Director of Financial Crimes

Core Bank is an accomplished Community Bank located in the Greater Omaha, NE, Kansas City, KS, and Mesa, AZ areas. We are not a mere collection of buildings or a place just to work or manage money; we are a community of friends, neighbors and partners in making life just a little bit better. Our culture - what we call our Recipe for Awesome - creates an environment that's a great place to bank - and a great place to work. It ensures we grow together, learn together, and have fun doing it.

At Core Bank, our Purpose is to Build Better. If you want to help us build something remarkable, then we'd love to get to know you. To learn more about what makes us - us, explore www.corebankcareers.com.

We are looking for a strategic, technology forward leader to join us as our Director of Financial Crimes. This individual will lead the company's compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and fraud regulations. This senior leader will drive a solutions-based approach that balances regulatory compliance with the need for a seamless customer experience.

The Director will develop and execute a comprehensive financial crimes compliance strategy that leverages innovative technologies to meet evolving regulatory expectations while supporting the company’s broader strategic goals which includes a focus on fintech partnerships through sponsor and embedded banking programs. Additionally, they will lead and mentor a team of AML and fraud specialists, fostering their professional development and aligning their efforts with the organization’s vision, and work cross-functionally with various stakeholders and teams from revenue lines, Operations, Product, Innovation, Information Technology, and Risk Management

This position is directly responsible for the management and development of the BSA/CFT Officer, BSA/CFT Analysts, and Fraud and Physical Security Officer.

The responsibilities of this role include:

Strategic Compliance Leadership

• Develop and implement a technology-forward compliance strategy that ensures adherence to AML, CFT, OFAC, and fraud (financial crimes) regulations that supports the company’s vision, strategy, and growth into Sponsor and Embedded Banking partnerships.
• Lead and execute a risk-based Financial Crimes Compliance Program while optimizing customer experience.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external partners to align financial crimes compliance initiatives with the company’s vision, strategy and business objectives.
• Provide periodic financial crimes’ compliance strategy updates to key stakeholders and maintain strong regulatory relations by fostering transparent communication with regulators.
• Chair the BSA and Fraud Risk Committee and periodically report about financial crimes related matters to Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors.

Risk Management & Operations

• Ensure compliance with all applicable financial crimes’ laws and regulations, proactively identify and manage potential risks associated with the company’s core lines of business: business banking, mortgage, partner banking (fintech, sponsor and embedded banking), and wealth.
• Design and implement controls (e.g. risk assessments, policies, procedures, training curriculum, etc.) to continuously enhance financial crime compliance efforts.
• Oversee the development of effective monitoring, reporting, and investigative processes to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
• Develop key metrics and management reporting. Periodically report results to key stakeholders.
• Develop and improve monitoring/testing and model risk management frameworks.
• Provide advisory guidance to manage emerging and future AML | CFT and fraud risks.
• Address regulatory changes that impact the company to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to financial crimes and to maintain satisfactory safety and soundness.
• Work with Risk Management to coordinate financial crimes’ related audit and exam activities; and support other internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.

Financial Crimes Technology & Innovation

• Leverage advanced technologies, including AI, automation, and data analytics, to enhance financial crime detection, prevention, and compliance efficiency. Further automate and strengthen the control environment.
• Identify and evaluate financial crimes related technology solutions, ensuring seamless interoperability and scalability within existing and future technology stack integrations.
• In partnership with information technology, operations and innovation teams, lead the implementation and maintenance of requisite AML and fraud technologies. 
• Balance regulatory obligations with customer expectations, ensuring a frictionless yet compliant experience.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of AML and fraud specialists, fostering professional growth and expertise.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the financial crimes team.
• Promote cross-functional partnerships to align financial crimes compliance with business goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Law, Business Administration, or a related field, Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of hands-on and progressive leadership experience in Financial Crimes (BSA, AML | CFT, OFAC, Sanctions, and fraud)
• Proven experience building and improving AML/OFAC/Sanctions programs
• Proven experience in leading technology-driven compliance programs and integrating innovative solutions
• Experience collaborating with regulators, auditors, and cross-functional business leaders

Required Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

• Alignment with Core Bank’s Purpose and Values
• Deep understanding of AML, CFT, OFAC, and fraud regulations, as well as emerging financial crime threats and technologies.
• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities, with a passion for developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to navigate regulatory complexities while fostering a customer-first compliance approach.
• A self-starter that is well organized and efficient, detailed-oriented, works well in teams and cross-functionally
• Focus on collaborating and building positive relationships, tactfully enforce policies, and raise issues to executive management.
• Balance multiple priorities, adapt to a constantly changing business environment, work independently, drive projects to completion, and be flexible to meet deadlines in a fast paced, high-performance environment.
• Have the ability to independently analyze complex issues and identify suitable solutions.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with all levels of an organization, including executive level and Boards of Directors.
• Self-motivation and a willingness to take ownership of projects.
• Teammate mindset, pitching in wherever and whenever needed.

Core Bank is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.