At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global strategy for optimising financial crime detection systems using AI and analytics.
- Company: Join a leading financial services provider committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming financial crime analytics on a global scale.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in Financial Crime Analytics with strong leadership and AI/ML expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Director, Financial Crime Analytics Strategy & Optimization is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the global strategy for tuning, optimizing, and modernizing financial crime detection systems, including Transaction Monitoring (TM) rulebooks, Customer Risk Rating (CRR) models, and Fraud detection models. This role is critical to drive the transition from legacy, rules-heavy and manually intensive controls to a risk-based, intelligence-led, and AI-enabled operating model. Reporting to the Global Head, Financial Crime Compliance Technology, the Director partners across Compliance, Technology, Data, Operations, and vendors to deliver measurable improvements in risk coverage, false-positive reduction, operational efficiency, and regulatory defensibility.
Position Responsibilities
- Financial Crime Analytics Strategy & Leadership: Define and execute a global analytics optimization strategy across TM, CRR, and Fraud systems aligned to regulatory expectations and enterprise risk appetite. Act as a senior analytics SME for the Financial Crime Modernization Program, embedding analytics strategy into platform, data, and operating model decisions. Translate regulatory findings, audit issues, and risk assessments into clear optimization roadmaps and execution priorities.
- Transaction Monitoring Rulebook Optimization: Lead the ongoing optimization of global TM rulebooks across business lines, geographies, and customer segments. Reduce false positives while maintaining or strengthening risk coverage through segmentation, threshold tuning, scenario rationalization, and advanced analytics. Establish a sustainable TM optimization operating model, including periodic reviews, challenger approaches, and performance monitoring.
- Customer Risk Rating (CRR) & Fraud Model Strategy: Own the strategic direction for CRR and Fraud model tuning and enhancement, ensuring models are predictive, explainable, and effectively consumed by downstream controls. Lead recalibration initiatives in response to regulatory feedback, data changes, and business evolution. Ensure alignment between CRR, Fraud, and TM to deliver a cohesive, risk-based control ecosystem.
- AI / Machine Learning Enablement: Define and execute the transition strategy from rules-based detection to AI and machine-learning-driven approaches. Partner with FCC Technology, Data, and vendors to design, test, and deploy ML and hybrid detection models. Establish model lifecycle governance covering performance monitoring, explainability, documentation, and audit readiness, with a robust controls process.
- Governance, Audit & Regulatory Engagement: Ensure all optimization activities are fully defensible, supported by robust documentation, validation, and change control. Act as a senior point of engagement for audit and regulatory reviews, clearly articulating optimization rationale and outcomes. Embed analytics governance into BAU to prevent post-remediation control degradation.
- Stakeholder & Vendor Partnership: Partner across Compliance, Operations, Technology, Data, and vendors to execute optimization at scale. Influence senior stakeholders across a global, matrixed organization. Provide thought leadership to executive forums on analytics strategy and transformation progress.
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in Financial Crime Analytics, AML, Fraud, or Compliance Technology.
- Deep expertise in TM, CRR, and Fraud analytics optimization and remediation.
- Proven experience leading enterprise-scale analytics or FCC transformation initiatives.
- Strong understanding of AI/ML applications and regulatory expectations for model governance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in complex, global environments.
Key Leadership Behaviours
- Strategic, outcome-focused leader with strong execution discipline.
- Credible with regulators, auditors, and senior executives.
- Balances innovation with regulatory pragmatism and risk discipline.
- Collaborative, resilient, and accountable for measurable outcomes.
When you join our team, we’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.
Director – Global Lead, Financial Crime Analytics employer: Manulife
At Manulife, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusion while fostering a flexible work environment. As a leader in financial services, we offer our employees robust growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of financial crime analytics. Join us in Massachusetts, where you will be empowered to shape your career and contribute to innovative solutions in a supportive and collaborative culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director – Global Lead, Financial Crime Analytics
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Manulife. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director – Global Lead, Financial Crime Analytics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Manulife.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Manulife's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manulife
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Manulife.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Manulife will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Manulife employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
