Head of BSA/AML – US FinTech

Location: United States – Remote (US) or Hybrid (NYC / SF Bay Area / Austin / Miami). Open to candidates based in: NY, NJ, CT, CA, TX, FL, MA, IL (and other states depending on client).

Reports to: CCO / General Counsel / COO (depending on structure).

Role Overview

The Head of BSA/AML leads the design and day-to-day execution of the BSA/AML compliance program for a US FinTech, ensuring program effectiveness across transaction monitoring, SAR governance, KYC/CDD, investigations, and regulatory readiness.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and enhance the AML program framework including enterprise AML risk assessments and control design.
  • Lead transaction monitoring strategy and model governance (rules tuning, thresholds, scenario coverage, alert disposition).
  • Oversee SAR governance and filing quality; ensure escalation, documentation, and decisioning are consistent and defensible.
  • Manage KYC/CDD/EDD standards and vendor oversight; ensure risk-based onboarding and periodic review.
  • Coordinate AML training, policy/procedure updates, and recordkeeping requirements.
  • Partner with product, engineering, and data teams to improve monitoring effectiveness and reduce false positives.
  • Prepare for regulatory examinations and respond to information requests; maintain evidence of program effectiveness.
  • Build and lead AML investigations and analyst teams; establish metrics and quality standards.

Required Experience

  • 8+ years in AML/BSA with leadership experience in FinTech, payments, digital banking, or a regulated FI.
  • Hands-on experience with transaction monitoring systems and SAR governance.
  • Strong knowledge of FinCEN guidance, BSA requirements, and AML program best practices.
  • Ability to translate regulatory obligations into operational controls and scalable processes.

Preferred Background

  • CAMS (highly preferred); CFE is a plus.
  • Experience supporting multi-product platforms (payments + lending, or cross-border flows).
  • Experience implementing or upgrading monitoring platforms and investigations workflows.

Compensation Guidance

Typical US compensation: $180,000 – $260,000 base, plus bonus and equity depending on stage.

About MastarRec

MastarRec is a boutique executive search partner supporting regulated organisations across the UK and United States. Apply (Confidentially): Submit CV via MastarRec. All applications handled confidentially. https://mastarrec.com/submit-your-cv/

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