Job Responsibilities:
• The Head of AML leads the bank’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing-of-terrorism strategy, providing senior-level oversight of all AML/CFT/CPF functions.
This role develops and drives the AML program to ensure it is effectively designed and operating in line with regulatory requirements and the organization’s risk appetite. The Head of AML reports to the Chief Compliance Officer and provides strategic direction to the AML unit, leading risk assessments and program improvements to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. In this capacity, the Head of AML engages with regulators, auditors and senior management, and ensures all AML initiatives align with the bank’s overall compliance objectives.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the overall AML/CFT/CPF strategy and framework, aligning with regulatory standards and the bank’s risk appetite. Lead the annual AML enterprise-wide risk assessment and ensure findings are incorporated into the bank’s AML policies and controls.
• Program Governance: Ensure AML policies, procedures and controls are robust, up-to-date, and effectively implemented bank-wide. Approve and maintain internal compliance manuals and guidelines, and conduct periodic reviews of program effectiveness against SBP/central bank regulations and FATF recommendations.
• Regulatory Engagement & Reporting: Oversee all regulatory reporting and filings. Ensure timely and accurate submission of Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs), Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other mandated reports to the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) and regulators. Act as the primary liaison with SBP, FMU and other regulators; lead AML reviews by auditors and examiners; and manage responses to regulatory inquiries and deficiency findings.
• AML Operations Oversight: Provide executive oversight of AML operations. Supervise the Unit Head – AML and sub-teams (e.g. transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, CFT Desk, CDD advisory, TBML) to ensure consistent processes for alert review, sanctions checks, customer risk classification, and case management. Confirm that suspicious activity is escalated and reported appropriately and that the transaction monitoring system functions effectively.
• System and Process Enhancements: Partner with IT and vendors to continuously improve AML systems and technology. Review AML monitoring system performance and detection parameters, identify gaps, and drive system updates or new analytics to enhance detection accuracy and efficiency. Ensure robust testing and documentation of AML systems and workflows.
• Staff Leadership & Training: Lead, mentor and build a high-performing AML compliance team. Set clear objectives for AML sub-unit heads and staff, and foster a culture of compliance. Oversee the design and delivery of AML/CFT training programs and awareness campaigns to ensure all employees understand their obligations and AML red flags. Encourage ongoing professional development and cross-training among compliance and operational staff. • Cross-Department Collaboration: Coordinate closely with other departments (Risk Management, Legal, Finance, Operations, Audit, and Business Units) to integrate AML/CFT controls into business processes. Provide expert guidance to front-line units on AML requirements, escalation procedures and response to red flags. Represent the AML function in enterprise risk initiatives and ensure AML considerations are incorporated into new products, services and systems.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor regulatory and typology developments and lead updates to policies, procedures and controls. Initiate special projects or investigations for emerging risks (e.g. new sanctions regimes, virtual assets, sophisticated fraud schemes) and ensure remediation of audit findings. Drive a data-driven approach to identify trends and improve AML program effectiveness over time.
• Other Duties: Perform any other compliance-related tasks or projects as directed by the CCO or Compliance Committee. Communication & Relationships • Internal: Regularly brief senior management and the Board on AML/CFT program status, risks and trends. Collaborate with all business lines, support units and headquarters departments to promote an AML-aware culture and resolve compliance issues. Provide clear guidance and advisory support to departments on AML/CFT matters.
• External: Act as the bank’s principal AML/CFT contact with regulators (SBP, FMU), law enforcement agencies (e.g. Federal Investigation Agency, NACTA), correspondent banks, industry associations and auditors. Ensure timely and transparent communication with external parties on AML program activities, regulatory changes and enforcement requirements. Facilitate exchange of information with Financial Intelligence Units and participate in industry working groups as needed. Specifications
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Law, Business or related field; Master’s preferred. Professional certifications such as CAMS, ACAMS, or equivalent AML/CFT certification are highly desirable. Advanced regulatory or legal qualifications are a plus.
• Experience: 12+ years of progressive AML/Compliance experience in banking or financial services, including at least 5–8 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated track record of managing comprehensive AML/CFT programs and regulatory exams. Experience with SBP AML regulations and familiarity with international AML standards (FATF, 5AMLD, USA PATRIOT Act etc.). Prior experience interacting with regulators and auditors is required.
• Skills: Expert knowledge of AML/CFT laws, regulations and typologies. Strong strategic and analytical skills to conduct risk assessments and design controls. Proven leadership and team management abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for reporting to senior management and external agencies. High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to make defensible decisions under scrutiny.
Department:
Compliance Division
Qualification:
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Law, Business or related field; Master’s preferred. Professional certifications such as CAMS, ACAMS, or equivalent AML/CFT certification are highly desirable[9]. Advanced regulatory or legal qualifications are a plus.
Certification:
• -
Job Experience:
15+ years of progressive AML/Compliance experience in banking or financial services, including at least 5–8 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated track record of managing comprehensive AML/CFT programs and regulatory exams. Experience with SBP AML re
Skills:
• Expert knowledge of AML/CFT laws, regulations and typologies. Strong strategic and analytical skills to conduct risk assessments and design controls. Proven leadership and team management abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for reporting to senior management and external agencies. High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to make defensible decisions under scrutiny.
Location:
Head Office, Karachi
Application Deadline:
28-Feb-2026
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