Head, Transaction Monitoring Strategy & Framework (AVP)

The Head, Transaction Monitoring Strategy & Framework is a senior role responsible for designing and implementing a globally aligned TM framework for a Canada-headquartered organization operating across insurance, wealth, and asset management. This includes establishing consistent standards, embedding a risk-based approach, and leveraging technology and AI to improve detection, efficiency, and effectiveness while reducing false positives. The role requires strong leadership through influence, partnering across global teams and functions to deliver scalable, innovative solutions and drive transformation from manual, legacy processes to a modern, technology-enabled operating model.

Position Responsibilities

• AML/CFT Compliance Oversight: Provide oversight to ensure adherence to AML/CFT regulatory requirements and guidelines related to transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting. Maintain awareness of global reporting obligations and ensure processes support timely and accurate STR submissions.
• Strategic Leadership and Transformation: Develop and execute a global TM design strategy aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. Drive transformation by partnering with stakeholders across Compliance, Technology, and Operations to modernize processes, reduce manual dependencies, and implement an optimized Target Operating Model (TOM). Champion initiatives that deliver useful intelligence for law enforcement and improve overall program effectiveness.
• TM Rule Book Development: Design and implement a comprehensive TM Rule Book covering all business lines. Ensure global regulatory alignment of red flags and risk typologies. Categorize rules by risk type, geography, and customer segment.
• System Design and Technology Enablement: Oversee design and enhancement of TM systems and processes to detect and prevent suspicious activities. Partner with FCC Technology to identify and implement AI/ML solutions to improve detection and reduce false positives. Oversee sandbox implementation for rule testing, replication, and validation.
• Risk Assessment and Optimization: Conduct financial crime risk assessments and integrate risk-based controls into TM design and governance. Implement metrics and dashboards to monitor rule performance and alert quality.
• Governance and Change Control: Establish a governance framework for rule lifecycle management and change control. Ensure documentation and validation processes are embedded and supported by vendors where applicable.
• Testing and Training: Lead UAT planning, execution, and refinement loops for TM rule deployment. Develop and deliver training programs to ensure consistent understanding and application globally.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders on TM design and oversight matters. Collaborate with peers across the organization to align technology, process, and TOM for optimal program outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in AML, Financial Crime Compliance, or Transaction Monitoring within banking or financial services.
• Proven expertise in TM design, regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of data architecture and technology solutions, including AI/ML applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead through influence in a global, matrixed environment.

Key Leadership Behaviours

• Strategic thinker with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Role model of ethics and integrity; building a culture of compliance and risk awareness.
• Collaborative and influential across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Results-driven with strong accountability and ability to manage multiple priorities.

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.

The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.

Benefits

Manulife/John Hancock offers a wide variety of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, adoption/surrogacy and wellness, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer various retirement savings plans (including 401(k) or pension plans and a global employee stock ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial counselling and education resources. Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick leave (or more as required by law) per year, and we offer all types of leave mandated by law.