drive compliance excellence across the group.
Our client is operating in the financial services industry with the headquarter located in Europe. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in AML and regulatory frameworks, combined with the ability to manage and mentor a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the AML and Financial Crime Compliance function, overseeing a team of 10+ professionals, with a particular focus on payments, fintech, and cross-border clients.
- Ensure robust AML frameworks, policies, and procedures in line with EU regulations (AMLD, EBA Guidelines, PSD2) and international best practices.
- Oversee onboarding and account opening processes for high-risk corporate clients, EMIs, PIs, and fintechs, in addition to traditional retail and institutional clients.
- Act as the subject matter expert on AML for the Board and senior leadership, providing strategic advice on risk-based approaches to innovative and high-risk financial products.
- Liaise with regulators (ECB, national competent authorities), auditors, and key stakeholders on AML and financial crime compliance matters.
- Drive continuous improvement in transaction monitoring systems, KYC/CDD processes, and correspondent banking (nostro/vostro) oversight.
- Establish and strengthen the AML compliance team to ensure a fully compliant yet business-enabling environment, balancing innovation with regulatory obligations.
Candidate Profile
- Minimum 15 years of experience in AML, financial crime, or compliance within financial services, electronic money institutions, or banking.
- Experience in banks which have strong focus on payments business with a particular focus to EMIs, PIs, Fintech.
- Global experience – at least 25% of client portfolio as non-resident clients.
- High risk corporate client experience, particularly Fintech - as at least 25% of the client portfolio.
- Experience in onboarding at least 50 EMI/PI clients, particularly from EU and UK.
- Experience in transaction monitoring of global payments.
- Experience in high-risk jurisdictions and industries.
- Experience in establishing an AML compliance team and ensuring a fully compliant and efficient business environment.
- Proven record in proactively leading the upper management for establishment of a fully trimmed risk-based approach.
- Proven record in contributing to create progressive business/innovative products as a risk expert.
- Strong experience in dealing with regulatory authorities in EU.
- Proven track record in leading AML functions and managing teams.
- Strong knowledge of European AML regulations and global compliance standards.
- Hands-on experience with account opening, KYC, and transaction monitoring.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Excellent Command of verbal and spoken English.
- Must be based in Europe or hold European experience, and open to relocation/global mobility.
Working Arrangement
- This position is offered on a remote basis.
- The role may require occasional international travel for leadership meetings, regulatory discussions, and team coordination.
- While remote is the starting setup, the candidate should be open to future relocation (integral mobility) if business needs require.
Nizmara Consulting & Executive Search is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
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