Regional Financial Crimes Strategic Manager

The Global Risk & Compliance (GRC) organization serves as American Express’ independent risk management function. GRC maintains the enterprise risk framework, provides oversight and challenge, and monitors key risks. By embedding risk discipline into strategy and operations, GRC enables responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value creation while protecting customers and shareholders.

American Express Global Financial Crimes Compliance (GFCC) provides independent second-line oversight and policy, advisory and control support to help the Company meet its financial crime legal, regulatory and risk management obligations globally, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF), Sanctions and Anti-Bribery & Corruption.

Reporting to the Regional Head of Financial Crimes Compliance for EMEA, the Regional Financial Crime Strategy Manager will support the execution of the regional FCC agenda and help drive consistent, effective delivery across markets.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted partner to the Regional Head, helping coordinate priorities, strengthen governance routines and enable alignment across Country MLROs, Legal Entity Compliance Officers (LECOs), Regional FCC teams and Enterprise Financial Crime stakeholders.

This role requires a highly organized, collaborative and commercially aware professional with sound judgement, excellent communication skills and the ability to influence outcomes across multiple jurisdictions and functional teams without direct reporting authority.

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional communication skills, strong influencing capability and a practical understanding of Financial Crime Compliance. They will help create alignment across the regional FCC team, ensure consistent engagement with markets and serve as a reliable point of reference for information flows, stakeholder updates and follow-through.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and high-quality materials for markets, senior stakeholders, governance forums and internal teams

Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities, including the ability to build trusted relationships, drive alignment and deliver through others in a matrix organization

Excellent coordination skills, with the ability to connect priorities across FCC verticals, specialist functions and markets while maintaining consistency in messaging, information requests and follow-through

Practical knowledge of Financial Crime Compliance frameworks, including AML, CTF, Sanctions and Anti-Bribery & Corruption, with the ability to engage credibly with stakeholders and support consistent application of regulatory expectations

Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in Financial Crime Compliance, Compliance, Risk Management, regulatory governance or a related control function, preferably within a complex, matrix and regulated financial services environment

Experience supporting complex, cross-border initiatives involving multiple jurisdictions, functions and senior stakeholders

Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and prioritization skills, with disciplined execution and attention to detail

Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgement and professionalism when handling sensitive matters and engaging with senior leaders

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required; advanced degree or professional certification in Compliance, Risk Management, Law, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline preferred

Fluency in English required; additional European languages are an advantage given the regional EMEA scope of the role

Non-considerations for sponsorship:

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

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. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our 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.

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.