AMLCO (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer)

AMLCO (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer)

AMLCO will act as the designated Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer under Section 56 of the New Zealand AML/CFT Act 2009, holding primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining the AML/CFT Program in New Zealand. This role includes the authority and accountability to manage AML/CFT risk, oversee suspicious activity reporting, ensure regulatory compliance, and support ACE's enterprise-wide risk and governance standards. The AMLCO will also serve as the central point of contact with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as the appointed AMLCO under the AML/CFT Act 2009.
• Develop, implement, and maintain ACE's AML/CFT Program in New Zealand.
• Ensure the AML/CFT Program remains aligned with evolving local and international laws, including FATF standards.

• Act as the primary liaison for the DIA, FIU, and other regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and submit all required reports, including Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Prescribed Transaction Reports (PTRs).
• Respond to regulatory queries, audits, and thematic reviews.

• Identify, assess, and monitor ML/TF risks related to business operations.
• Advise senior leadership on AML/CFT risk exposures and required controls.
• Ensure effective customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), sanctions screening, and ongoing monitoring.

• Maintain and regularly update AML/CFT policies, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure integration of group-wide compliance frameworks into local operations.

• Design and deliver AML/CFT training programs for staff, management, and agents.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across business functions.

• Oversee internal testing of AML/CFT systems and respond to external audit findings.
• Maintain comprehensive and audit-ready records in line with statutory obligations.
• Lead the development of remediation plans following audit or regulatory findings.

Qualifications and experience:

• Education - Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field
• Certifications - ACAMS, ICA, ACFCS, or equivalent AML qualification (preferred)
• Experience - 5+ years of experience in AML/CFT compliance roles in financial services
• Regulatory Exposure - Strong track record engaging with regulators, particularly within the NZ environment
• Technical Proficiency - Knowledge of SAR/PTR filings, CDD/EDD, sanctions compliance, risk profiling
• Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication with ability to simplify complex guidance
• Analytical Skills - High attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and risk-based decision-making

Key competencies:

• In-depth understanding of New Zealand AML/CFT legislation and FATF standards
• Experience preparing for and responding to regulatory audits and reviews
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
• Proven ability to interpret regulatory requirements and apply them operationally
• Resilience under pressure, with capability to manage multiple regulatory deadlines

Strategic relevance to ACE's global compliance transformation:

• Strengthening regional risk governance
• Supporting global licensing and AML/CFT obligations
• Integrating AI-driven monitoring tools and real-time compliance controls
• Promoting ethical conduct and compliance-first culture within a rapidly growing fintech