Global Financial Crime Modernization Lead – AVP

The Global Financial Crime (FC) Modernization Lead – AVP is responsible for driving the modernization of Financial Crime systems and processes across Manulife globally. This role owns the FC Modernization roadmap, ensuring delivery of integrated, scalable, and auditable solutions that meet regulatory expectations and business objectives. The position requires strong program management, governance leadership, and collaboration with Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) and Technology teams to enable transformation aligned with Manulife’s cost discipline framework.

Position Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Governance: Own and execute the FC Modernization roadmap in alignment with Manulife’s governance structure (Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Operating Committee, Workstreams). Lead communication across governance forums, ensuring timely escalation of risks, issues, and decisions. Prepare and present program updates, dashboards, and recommendations to senior leadership and committees. Create and maintain program collateral (status reports, risk logs, decision trackers) using PMP best practices.
• Partner with FC Technology: Collaborate closely with FC Tech teams to translate regulatory and operational requirements into actionable technology solutions. Ensure alignment between compliance objectives and technical architecture, design, and delivery.
• Global Rollout & Integration: Coordinate global implementation of FC platforms and tools, ensuring consistency and compliance across regions. Oversee integration of Transaction Monitoring (TM), Screening, Customer Risk Rating (CRR) models, and Case Management systems to deliver a unified, efficient ecosystem.
• Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison for regulatory communication related to modernization initiatives. Influence decision‑making across global teams and secure buy‑in for modernization initiatives.
• Financial Management & Business Case Development: Develop and manage program budgets in alignment with Manulife’s cost discipline framework. Build business cases to justify investments, highlighting projected headcount efficiencies and measurable savings from automation and improved staffing quality. Track and report financial performance against budget and savings targets.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process enhancements to optimize FC systems and workflows.

Governance Responsibilities:

• Executive Committee (ExCo): Provide strategic direction and escalate unresolved program conflicts; present key decisions and progress updates bi‑monthly.
• Steering Committee (SteerCo): Deliver executive‑level program updates, funding decisions, and risk mitigation strategies monthly.
• Operating Committee (OpCo): Report on cross‑workstream risks, issues, and decisions weekly.
• Workstreams: Ensure detailed planning, execution, and reporting of workstream deliverables; status reports due weekly.
• Solution Design Authority: Collaborate on architecture, process, and scope decisions ad hoc.
• Executive Connect: Provide strategic guidance and recommendations prior to final decisions monthly.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: 15+ years of experience either in a senior leadership role responsible for managing departmental objectives and large‑scale projects or in Financial Crime Compliance, AML, or technology transformation roles.
• Certifications: CAMS, PMP, or equivalent preferred.
• Skills: Strong leadership and program management capabilities. Expertise in FC systems (TM, Screening, CRR, Case Management). Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including regulatory engagement. Ability to develop business cases and manage budgets effectively. Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies (PMP standards).

Work Environment: This role operates in a fast‑paced, global environment, collaborating with senior executives, compliance SMEs, and technology teams. It is critical for driving digital transformation in Financial Crime and ensuring the organization remains ahead of regulatory expectations and industry standards.

When you join our team: We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. We’ll recognise 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.